Countisbury and the Blue Ball Inn

Countisbury is a tiny hilltop settlement perched at over 1000 feet elevation on the spine of Exmoor, commanding views across the moorland towards the Bristol Channel. The village is best known for the Blue Ball Inn, a traditional country pub that has served travellers and locals for centuries. The inn's elevated position makes it a landmark for miles around, and its name likely derives from an historical coaching-inn sign rather than any particular local feature.

The Blue Ball Inn sits at the heart of this sparse moorland community, offering shelter and refreshment to walkers, cyclists, and drivers tackling the exposed Exmoor plateau. From the immediate vicinity of the pub, views extend northward across the moorland and down towards the coast, making it a natural stopping point on journeys crossing Exmoor. The pub retains a traditional character with low ceilings and period features typical of rural moorland inns, and it remains a focal point for the scattered community.

Countisbury lies on key walking and cycling routes through central Exmoor, including paths that link Lynmouth to the west with Porlock and Minehead to the south and east. The exposed position at this height makes it particularly windy and dramatic in poor weather, while clear days offer extensive views. The Blue Ball Inn provides the only significant amenity at this point on the moor, making it a well-known waypoint for long-distance exploration of Exmoor's interior plateau and ridges.