Selworthy Beacon, Selworthy, Exmoor

Selworthy Beacon is on the South West Coast Path within the National Trust owned Holnicote Estate which covers over 12,000 acres on Exmoor. There are so many staggering viewpoints in the national park, but this, along with Dunkery Beacon, has to be one of the best; there are sweeping views in all directions, rolling on for miles and miles across Vale of Porlock and the moors, and way, way beyond to The Quantock Hills and Wales. It is absolutely breathtaking.

Linger a while and enjoy the wonderful outdoor ambience, the fresh air, the birdsong and the open heaths, shimmering with bright yellow gorse in winter and early spring, purple-pink with heather in late summer and autumn. It’s not at all unusual to see Exmoor ponies grazing up here and you might want to keep your binoculars handy in case you spot red deer in the fields. Close by there’s a memorial hut to Sir Thomas Dyke Acland 10th Baronet (1787-1871) erected by his son; the Acland family owned the Holnicote Estate until it was given to the National Trust in 1944.

Selworthy Beacon is 308m high but the walk from the public car park at the end of the road is short and fairly flat, so it’s easy going. If you prefer more of a hike, start at the church at Selworthy and climb up through the woods, or choose one of the longer routes from Bossington or Allerford.

All information correct at the time of writing