Countisbury figure of eight walk

Starting and finishing in the hamlet of Countisbury, this 4.3 km circuit packs in a surprising amount of ascent as it loops out across the open moorland of Exmoor's coastal edge. From the village the route climbs past a small dew pond before heading onto Wind Hill, the broad promontory that drops steeply to the sea and overlooks Lynmouth Bay.

The second loop of the figure of eight drops away from the tops into Horner Woods, where the character changes completely: sheltered oak woodland, mossy boulders and the sound of running water threading down towards the East Lyn valley. A steady climb returns you to Countisbury to close the walk.

Nearby, walkers can extend the day to Butter Hill, seek out the earthworks of the Myrtleberry North Iron Age enclosure, or drop further down to Watersmeet, where the East Lyn meets Hoar Oak Water. Ladycombe Lake lies within easy reach for those wanting a quieter detour before returning to the village.