Watersmeet to Ash Bridge

Watersmeet to Ash Bridge follows the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water through one of Exmoor's most celebrated wooded gorges, covering 4.8 km on a circuit that traces both banks through steep-sided oakwood. Watersmeet itself — where the two rivers converge beneath a canopy of sessile oak — is a National Trust site with a Victorian fishing lodge now serving as a tearoom. The path to Ash Bridge runs upstream along Hoar Oak Water, crossing the river on footbridges as the gorge narrows and the water tumbles over moss-covered boulders. With 107 metres of climbing spread across the undulating path, the terrain is never flat but never punishing either. The air in the gorge is thick with the sound and smell of running water, damp fern and ancient woodland.

This is a wonderful dog friendly walk for dogs who love water and woodland in equal measure. The rivers run clear and shallow over stone beds with multiple access points where dogs can wade and drink safely. Off-lead potential is moderate — the enclosed woodland paths allow freedom, and low livestock risk means leads are rarely necessary. The steep-sided gorge creates a natural boundary that keeps dogs from straying far. The damp woodland floor carries intense scent from moss, fern, fungi and decaying oak, and the changing light through the canopy gives the walk a constantly shifting atmosphere. The National Trust tearoom at Watersmeet welcomes dogs outdoors and provides a civilised mid-walk stop.