Hiking in Warm Weather: A Guide to Cool and Shady Trails on Exmoor
Introduction: Walking During Warm Weather
Walking in unpredictable weather can be a challenge, but when temperatures soar, finding comfortable hikes becomes even more important. This guide explores the ideal trails for hiking in a heatwave on Exmoor, combining woodland and ridge walks with breathtaking views and a touch of history.
Cool woods on ridge at Webber’s Post
Coastal-Cliff-Top, Airy Ridge Ramble, and Deep Forest Glade
These three types of walks offer ideal conditions for hot-weather hiking. In this guide, we focus on combining the airy ridge ramble and deep forest glade for maximum shade and breezy conditions. Cloutsham, located on Exmoor, provides an excellent starting point for this adventure.
Cloutsham: A Perfect Blend of Woodland and Ridge Walking
Cloutsham offers an ideal location for both woodland and ridge walking. Along East Water, you'll find numerous perfect picnic spots under the mighty ramparts of Dunkery Beacon. An hour-long jaunt from East Water takes you past the picturesque Cloutsham farm and along Stoke Pero lane.
Bagley: Discovering the Remains of a Deserted Medieval Village
The footpath from Stoke Pero lane leads you across fields to the remains of the deserted medieval village of Bagley. This long-lost place, mentioned in the Domesday Book, is now a quiet and remote area with a fascinating history.
Goosemoor Common and Dicky's Path: Scenic Views and Wildlife
View from Dicky’s Path in winter
Our walk continues south onto Goosemoor Common, where it joins idyllic Dicky's Path. This scenic trail takes you east along the cool and airy north-facing flanks of Dunkery, offering stunning views and a chance to spot wild red deer.
Webber's Post, Easter Hill, and Luccombe Plantation: Ridge-top Woods and Steep Valleys
Dicky's Path continues on to Webber's Post, but if you prefer to stay in the shade, you can leave the trail before reaching the viewpoint and descend one of the steep wooded side-valleys like Hollow Combe. Alternatively, continue around Easter Hill and past the car parks at Webber's Post to reach the ridge-top woods of Luccombe Plantation.
Across the valley to the wind and weather hut near Webber’s Post
Horner Plantation and East Water Valley: Nature, History, and Cool Woodlands
A path at Horner Plantation descends through the trees to join the East Water Valley at a point under Cloutsham Ball. The return route upstream takes you through the Horner woodlands, which inspired nature writer Richard Jefferies over a century ago. Keep an eye out for red deer as you make your way back to Cloutsham.
Looking down into Horner Water beneath Cloutsham
Heavenly Cloutsham: A Cool Retreat in a Heatwave
After completing the hike, return to the cool woodland place under Cloutsham Farm, following the well-beaten track through the trees. In a heatwave, heavenly Cloutsham offers a peaceful, shady retreat that is far more appealing than bustling cities.
Fact File: Hike Summary
Route: From East Water Valley west, up past the farm at Cloutsham, turning left to pass remains of Bagley before following Dicky’s Path along flanks of Dunkery to Webber’s Post, down to foot of Cloutsham Ball then back up East Water.
Distance and going: Five miles, easy going.
