Having followed the Two Moors Way through Dartmoor in the previous national park, I opted for a different approach for Exmoor. I decided to walk along the stunning coast and then back south through the heart of the national park, finishing in Dulverton. As a lover of coast walking, I’ve tried to include as much as possible of it on my hikes across England’s ten national parks.

My Exmoor journey started just outside of Combe Martin and followed the coastal route over the next three days into Minehead. Everyone had warned me how tough this coast was and, boy, were they right! I was thankful I’d managed to increase my fitness in the previous eight national parks. I’m not sure I would have handled it quite as well if this had been one of my first. For example, the first day's elevation gain was similar to that of climbing Scafell Pike!

It was beautiful though, especially the first day from Combe Martin to Lynton. The second day from Lynton to Porlock didn’t have quite as many spectacular views, as I walked through woodland for large parts of the day.

From Porlock, I took the coastal bus into Minehead for the evening, as I wasn’t able to find affordable, dog friendly accommodation nearby. There were campsites, but I’d sent the tent back home.

Having returned to Porlock by bus, the last day along the coast was spent with my friends and their two kids. It was quite a tough but entertaining day, as we’d taken the more rugged coastal path option. This proved tricky with a double buggy,as the path wasn’t quite buggy friendly! Somehow, we made it to the end. Teamwork!

I enjoyed a rest day with my friends in Minehead before heading back inland to hike up the national park’s highest peak, Dunkery Beacon. From there, I ventured on into Exford, in the heart of the park. I was joined by Charlotte, one of the rangers for the day. The weather wasn’t on our side – it was foggy and drizzly most of the day, meaning I missed out on the views from the Beacon. A shame, but an adventure nonetheless. I was thankful for the log fire at the Airbnb I stayed in that night.

My final day in Exmoor took me from Exford to Dulverton, largely following a path along the River Barle. I thought this would be a nice easy stroll but, due to the rain, it was quite slippery and flooded in parts. On a better day it would have been a gorgeous walk. The national park are currently fundraising to construct a new bridge and to improve the path on the other side of the river, which isn’t as prone to flooding as the route I took.

I did get to see the famous Tarr Steps though, which are on a whole other level to the other stepping stones I’ve walked over. I could appreciate why it was such a popular spot.

Soon, I arrived into Dulverton. I’d done it! I’d completed my penultimate park and now it was time to head home, to the Peak District, for the final stretch.

See all my national park routes here: komoot.com/collection/2329177

Read more about my adventures: awalkintheparks.co.uk

Watch the highlight video of the full hike: