Wheddon Cross - Dunkery Beacon - Avrill Valley
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The route goes cross-country to Luckwell Bridge before climbing steadily up to Dunkery Bridge. Here it enters the open country of the NT-owned Holincote Estate and continues to the summit of Dunkery Beacon. The 360-degree view from the summit takes in Dartmoor, the coast of South Wales and reputedly, the Malverns on a good day.
The walk proceeds with a lovely ridge walk with continuing good views – this part of the walk can be busy at peak times – before gradually descending on a quieter path to the wooded Avrill Valley. (On this path I startled a herd of about 25 red deer). After passing along a section of the valley floor the route ascends the other side of the valley to return to Wheddon Cross. The shorter version of the walk - 5.3 miles and 250 metres height gain - omits the summit of Dunkery Beacon and returns from Dunkery Bridge to Wheddon Cross via the Avrill Valley.
On the moors you may see wild Exmoor ponies and red deer. Moorland birdlife includes skylark, buzzard, stonechat, whinchat, Dartford warbler and the nationally rare grasshopper warbler.
The Avrill Valley is renowned locally for its wildflowers: snowdrops (especially), also daffodils, primroses and bluebells in their appropriate seasons.
The walk is muddy in places so boots are recommended. The climbs are moderate; there are no steep gradients and no stiles.
England - South West England - Somerset - Exmoor
Features
Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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