Countisbury Hill and the Foreland Walk
Devon
This dog friendly Exmoor route climbs straight onto the high cliffs from the Barna Barrow car park above Countisbury, follows the South West Coast Path past Butter Hill (the highest point at 302 metres) and out along the heather-clad spine of the Foreland to the white-painted lighthouse perched 67 metres above the sea. The return loops back along inland farm tracks via Coddow Combe before rejoining the path above Lynmouth, where the views down to the harbour and across to Wales are exceptional.
Dogs are welcome throughout, but Exmoor's open moor is grazed by sheep, cattle and free-roaming ponies, so a lead is essential away from the cliff path itself. The walk involves significant climbing, exposed sections and unfenced cliff edges, so it suits experienced dogs and confident walkers rather than little legs. Free parking is at Barna Barrow on the A39, and the Sandpiper Inn at Countisbury offers a dog friendly stop afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Sandpiper Inn at Countisbury for dog friendly food and drink; no facilities at the lighthouse itself; toilets in Lynmouth.
- Parking
- Free National Trust parking at Barna Barrow on the A39 just east of Countisbury village.
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