Dunkery Beacon from Dunkery Gate
Somerset
Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres, and this 8 km out-and-back from Dunkery Gate follows a broad moorland track across open heather to the summit cairn. The 136 m of climbing from the gate is gentle and steady, with the terrain crossing deep heather moorland where the views open progressively as you gain height. From the beacon the panorama takes in the Bristol Channel, the Welsh coast, the Quantock Hills and the full sweep of Exmoor's central moor. The paths are well worn and easy to follow, and the open, exposed character of the walk is immediate from the start. The return retraces the outward route, though alternative loops via Stoke Pero or Horner Wood can extend the day.
This is a dog friendly walk with excellent off-lead potential across the open moorland where the heather provides rich, textured ground for dogs to work through. The constant wind carries scent from all directions, and dogs are visibly more alert and engaged on this kind of exposed terrain. Livestock graze parts of the moor, so leads should be carried and used where ponies, sheep or cattle are visible. The heather can be deep and tiring for smaller dogs, and there is limited water access on the open moor, so carrying water is important. The exposed summit is harsh in poor weather, but on clear days the sense of space and elevation is genuinely rewarding. Best suited to dogs who enjoy open ground, wind and sustained walking across natural terrain.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No facilities at Dunkery Gate; nearest amenities in Minehead or Porlock
- Parking
- Dunkery Gate Car Park (TA24 7AT for sat nav); free; only 8 spaces, arrive early
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunkery Beacon from Dunkery Gate dog friendly?
Dunkery Beacon rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's genuinely one of the better walks on Exmoor for dogs who enjoy open, natural terrain. The broad moorland track and expansive heather make for a rich, engaging walk, though livestock graze parts of the moor so you'll need to have a lead to hand and use it whenever ponies, sheep or cattle are in sight.
Can dogs be off lead at Dunkery Beacon from Dunkery Gate?
There's excellent off-lead potential across the open moorland, and dogs tend to thrive on this kind of exposed, scent-rich terrain. The main caveat is livestock , sheep, ponies and cattle graze parts of the moor, so keep your dog on lead whenever animals are nearby and maintain good recall before letting them run free.
What should I know before visiting Dunkery Beacon from Dunkery Gate with my dog?
There are no facilities at Dunkery Gate, so bring water for your dog , there's limited access to water on the open moor and the heather can be deep and tiring, especially for smaller dogs. The small car park holds only 8 cars and is free, so arriving early is advisable. The summit is very exposed in poor weather, but on a clear day the views stretch to the Bristol Channel, the Welsh coast and the Quantock Hills, making it well worth the effort.
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