5 Great Porlock Walks
Which one should would you choose? The 8-mile long walk along the South West Coast path or an easy 4 mile dog friendly beach stroll with breathtaking views of Wales and Lundy island!
Whether you want to take the scenic walk along the South West Coast path, a loop taking in Porlock Wier, or just enjoy a casual stroll around the beautiful water's edge the views you get will inspire and refresh you ready for a great pub lunch or a stroll around the shops in the village of Porlock itself.
Don’t despair though if an 8 mile trip isn’t for you then there are plenty of other walks to be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace.
Below is a list of our favourite great walks around Porlock
Porlock to Porlock via the Culborne Church Walk
The sometimes sedate journey to Culbone is a long one, with steep sections that may not be for everyone. There will always be something scenic along the way so it’s worth taking time out to visit England's smallest church which was the backdrop to the wedding scene in the BBC’s serial ‘Lorna Doone’
Hurlstone Point and Bossington Walk
On this walk you will be able to see the abandoned coast guard lookout tower, which was built in 1902 and remained in use until 1983. It housed a rocket warning system as well rescue equipment for over 40 years after World War II ended! This journey includes an 275m climb up Bossington Hill before descending down again just outside Hurlstone Point itself. Bossington has a National Trust Car Park that could be used as a starting point to loop round.
The walk to Hurlstone Point is not for those who dislike heights or are unsure-footed, as there's steep sections with loose stones and some exposure. For the daring few looking forward to meet this challenge though; it can be an inspiring experience.
A noticeboard on the path around Hurlstone Point warns against attempting route in bad weather even in good weather it will be a challenge.
For more information about the Hurlstone Point Walk Click here to visit the South West Coast Path Website
South West Coast Path
With rolling hills, beautiful beaches and cliffs that reach up into the sky this 600 mile walk follows along stunning coastline from Minehead in Somerset all through Devon or Cornwall until you finally get your chance to finish at Poole near Dorset. Alongside some amazing scenery like crashing waves on rocks below wild mountain sides with quaint little villages dotted here and there it's hard not see why people love walking these Coastlines so much!
This walk takes in the local sites around Porlock, the village of Bossignton, Hurlstone Point, Selworthy Beacon and North Hill.
Starting in Porlock you can park in the main car park and walk through the village following the signs to Bossington. Once there follow the signed footpath to Hurlstone Point. Just short of the point you can meet up with the South West Coast Path which will take you to minehead and on to Bossington Hill. Here you will find breathtaking views of Porlock Bay.
A return to the South West Coast Path will take you up to Selworthy Beacon with views across to Dunkery Beacon. Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Dunkery Hill and Somerset's highest point; it gives a view to both the Bristol and English channels. On a clear day, Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons of Wales and Cleave Hill in distant Gloucestershire can all be seen.
You are now heading up North Hill and heading South along a narrow path will show you to the summit. Heading along a track there is a final climb to the summit and Selworthy Beacon. Crossing the road and heading south east you can take the first track on your right. This goes into the valley eventually and entering woodland to start your descent.
Returning through the pretty village of Selworthy you can walk to Allerford and continuing in to the village you will find the packhorse bridge. Once you have crossed the bridge continue in the direction of Bossington and then pick up the back road along Bossington Lane and back to Porlock.
Part of the walk can be found here
Porlock Weir to Porlock Walk
This loop offers the chance to see the beach and marshes around Porlock. It's an easy trot of 4 miles with the chance to enjoy the authentic village of Porlock with its range of unique high street shops.
Set in the Porlock vale between the rolling exmoor hills and the beautiful sea the village has a character that can be found in its thatched cottages, churches, museums and and range of shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms.
Porlock to Porlock Weir and the to the Gore
This 4 mile walk offers a flat and less rigorous stroll from Porlock to the Gore, situated at the end of Porlock Bay, via Porlock Weir. There are plenty of ways to get to the Weir either via the road or through the Porlock Marshes. Once at the Porlock Weir car park you can walk past the hotel and west to a track found to the left of the harbour shop. With the harbour on your right follow the path to into the field and continue until you reach the beach.
With a wild and rugged feel about it and with the backdrop of Foreland point its easy to imagine how the Ketch Lizzy was shipwrecked here in a storm in 1854. From this point you can also visit the smugglers lookout which can be found built in to the foot of the cliffs. You can either head back whence you came or follow the beach back to Porlock via the Weir.
Porlock Guide to Walks
With rolling hills and elevations to beaches and Marshland there is truly no place like Porlock to visit for a walking holiday. Whether you are a dog or human, experienced or new to hiking and walking there is simply something for everyone old and young.
From Bossington and North Hill to the famous 'Lorna Doone' Church at Colborne there are sights and views that will simply take your breath away. At the heart of this is the beauty of Porlock Village with its dog friendly and idyllic high street shops, pubs and restaurants you will have everything on hand to make your day or stay as comfortable and relaxing as you could want.
If you have a favourite walk why not contact us and let us know
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Porlock Walks
How long is Porlock Bay?
Porlock Bay is around 4km long
Is Porlock Weir Beach Dog Friendly?
Yes Porlock Weir each is Dog Friendly. Porlock is one of the most dog friendly places to visit
Where is Porlock Bay?
Porlock Bay is on the Bristol Channel, between Hurlstone Point and Porlock Weir in Somerset, England.
How high is dunkery beacon?
At 1,703ft (519m), Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Dunkery Hill and Somerset's highest point; it gives a view to both the Bristol and English channels.
What county is Lynton and Lynmouth in?
Lynton and Lynmouth, town is in the North Devon district, in the county of Devon, southwestern England.