Country Escapes and Walking Holidays at Woodcombe Lodges
If you are craving fresh air, big skies and a few days away from traffic and screens, Exmoor is a lovely place to press pause. Rolling hills, moorland, woodland and coastline all sit close together, so you can choose anything from a gentle amble to a full day out on the paths.
Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages sits on the edge of Minehead with Exmoor National Park on its boundary. It is a long-established four star self catering site with views across the hills, pre-prepared walks from the door and easy access to both coast and countryside. The perfect location for a walking holiday or quiet country escape.
Why Woodcombe is a good base for walking holidays on Exmoor
One of the main reasons our guests stay at Woodcombe Lodges, is for a walking holiday. We offer somewhere comfortable to come back to after a day out, and somewhere located close to good walks without too much planning.
Woodcombe works well because it offers:
- Peace and space
The lodges and cottages sit in around three acres of gardens at the end of a small lane. You feel “in the country” even though Minehead is just nearby. - Exmoor right next door
The Exmoor National Park boundary runs alongside the site, so you really are on the edge of the moor. Many guests comment that they can be out among fields and hedgerows within minutes of leaving their veranda. - Comfortable self catering
Six timber lodges and two stone cottages are all rated four star, with fully fitted kitchens, electric heating and covered verandas. After a wet or windy walk, it makes a big difference to come back to a warm shower, a good sofa and a place to dry boots. - Walks from the door
The owners provide over a dozen simple walk sheets starting at Woodcombe. These range from short leg-stretchers to half-day loops taking in nearby hills and villages, without needing to move the car. - Flexibility for different abilities
Not everyone in a group wants the same level of challenge. From Exmoor’s open moor to gentle seafront strolling, there are options for keen walkers and more tentative amblers to enjoy the same holiday in their own way.
Walks from the door – keeping it simple
Being able to step out of the door and be “on a walk” in a few minutes is one of the biggest advantages of staying at Woodcombe.
The route sheets available on site cover:
- Short loops around local lanes and fields – ideal for arrival day, evenings or a gentle start to the holiday.
- Medium walks that add a bit more climbing and give you wider views over the valley and towards the coast.
- Longer half-day options that link Woodcombe with nearby villages such as Dunster, often using one route out and another back.
The walk sheets are written in plain language and are easy to tuck into a pocket. You do not need to be an expert navigator to enjoy them, though an Ordnance Survey map is always useful if you want to adapt or extend a route.
Because the site sits on a gentle slope, you get that pleasing “returning home downhill” feeling on many of the circular walks.
Exploring Exmoor’s coast and countryside from Woodcombe Lodges
From Woodcombe you can be on the coast, on the moor or in a wooded valley within a short drive. Rather than listing detailed directions, it can be helpful to think in terms of the different types of walk you can build into a stay.
Coast and harbour walks
Minehead is the official start of the South West Coast Path. Even if you do not plan to walk long distances, you can still enjoy:
- The seafront promenade – wide, level and good for easy strolling with big views across the bay.
- Short sections of the South West Coast Path heading west, where you quickly feel the character of Exmoor’s coastline – wooded slopes, sea views and steep hills.
- Nearby coastal villages such as Blue Anchor, Watchet, Porlock and Porlock Weir, each with their own mixture of beach, harbour and cafés.
Using local buses and the heritage West Somerset Railway, you can turn some of these into one-way walks followed by a scenic ride back.
Moorland and hill walks
If you imagine heather, skylarks and far-reaching views, Exmoor’s moorland hills will probably appeal. Classic moorland areas are within easy reach by car from Woodcombe, offering:
- Higher level routes with big panoramas over the countryside and coast.
- Shorter out-and-back options from car parks if you want a “top of the world” feeling without a long approach.
On days with clear weather and good visibility, a moorland day often becomes the highlight of a walking holiday.
River and woodland walks
On warmer or windier days, the wooded valleys and rivers of Exmoor can be especially inviting. Within a reasonable drive of Woodcombe you will find:
- Riverside paths beside clear streams and shaded gorges.
- Ancient bridges, stepping stones and picnic spots.
- Circular routes that combine woodland, farmland and small villages.
These more sheltered walks are also useful if you have a mixed-ability group: some can explore further while others enjoy a shorter version of the same route.
Accessible strolls and gentler options
Not every country escape needs to be built around long hikes. If you or someone in your party prefers shorter or easier walks, there are plenty of options that still let you enjoy Exmoor’s scenery:
- Minehead promenade – a level, surfaced seafront route with benches, cafés and toilets close by.
- Short, graded trails at Bossington Hill, the Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom and the circular path at Webbers Post – designed with gentler gradients and firmer surfaces.
- Lakeside paths at Wimbleball Lake, where Tramper (all terrain mobility scooter) hire is available via South West Lakes Trust.
Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor both provide up to date information on easier routes, accessible paths and short “strolls”, which is especially helpful if you are travelling with older relatives, children or anyone with reduced mobility.
Making it a dog friendly walking holiday
Many guests at Woodcombe bring their dogs on holiday, and the combination of coast and countryside works very well for four-legged walkers.
From Woodcombe you can:
- Use the pre-prepared walk sheets to find dog friendly routes straight from the door.
- Head to Minehead, Dunster or Blue Anchor beaches, where there are stretches that are dog friendly all year round.
- Explore a network of footpaths through farmland, woodland and open slopes around nearby villages.
If you are planning a country escape with your dog, a walking holiday at Woodcombe means plenty of variety without long drives every day.
Planning your country escape at Woodcombe
Because Woodcombe has a mix of lodges and cottages and so many walking options nearby, you can shape your stay to suit your own pace:
- A short break might include an arrival day stroll from the lodge, a coastal day, and a half-day walk through nearby countryside.
- A week-long stay gives time for coast, moor, river and village walks, plus a rest day enjoying the gardens and verandas.
- For mixed-ability groups, some people can tackle more challenging routes while others focus on shorter walks, seafront strolls or scenic drives, all returning to the same comfortable base each evening.
The on-site owners know the area well and are happy to suggest routes once they know what sort of walking you enjoy.
FAQs – walking holidays at Woodcombe Lodges
Do I need to be an experienced walker to enjoy staying at Woodcombe?
No. While experienced walkers will find plenty to keep them busy, there are also many short and simple routes. With walk sheets from the door, seafront strolling in Minehead and waymarked paths around Exmoor, you can enjoy a country escape even if you prefer gentle walks.
Are there walks from the lodges without using the car?
Yes. One of the strengths of Woodcombe is the number of walks that start directly from the site. You can choose anything from a short loop to a half-day outing without needing to drive to a starting point.
Is Woodcombe suitable for mixed ability groups?
Yes. Because you are so close to both Exmoor and the coast, it is easy for some people to go further while others opt for shorter strolls or simply enjoy the views from the site. The lodges and cottages also work well for quiet evenings in if some members of the group tire more quickly.
Can I bring my dog on a walking holiday at Woodcombe?
Selected lodges at Woodcombe are dog friendly, and there are many local paths and beaches that welcome dogs. The beach beyond the golf course at Minehead, and sections of Dunster and Blue Anchor beaches, are dog friendly all year. It is always wise to check current restrictions and keep dogs under control around livestock.
Where can I find detailed route maps and walking information?
For detailed route maps, gradients, route descriptions and current access information, it is best to use the official resources provided by Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor. They update their websites regularly with new routes, events and safety advice.
If you like the idea of a country escape with walks from the door, coast and moor in easy reach and peaceful evenings back at your lodge, you can check availability on the Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages website – and for detailed route maps and walking ideas, visit Exmoor National Park’s and Visit Exmoor’s websites.
