Exford and Winsford Walk
This walk takes you from Exford to nearby Winsford using a section of the Samaritans Way South West long distance trail. The trail runs along the River Exe with some nice countryside and woodland trails on the way.
The walk starts in Exford where you can pick up the waymarked trail and follow it south east to Lyncombe Wood. The trail continues along the river to West Nethercote before passing Bye Common and Bye Hill. This area marks the high point of the walk, rising to a height of over 1100 feet. There's some lovely views over Exmoor and Exe Valley from this elevated position.
The final stage descends Bye Hill to take you into Winsford. It's a pretty village with a ford, weir, thatched cottages, an old bridge and refreshment options.
Postcode
TA24 7PY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsExford Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Exford Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Exford OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Exford Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Exmoor White Horse in Exford is a fine choice for post walk refreshments. The 16th century pub is in an excellent location right next to the river. There's a lovely tea garden where you can sit outside and enjoy a meal right next to the water. You can find the historic pub at postcode TA24 7PY for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The river and country paths on the walk are great for dogs. The Exmoor White Horse mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area head south west to Withypool to visit the Tarr Steps. You can reach the steps on the Withypool to Tarr Steps Circular Walk which uses a section of the waymarked Two Moors Way. The popular site includes a wondeful clapper bridge which is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument, dating from the medieval period.
The popular Whitegate Way starts/finishes in Winsford. The shared cycling and walking trail follows a disused railway line north to Cuddington. A car park and the old station can be found at the Winsford end.
To the west is the village of Simonsbath, a popular starting point for a number of walks on Exmoor. Our circular walk visits the River Barle and the source of the River Exe at Exe Head. Near here there's also Pinkery Pond, a remote beauty spot with a picturesque pond popular with wild swimmers. You'll also find the 487m high Chains Barrow Hill in this area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Exmoor Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The pretty village green in Exford
The Exe at Exford
Ford in River Exe ford and footbridge next to the entrance to Westermill Farm
The Exmoor White Horse, Exford. This fine looking inn stands next to the bridge over the River Exe in Exford. As can be seen the building is covered in creeper, such that in summer most of the masonry is obscured by lush greenery. It looks particularly attractive in the Autumn
Gated bridleway, Bye Common. The 'Samaritans Way South West' follows this bridleway over Bye Common in the Exe Valley
The River Exe valley from Bye Common looking N.W. The group of cottages are West and East Nethercote
Bridges of Winsford. This is the view from the Vicarage Bridge over the River Exe in Winsford looking upstream at the little stone footbridge which can be seen nestling under a canopy of riverside trees.
The Ford, Winsford. Here a tributary stream of the River Exe crosses Ash Lane out of Winsford. This lane leads eventually to Withypool.