logo Walking Britain
Home About Holidays FAQ Email MENU ☰

Watersmeet & Foreland Point from County Gate

Exmoor Walk

Nat Park - Exmoor

County/Area - Devon

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 10.5 miles / 17.1 km    Ascent - 3630 feet / 1100 metres

Time - 8 hours 50 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL9Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL9Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 180Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 180Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Watersmeet & Foreland Point
Click image to visit gallery of 10 images.

This walk, which stays within the County of Devon, contains four main elements including excellent valley paths, mature woodland, upland pastures and a spectacular section of the South West Coast Path that runs high above the shoreline. The start is the car park (Grid ref. SS793486) alongside the Exmoor National Park visitor centre at County Gate on the A39 between Porlock and Lynmouth. It is not an easy walk with a total ascent similar to many high mountain routes and it is worth noting that it involves a steep ascent right at the end. As a bonus, route finding is easy as Exmoor is noted for its high standard of signing.

From the car park take the signed path heading west to Brendon. Immediately you have the benefit of a fine view ahead as you descend gently for nearly two miles into the valley containing the East Lyn River. The path reaches a lane in Brendon. Turn left along the lane ignoring the road crossing the river to locate a signed footpath on your left leading to Watersmeet. This is a delightful section mainly in deciduous woodland and follows the river as it heads towards the sea. At times the path climbs above the river before dropping down to continue alongside it.

Stay on the path as far as Watersmeet where there are refreshments in season. Having explored the pretty spot where the two rivers meet, retrace your steps a short way back towards Brendon and locate a path on your left signed 'Contisbury'. This path climbs easily in a series of zigzags to lead you out of the woodland into open pasture and down to the A39. Turn left, taking care as this is a busy road, and cross to the car park. Exit the car park and continue north through the churchyard onto the South West Coast Path.

The onward section of path is straightforward. However it is worth mentioning that the effort to climb the short distance to the summit of the Foreland is rewarding as it offers a great spot to rest and take in the view. You also need to be mentally tuned to the idea that you still have plenty of climbing to do although admittedly its mostly in short sections. The switchback nature of the Coast Path is offset by the tremendous views as you steadily make progress east towards Porlock.

As one might expect the signage is good and you stay on the South West Coast Path for about three miles (5 km) to reach a cottage on your right in the Glenthorne Plantation. Passing this first obvious sign of habitation since leaving Contisbury, stay on the drive for a short way before descending left on the waymarked path. This leads you back to the track from where a signed path to 'County Gate' heads steeply uphill. If you have surplus energy then you can take the longer alternative route signed 'County Gate - Nature Trail' but most will opt for the direct route back to the start. As you struggle uphill you will certainly have reason to be pleased with yourself as you have completed a challenging and scenically delightful walk in the North Devon sector of the Exmoor National Park.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1263 The Doone Valleymoderate8.5 miles
Walk 3729 Foreland Pointmoderate5.0 miles
Walk 1910 Countisbury and Watersmeet from Lynmoutheasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 3391 Valley of Rocks frrom Lyntoneasy/mod3.8 miles
Walk 3386 Barle Valley & Cow Castle from Simonsbatheasy/mod6.4 miles
Walk 1221 Selworthy Beacon & North Hill from Bossingtonmoderate8.5 miles
Walk 1727 Shallowford, Hoar Oak Tree & The Chainsmoderate11.7 miles
Walk 2387 Pinkery Pond Circulareasy/mod5.8 miles
Walk 3390 Heddon Valley from Woody Baymoderate5.3 miles
Walk 2451 Withypool & Barle Valleyeasy/mod6.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to Plymouth

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to PlymouthMap of part of the southern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from St Ives to Plymouth along the west Cornwall and Devon coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
More information

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Facebook  Twitter

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.