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Exmoor is one of the smaller National Park areas (about 265 square miles) but it contains some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in the country.
The largest part of the National Park area is in Somerset rather than in Devon. The A39 coastal road from Minehead is a fine way to explore this area as it passes through Lynton and Lynmouth, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, and there are several good routes to take inland, exploring via Dulverton or South Molton for example.
The highest part of the moors is at Dunkery Beacon - 1708 feet above sea level - while its coastline is wooded, rugged and red deer wander freely all year round. There are also the little shaggy Exmoor Ponies which are rounded up each October for sale at Bampton Fair.
Exmoor Sheep with their small horns are famous for their fine wool and excellent meat. Also, bird life is prolific. There are prehistoric sites, old pack-horse bridges, ancient churches and houses to see, and of course this is Lorna Doone country - the woman immortalized in the novel of the same name by R.D. Blackmore. How much is fact and how much is legend is a matter of conjecture but there were outlaws called Doone on Exmoor long before the publication of the novel, but whether fact or fiction the novel is bathed in the atmosphere of this beautiful spot.
Exmoor was one of the five ancient royal forests of Britain. Until the eighth century it remained under the rule of the Ancient Britons, after which the Saxons gained a foothold. From the Norman Conquests to the Restoration, Exmoor remained Crown property until the final lease expired in 1814 when the land was sold privately.
With a good road system and well marked paths, exploring Exmoor is a pleasurable undertaking.
For Your Free Exmoor Holiday Guide call + 44 1271 336063, email brochure@visit-exmoor.info or click on www.visit-exmoor.info
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