Skip to content
A tree-lined riverside path through Lorna Doone Valley, Devon
A stretch of the riverside path through Lorna Doone Valley, Devon | © Mark Johnson
Devon

Doone Valley and Oare Church circular walk

A short walk over moderately challenging terrain crossing two small fords and one hill. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lorna Doone Valley and the parish of Oare. As well beautiful blossom, woodland flowers, and an abundance of wildlife.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478

Step 1

Starting at the parking machine walk through the car park and up the road passing the stone barn and old stable. Walk uphill until the road bends to the right go through the gate following the blue bridleway marker for Badgworthy Water.

Step 2

Follow the bridleway as it bends sharply left over a small ford. Keep on the defined track which is lined with hawthorn. Go through two gates and cross over another small ford continue downhill until you reach a footbridge across Badgworthy Water.

Step 3

Cross over Badgworthy Water and into Cloud Farm campsite. Continue straight ahead up a small set of stairs passing Caver Cottage holiday cottage on your right. Pass the cottage and bear left up a hill and through a metal gate.

Step 4

Continue uphill following the field boundary and Beech tree hedging until it bends to the right at a right angle. Walk 30m uphill slightly pass a small copse and through a metal gate.

Step 5

Follow the track and blue bridleway markers towards Oare. Continue downhill keeping left until you reach the road.

Step 6

At the road turn left and pass the historic Oare church just pass the church turn right following the white sign for Porlock. Continue down the road and over the stone bridge. As the road bends to the left go through the wooden gate signposted for Malmsmead.

Step 7

Follow the track and Oare River until you reach a farm. Here bear right keeping the farm buildings on your left. Passing through three small fields until you reach a finger post.

Step 8

Turn left at the finger post towards Malmsmead passing between two hedges and then cross over the footbridge. Follow the path around the farm and up to the road. At the road turn right and head back to Lorna Doone carpark on the way passing the entrance to Cloud Farm campsite.

End point

Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478

Trail map

An Ordnance Survey map of the Lorna Doone Valley and Oare circular walk
The Lorna Doone Valley and Oare circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Riverside pathway in the Lorna Doone Valley, Exmoor
Trail
Trail

Doone Valley circular walk and ride 

A challenging walk through the picturesque Doone Valley to discover the remains of an abandoned medieval village. Experience the dramatic wide-open landscape of Exmoor as this trail loops around the moor. Keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies who roam across the moor.

Activities
Walking, Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Foreland Lighthouse holiday cottage
Trail
Trail

Cloud Farm Campsite to Foreland Point walk 

This circular trail begins with a stroll along the East Lyn River, before taking in breathtaking views at Foreland Point and County Gate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 11 (km: 17.6)
A stone bridge and ford surrounded by grassy hills and trees at Malsmead in the Lorna Doone Valley, Devon
Trail
Trail

Lorna Doone Valley short river walk 

A tranquil stroll along Badgworthy Water through the picturesque Lorna Doone Valley to the memorial to the author of Lorna Doone R.D.Blackmore.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Get in touch

Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Man on a mountain bike in the woods
Article
Article

Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley 

Discover this hidden valley in Exmoor, made famous by R.D. Blackmore in his novel Lorna Doone and home to a wide variety of wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.

A visitor horse riding through a wooded glade at Killerton, Devon
Activity
Activity

Top places to go horse riding 

Discover our top places where you can go horse riding and enjoy great views from the saddle, from meandering woodlands to beautiful beaches.

Visitors with a dog walking through the woodland in the summer

Walking in Devon 

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.