Walk over open common land on southern edge of Exmoor using track, footpath and little-used metalled lane. Slopes are quite gentle with some long fairly level stretches. Fine views over wooded combes and across Devon towards Dartmoor. Walk just over 5km. Many minor variations possible as there many paths and pony trekking trails not all marked on map.

Surveyed by: Exmoor National Park Authority Volunteer, February 2016 (Winter)
Accessibility Rating: 3
Distance: 5.3 km

Full Profile

Park at Anstey Gate on the Ridge Road between Dulverton and Molland

You can park either side of the cattle grid on the south side. The walk starts on the WEST side of gate.

Parking on the east side.

Barrier across track leading south.

Barrier can be moved if necessary by unlocked pin.

Open track leads south with gentle down gradient approx. 20%.

Track stony and fairly uneven in places, but well drained.

Descending gradient fairly steady between 10-20%

Steepest part of walk

Drainage channel makes surface more uneven.

Views south over Ringcombe and north Devon towards Dartmoor.

T-junction.

Turn left, going eastwards.

This track is fairly level for a long distance and has a smoother surface.

Cattle grid with gate after about 300m.

Gate with simple latch.

Path continues.

Wooded valleys to south popular with red deer.

National Park boundary follows this west to east track/road.

Track meets metalled road. This is a very quiet farm lane.

Smooth road surface slopes gently uphill.

Junction with minor road.

Continue eastwards.

Several paths lead back over the common to the road, but we are NOT taking this one.

Small plantation on right.

Our turning on left, 50m BEFORE Woodland Farm junction on right.

Leave road on left and take right fork of stony dirt track.

Track uneven and gentle uphill, approx. 15%

Cows graze on the common.

Track leads through stands of gorse.

Island in track. Keep right if possible.

About 50m after island take the small path leads off to left. This can be quite muddy

If you miss this left turn don't worry you'll just get to the road further west. Just turn left and follow it until you see the sign shown below. In we t weather this may be a better choice anyway.

Pony trekkers use paths as well as walkers

Come to open area by road.

Signpost near road crossing.

Cross road to path directly opposite

Walk about 100m approx. N to pick up path running up broad ridge parallel with road

Several paths run parallel with the road (WNW). This is second from road.

In wet weather this path can be very soft making the accessibility rating one higher.

Surface dirt, generally well drained. Slight incline.

View north over Dane's Brook towards Dunkery.

The Anstey memorial stone appears on our left.

Walk across to memorial stone.

Grassy path through gorse towards Anstey Gate.

Path from stone beside the road back to Anstey Gate.

Approaching Anstey Gate you could walk up road.

Only seat is at finish of walk.

Through gate back to start.