Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh
Somerset
Porlock Weir is a tiny harbour village on the Exmoor coast where a medieval harbour wall shelters fishing boats and the shingle beach gives way to the wide expanse of Porlock Marsh, one of Somerset's most important coastal wetlands. This 5.6km circuit follows the coast path from the harbour along the marsh edge, where saltmarsh, reed beds and lagoons attract wading birds year-round, before looping back through the quiet woodland behind. The marsh was created when a storm breached the shingle ridge in 1996, allowing the sea to reclaim former farmland, and the resulting wetland has a wild, evolving character quite unlike anywhere else on the Exmoor coast. With 129 metres of gentle climbing, the walk is easy throughout.
This is a peaceful dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential on the quieter marsh paths and woodland sections. The shingle beach near the harbour allows dogs to access the water, and the marsh edges provide rich scent from saltwater, reed and estuary mud. Livestock risk is low within the marsh and woodland. The paths are well maintained but can be soft near the marsh margins. Porlock Weir has the Bottom Ship and the Anchor Hotel, both welcoming dogs, and the harbour has a small café. The walk is particularly rewarding for birdwatching alongside dog walking, with herons, egrets and lapwings common on the marsh. A gentle, atmospheric outing on a quieter stretch of the Exmoor coast.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Ship Inn pub; Andrew's on the Weir café; 24-hour toilets at Porlock Weir
- Parking
- Porlock Weir Main Public Car Park (TA24 8PB); small charge; harbourside
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh dog friendly?
Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh is a great choice for a dog walk, earning a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness. Dogs can access the shingle beach near the harbour for a paddle, and the marsh edges and woodland offer a wealth of interesting scents. The Bottom Ship and the Anchor Hotel in the village both welcome dogs, so you can round off the walk with a well-earned drink or bite to eat.
Can dogs be off lead at Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh?
There's moderate off-lead potential on this walk, particularly along the quieter marsh paths and through the woodland sections. Livestock risk is described as low in these areas, which makes it easier to let dogs roam a little more freely. That said, it's always worth keeping an eye on your dog near the marsh margins, where paths can be soft and wet.
What should I know before visiting Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh with my dog?
The circuit is 5.6km with just 129 metres of gentle climbing, making it an easy, accessible walk that suits dogs of all fitness levels. Paths are well maintained, though they can be soft and muddy near the marsh edges, so it's worth having a towel or paw wipes handy. Parking is available at Porlock Weir Main Public Car Park (TA24 8PB), right by the harbourside, and there are 24-hour toilets on site for your convenience.
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