Somerset Walks

Horner Woods Walks & Route Maps

Horner Woods walk, Somerset
Horner Woods · Photo: Lewis Clarke

These walks through Horner Woods, part of the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor National Park, offer a wonderful mix of ancient oak woodland, meandering streams, and rich wildlife.

From a shorter stroll through tranquil forest paths along Horner Water to a longer route climbing Ley Hill for panoramic views, the walks provide a peaceful escape with the chance to spot red deer, dippers, and pied flycatchers, finishing perfectly with refreshments at the Horner Tea Gardens.

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Walk information

Horner Woods Walk 1

Walk distance
3½ miles
Time
1.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This is the shorter of two walks through Horner Woods, part of the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor National Park.

It is one of Britain's largest ancient oak woodlands and at its heart lies Horner Water, a pretty stream flowing gently through the forest.

The woods are rich in wildlife, home to red deer, dippers, pied flycatchers, and various bat species with historical remnants from the 16th-century iron mining industry.

This walk includes Yeals Combe and Rey Combe which offer both tranquil woodland paths and more challenging trails with panoramic views of Exmoor's moorland and rolling hills.

There is a pretty tea room at the start or end of your walk so you can grab some refreshments and take in the stunning scenery.

Horner Woods Walk 1 5.0 Ratings and reviews 1 rating · 1 review

Based on 1 user rating

Community feedback

Overall rating5.0

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly3.0 / 5
Path condition4.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities3.0 / 5
Pub or café4.0 / 5
Route accuracy4.0 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Somerset Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Lovely walk.

Walk information

Horner Woods Walk 2

Walk distance
5¼ miles
Time
2.5 hours
Route type
Circular

This longer walk from the same start point also enjoys Horner Woods which is one of the largest oak woodlands in Britain and has a small river that meanders through a wooded valley.

The extra distance on this route takes you out of the woods and on a climb over Ley Hill where you'll be rewarded with some fantastic views.

For those looking to refresh after their hike, a small café next to the car park provides a welcoming spot for refreshments.

Horner Woods Walk 2 No ratings yet Be the first - rate this walk in the Somerset Walks App

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Somerset Walks App

Follow the Horner Woods walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

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Somerset Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Somerset walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Horner Woods Walk 1, a 3.5 mile circular walk in Somerset