Dunkery Beacon Walk and Route Map

Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point and one of its best-loved walks. You can choose the shorter 2.5-mile route from Dunkery Hill car park for a steady climb straight to the summit, or the longer 4.5-mile circular from Webbers Post, which mixes woodland, valleys, and moorland before reaching the Beacon. Both reward you with stunning panoramic views over Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, and even South Wales on a clear day.

Here is a route map for the Dunkery Beacon Walk on the Somerset Walks App. Let the app guide you around the route and show your location as you walk.

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About Dunkery Beacon walks

Dunkery Beacon and Dunkery Hill walk
2.5 miles

A nice walk up Dunkery Hill to Dunkery Beacon. It's a moderate climb to the top but once you are there, the views at the summit are well worth the walk as it looks over the majority of Exmoor National Park. There is also space for a picnic. If you would like a longer walk to Dunkery Beacon, take a look at Webbers Post walk 2.

Dunkery Beacon and Webbers Post walk
4.5 miles

The Dunkery Beacon and Webbers Post Walk is located in Exmoor National Park. The walk offers a stunning circular route with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This walk takes you through diverse terrain, combining woodland, open moorland, and scenic valleys. Webbers Post, a popular view point, offers panoramic views across Horner Wood and Dunkery Beacon, the route continues towards Hollow Combe, a peaceful and secluded valley with streams, ferns, and ancient trees lining the path. The trail also leads to Easter Hill, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the moorland and down into the surrounding valleys. This elevated point gives you a broad perspective of Exmoor’s rolling hills and expansive landscapes.

This longer walk then takes you up to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point, which stands at 1,705 feet. The area is steeped in history, with ancient Bronze Age barrows scattered throughout the landscape. While the ascent is an uphill climb, the reward is well worth it, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Exmoor National Park, the Bristol Channel, and, on especially clear days, even reaching as far as South Wales.

Points of Interest

• Dunkery Beacon – At 1,705 feet (519 m), this is the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset. The summit offers incredible panoramic views across the national park, the Bristol Channel, and even towards South Wales on a clear day.

• Ancient Barrows – The area around Dunkery Beacon is dotted with Bronze Age burial mounds, a reminder of the site’s long history and significance.

• Webbers Post – A scenic viewpoint overlooking Horner Wood, with wide views towards Dunkery Beacon and across the rolling Exmoor hills.

• Horner Wood – One of the largest ancient oak woodlands in Britain, rich with wildlife and home to streams, mossy trees, and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Hollow Combe – A quiet valley lined with ferns, ancient trees, and running water, offering a tranquil contrast to the open moorland above.

• Easter Hill – Another elevated vantage point on the longer Webbers Post walk, with sweeping views across the moorland and surrounding valleys.

FAQ’s

Q: Where do I start—or park?

A: The Somerset Walks App will take you to the parking and starting location of the Dunkery Beacon walk, which is at grid reference: 51.1541,-3.580319. There is paid parking at the start.

Q: How long are the walks?
A: The Dunkery Beacon & Hill Walk is 2.5 miles, while the Dunkery Beacon & Webbers Post Walk is 4.5 miles.

Q: How difficult are the walks?
A: Both walks include uphill climbs. The 2.5-mile route is shorter but still a moderate ascent, while the 4.5-mile walk is longer with more varied terrain.

Q: Are the views worth the climb?
A: Yes. From Dunkery Beacon you’ll enjoy panoramic views across Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, and even South Wales on clear days.

Q: Is there space for a picnic?
A: Yes, the summit of Dunkery Beacon has open space ideal for picnics with spectacular views.

Q: Can I see wildlife?
A: Definitely. Horner Wood and Hollow Combe are great places to spot birds, deer, and other Exmoor wildlife.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended. Bring layers as the moor’s weather can change quickly.

Here are a few more walks on the Somerset Walks app.