Exmoor national park waterfalls
Hem / Natur, Miljö & Klimat / Exmoor national park waterfalls
This wooded valley was part of Cornwall’s 19th-century mining infrastructure and now forms part of a World Heritage Site.
Park near Ponts Mill or the Luxulyan village side and take the circular walk past the Treffry Viaduct, a granite structure that once carried both water and wagons.
Below the viaduct, the River Par tumbles over weirs and boulders, forming smaller falls throughout the wooded gorge.
If the weather’s good, it’s a great place for a boat trip. From this hilltop, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of rolling fields, lush woodlands, and vast heathlands, which come alive with brilliant purple hues in August and September. Snowdrop Valley is a perfect example of why Exmoor is such a treasure—beautiful no matter the season, each bringing its own special charm.
#12 Horner Wood
Horner Wood is a timeless forest, where some of Exmoor’s most enchanting hikes await.
The short ride is not only a fascinating historical experience but also offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and sea, making it a must-do for any visitor.
At the summit, you’ll arrive in Lynton, a delightful village brimming with art galleries, cozy tearooms, and quirky shops. Be sure to bring a jacket, though—the wind at the top is almost constant, making it feel even more dramatic as you take in the expansive views.
#3 Lynton & Lynmouth
Lynton and Lynmouth are two enchanting villages that together form an extraordinary combination.
For bird enthusiasts, it’s a true paradise.
#7 Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle is a captivating landmark that has overlooked the village of Dunster for nearly a thousand years. See experienceexmoor.co.uk or redstagsafari.co.uk
10. If you’d prefer a short walk, just visit the viaduct from the Luxulyan side and return the same way.
Then, head to St Nectan’s Glen, located in a steep, wooded valley near Trethevy – just inland from Tintagel.
From the small car park, it’s a 20-minute riverside walk to reach the ticket office and tearoom, then a short climb to the waterfall itself.
The main fall drops around 20 metres through a natural rock arch into a shallow plunge pool.
It reaches a height of 314 metres above sea level.
Exmoor is a unique and very special place – a distinctive landscape shaped by generations of people who have farmed and managed the environment for thousands of years. Thankfully, many parking areas are spacious, so parking your camper is rarely a problem.
While wild camping is officially prohibited in Exmoor, the reality is that overnight stays in designated parking spots are often tolerated, as long as you refrain from setting up chairs or tables outside—just like the general rules for wild camping across the UK.
We spent several nights in our camper van at some incredible spots, including Webbers Post. These resilient, wild horses have been roaming the landscape for thousands of years, perfectly adapted to the harsh, rugged terrain. Entry to the village is paid and vehicle access is limited, so I’d only really recommend stopping here if you wanted to see the village anyway!
None of this is achievable without an unwavering commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. Paths can be muddy and steep in places, so caution is needed—but the views are worth it, especially at low tide when the beach is partially exposed.
Time permitting, take a brief stop in Clovelly, where a small waterfall trickles over the cliffs just beyond the harbour wall.
The rocks themselves are ancient—millions of years old—shaped by powerful geological forces, yet the result feels almost contemporary, as if nature herself has crafted a sprawling open-air sculpture park.
You can drive deep into the valley and park in one of the designated spots, making it easy to explore.
Get ready to discover what makes this park so extraordinary and let it inspire your next adventure in England.
Where is Exmoor National Park?
Exmoor National Park is nestled in the southwest of England, straddling the border between Somerset and Devon.
The West Somerset Railway runs for 20 miles through stunning countryside to Bishop's Lydeard, near Taunton.
Activity
Stargazing
As Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The West Country Way – a national cycle route – crosses the moor and provides links with rail stations at Barnstaple, Tiverton Parkway and Taunton.