Lucott Cross to Exford (starting with open top bus ride from Exford)
Highlights:
Open-top double-decker bus, views of open moorland, Exmoor wildlife, ancient hedged banks
Start Grid ref: SS845 431
Distance: 4.1 miles, linear
Height gained/lost: 308 metres. An easy walk, mainly downhill.
High Point: 461 metres
Low Point: 258 metres
Toilets: at Exford only
Eating places: Pubs and tearooms at Exford. General store also offers various snacks.
Time required, excluding stops: 2.5 hours
Public transport:
400 (Exmoor Explorer). Operates at weekends from the end of May through to late September. Also in season from the end of July to the end of August on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please check the current timetable before travelling.
Route description:
This walk takes advantage of the delightful 400 open-top double-decker bus service that has a circular route from Minehead, through Dunster, Wheddon Cross, Exford, Porlock and back to Minehead. You can catch this bus at any point and still do this walk as the return time is 3:15 hours. This walk takes 2.5 hours so still leaving time for your picnic. This walk assumes you have caught the bus at Exford and walk back to this village. You will need to catch the first round journey if you are planning to walk and catch it back to somewhere other than Exford. The walk is easy-going, the bus having done all the climbing for you. It starts with a walk along a delightful lane with wide open views. It then follows and old track across moorland, slowly losing height. It continues along more old bridleways and farm tracks until returning to Exford.
Download full route directions (PDF, 360kb)