Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve
Highest point in Exmoor offering breathtaking panoramic views and ancient woodland walks. A must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Heather in full bloom, clear skies
Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve
Best Time
Heather in full bloom, clear skies

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Highest point in Exmoor offering breathtaking panoramic views and ancient woodland walks. A must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.
"On a clear day the views are fantastic, you can clearly see South Wales in one direction, and Dartmoor in the other."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are rocky & uneven. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather for Views
Clear days offer incredible views to Wales & Dartmoor. Don't miss out! :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dunkery Beacon Summit
Highest point in Exmoor
Reach the summit for unparalleled 360-degree views across Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, and beyond. A truly rewarding climb.

Horner Wood Ancient Woodland
Valley below Dunkery
Wander through ancient oak and beech trees, a serene and atmospheric woodland offering a different kind of natural beauty.
Heather in Bloom
Moorland slopes
During late summer, the moorland transforms into a carpet of vibrant purple heather, creating a spectacular visual display.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Footwear for the Terrain
Timing Your Visit for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are rocky & uneven. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather for Views
Clear days offer incredible views to Wales & Dartmoor. Don't miss out! :sunwithface:
Dog-Friendly Trails
A great place for walking your dog, but keep them under control around sheep. :dog:
Parking Advice
Limited parking at the main car park; use lay-bys if needed, especially off-season. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are rocky & uneven. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather for Views
Clear days offer incredible views to Wales & Dartmoor. Don't miss out! :sunwithface:
Dog-Friendly Trails
A great place for walking your dog, but keep them under control around sheep. :dog:
Parking Advice
Limited parking at the main car park; use lay-bys if needed, especially off-season. :car:
Extend Your Walk
Numerous footpaths branch off, perfect for longer hikes beyond the main beacon climb. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning, far-reaching views from Dunkery Beacon, describing them as 'fantastic' and 'amazing,' especially on clear days. The energetic climb is considered well worth the effort, and the option to extend hikes through various footpaths is appreciated. Some note limited parking and the need for sturdy footwear due to rocky terrain.
"Amazing views, plenty of parking, a nice 25 minute climb and plenty of footpaths in different directions to extend the hike - free to all and so pretty with all the Heather in bloom."
Bert Youell
"Just what you would expect from the highest point in the area. Great view and a walk uphill. If you come from the car park nearby, be sure to take the right path for the shortest route. It is not the one just across the road, go up the road for a short distance, then turn left and go up the moor. 🥸"
Henrik Gravengaard
"An energetic walk is needed to reach the top of Dunkery Beacon, but it was well worth it! On a clear day the views are fantastic, you can clearly see South Wales in one direction, and Dartmoor in the other. Wear sturdy footwear though as the paths are rocky and uneven. Great place for walking your dog. Limited parking, but a few lay-bys handy, so parking, especially off season shouldn't be a problem."
Allan Benson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible by car, with a main car park near Dunkery Beacon. For the shortest route to the beacon from the car park, go up the road a short distance and turn left onto the moor. :car:
Public transport options are limited. It's best to check local bus routes for services that may get you close to the Exmoor National Park area, though direct access to the reserve is challenging without a car. :bus:
The reserve is located within Exmoor National Park. Nearby towns include Porlock and Dunster, which offer amenities and further exploration opportunities. :town_hall:
While cycling is possible on some bridleways within Exmoor, the terrain around Dunkery Beacon can be challenging. Stick to designated cycle routes for a safer experience. :mountain_bicyclist:
Yes, the reserve and key points like Dunkery Beacon are generally well-signposted within Exmoor National Park, guiding you towards the main access points. :road_sign:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve is completely free. It's a public access area for everyone to enjoy. :ticket:
As a natural reserve, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the views and walking. :clock1:
There is no admission fee to enter Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost. :moneywithwings:
Yes, the reserve is open year-round. However, weather conditions can significantly impact accessibility and the enjoyment of the views, especially in winter. :calendar:
Visitors are asked to respect the natural environment, stay on marked paths where possible, and keep dogs under control, especially around livestock. :pray:
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
From the main car park, take the path that goes up the moor for the most direct and rewarding climb to the summit. Sturdy footwear is essential due to rocky, uneven terrain. :hiking_boot:
The climb to Dunkery Beacon from the nearby car park is typically around 25 minutes, depending on your pace. You can extend your hike by exploring the many footpaths. :timer_clock:
You might see sheep grazing on the moorland, and if you're lucky, various bird species. Horner Wood is home to ancient trees and a rich woodland ecosystem. :sheep: :bird:
There are no dedicated facilities such as toilets or cafes directly within the reserve. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns before your visit. :toilet:
Yes, families can enjoy the walks. The main beacon climb is energetic but manageable for most, and Horner Wood offers gentler woodland paths. Ensure children are supervised. :familywomanwoman_boy:
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Dunkery Beacon offers incredible panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Horner Wood provides atmospheric shots of ancient trees and dappled light. :camerawithflash:
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset from the beacon are particularly spectacular. :sunriseovermountains:
Focus on the gnarled branches of ancient oaks, the moss-covered trunks, and the play of light filtering through the canopy. Look for fungi and woodland flora. :evergreen_tree:
Drone usage in National Nature Reserves can be restricted. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Exmoor National Park and obtain any necessary permissions before flying. :aerial_tramway:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from Dunkery Beacon. For Horner Wood, a versatile zoom lens or a prime lens with a wider aperture can be useful for low-light conditions. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Dunkery Beacon
Visitors often note the presence of sheep grazing freely on the moor, adding a touch of rural charm to the scenery. While the main path is clear, there are numerous other footpaths branching off, allowing you to extend your walk and explore more of the surrounding moorland. This flexibility means you can tailor the length and difficulty of your hike to your preference. Parking is available, though it can be limited, so arriving early or utilizing nearby lay-bys is a good strategy, particularly during peak seasons. :car:
The Enchantment of Horner Wood
Walking through Horner Wood, you'll discover a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The ancient trees are often draped in moss and lichen, and the woodland floor is carpeted with ferns and other shade-loving plants. Keep an eye out for fungi during the autumn months. While less dramatic than the views from Dunkery Beacon, Horner Wood provides a deeply immersive natural experience. It’s a place to connect with nature on a more intimate level, listening to the sounds of the woodland and breathing in the fresh, earthy air. :leafy_green: :mushroom:




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit