4 to 7 nights
35 to 51 mls (km)
South West England
Easy
Mar to Oct
£360

In the Footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth

  • Visit the places where Coleridge composed some of his most famous works (Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Kahn...)
  • End your walk in the seaside town of Lynmouth, or Porlock
  • Visit picturesque country pubs and tea-shops on the villages en-route
  • Discover the seldom visited Brendon Hills through Exmoor National Park
  • Long stretches of wild forest tracks make this a particularly good walk for Autumn/Spring
  • Extend your walk on the last day with a visit to the Valley of the Rocks
Quantox Hills Somerset

Walking Through the Quantocks Hills

Woodland, farmland, deep combs, high moorland heath and secluded villages are the backdrop to Coleridge's famous works. Occupied in 1797, the cottage in Nether Stowey stands as the site of his most prolific period. Within the space of three years he had written his most famous work, looking to the surrounding hills and combs for inspiration.

"Now, my friends emerge/ Beneath the wide wide Heaven - and view again / The many-steepled tract magnificent/ Of hilly fields and meadows, and the sea."

Celtic Trails Walking Holidays

Walking The Coleridge Way

Coleridge was a keen walker, thinking nothing of a 40-mile hike to visit friends; here we begin at Coleridge's front door, with a trail that traces his footsteps to Wordsworth’s stately home in Alfoxton Park. From there begins the ascent to the slopes of the Quantocks Hills, where early-risers get the best chance to catch sight of the 1000+ red deer which roam there. Trying to spot a hundred varieties of bird in a day is a common challenge among birdwatchers of the area, indicative of the sheer abundance of wildlife in these hills.

Red soil pasture folds into the Brendon Hill range where this trail continues, and from here we take the winding trail around the windswept moorland edges of Exmoor-one of our finest wild open landscapes.

Meander through an idyllic, quintessentially English part of the world, where the sleepy villages along the route have names like Quantoxhead, Bicknoller and Monksilver. You may be tempted by the array of ancient pubs dotted along the way, as no doubt Coleridge and Wordsworth were on their long walks into the country.

Views from Exmoor extend into South Wales and mid-Devon as you make the gradual descent down to the coast at Porlock Bay.

You have the option to to finish your walk in Porlock, or if you wish, to take the recent extension of the trail inland through Worthy Woods before descending into the famous Doone Valley. The trail passes through Oare, the beauty spot of Watersmeet where it meets the South West Coast Path to Lynmouth.

In 2008 this route was selected by The Times as one of Britain's best autumn walks. When it comes to hiking South England, Spring and autumn are the most scenic times, but the walk can be taken at any point in the year.

Each of the walking trails we offer has been walked and assessed. Give us a call, we would be delighted to talk you through a walking holiday on the Coleridge Way.

Celtic Trails has 20 years’ experience providing tailored, quality itineraries for walkers who appreciate good service, comfort and organisation.

Coleridge Way walking map
Our Coleridge Way walking route takes you from Nether Stowey to Porlock

Path Walkthrough

Walkers can expect long stretches through the glades of the Exmoor forest, walking out into exposed sections through hill and field, before meeting the coast at Lynmouth. Along your way, you'll cross paths with Exmoor towns and villages in a landscape scattered with small thatched cottages and stonework pubs.

Although ascents are not particularly steep, there are a few strenuous sections where climbs are prolonged over a long stretch of the route. Walkers shouldn't find the going too taxing, however, good navigation skills are key - especially when you consider that this is a very quiet walk, in a sparsely populated area made up of twisting paths through village streets, forest tracks and heather-capped field.

Our Coleridge Way Itineraries

  • Nether Stowey to Porlock
    Distance: 35.25 miles (56.5km)
    COL1
    5 Nights, 4 Days
    from £440 pp
    COL1 ~ Nether Stowey to Porlock ~ 5 / 4 classic
    DayLocationDistance
    Day 1:Arrive Nether Stowey
    Day 2:Nether Stowey to Bicknoller9.75 miles/15.6 km
    Day 3:Bicknoller to Roadwater9 miles/14.4km
    Day 4:Roadwater to Wheddon Cross8.5 miles/13.6km
    Day 5:Wheddon Cross to Porlock8 miles/12.8 km
    Day 6:Depart Porlock
    What's Included:
    4 walking days
    5 nights accommodation
    5 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    COL2
    4 Nights, 3 Days
    from £360 pp
    COL2 ~ Nether Stowey to Porlock ~ 4 / 3 classic
    DayLocationDistance
    Day 1:Arrival Nether Stowey
    Day 2:Nether Stowey to Bicknoller9.75 miles/15.6km
    Day 3:Bicknoller to Luxborough12.25 miles/19.6km
    Day 4:Luxborough to Porlock13.25 miles/21.2km
    Day 5:Depart Porlock
    What's Included:
    3 walking days
    4 nights accommodation
    4 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
  • Nether Stowey to Lynmouth
    Distance: 51 miles (82km)
    COL3
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £625 pp
    COL3 ~ Nether Stowey to Lynmouth ~ 7 / 6 classic
    DayLocationDistance
    Day 1:Arrive Nether Stowey
    Day 2:Nether Stowey to Bicknoller9.75 miles/15.6km
    Day 3:Bicknoller to Roadwater9 miles/14.4km
    Day 4:Roadwater to Wheddon Cross8.5 miles/13.6km
    Day 5:Wheddon Cross to Porlock8 miles/12.8km
    Day 6:Porlock to Brendon10.5 miles/16.8km
    Day 7:Brendon to Lynmouth4.75 miles/8km
    Day 8:Departure Day
    What's Included:
    6 walking days
    7 nights accommodation
    7 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    COL4
    5 Nights, 4 Days
    from £460 pp
    COL4 ~ Nether Stowey to Lynmouth ~ 5 / 4 classic
    DayLocationDistance
    Day 1:Arrive Nether Stowey
    Day 2:Nether Stowey to Bicknoller9.75 miles/15.6km
    Day 3:Bicknoller to Luxborough12.25 miles/19.6km
    Day 4:Luxborough to Porlock13.25 miles/21.2km
    Day 5:Porlock to Lynmouth15.5 miles/24.8km
    Day 6:Departure Day
    What's Included:
    4 walking days
    5 nights accommodation
    5 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&B’s with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
    • Breakfast
    • Luggage transfers
    • Route planning
    • Walk Pack, including itinerary, accommodation directions and holiday planning

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Coleridge Way holidays are available to walk March to October.

    Devonshire is characterised by mild weather, the region experiences some of the mildest winters in the world for its latitude, with areas along the coast of Devon typically experiencing some of the warmest weather in the UK.

    The Coleridge Way could potentially be taken at any point of the year, in fact if you're the sort of walker who finds a winter walk blows away the cobwebs - then Exmoor national park is particularly beautiful in winter.

    However, many of our top choices for accommodation tend to shut up shop for winter, so bear that in mind before booking.

    Nearest airports are located in Bristol www.nationalrail.co.uk   

    Bus stations are located in: Taunton, Bridgwater, Lynmouth and Lynton.

    South West Public Transport:  www.travelinesw.com/nbindex   

    There is a 2-hourly bus service (No 14) from Bridgwater to Nether Stowey.

    If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements.

    Taxi 

    Approx taxi fares:

    Porlock to Nether Stowey         £50

    Lynton to Nether Stowey          £70

    Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Coleridge Way Client Reviews

    4.9/5 based on 11 reviews
    Overall excellent.
    - October 2019
    Good organisation, lovely walks, good accommodation.
    - October 2019
    Celtic Trails were very good.
    - September 2019
    Celti Trails are great - reliable, everything is taken care of. We've done several walks with them - Pembrokeshire, Wye Valley, Hadrian's Wall, Three Castles. It was great not to have to think about all the daily grind things - walking is a wonderful mental cleanse.
    - August 2019
    I would recommend Celtic Trails to a friend; the holiday was well-organised.
    - May 2019
    Celtic Trails were brilliant - never had any problems; they were always helpful. Luggage transfers were spot on!
    - May 2019
    Celtic Trails were better than the other holiday company we have walked with.
    - September 2018
    What we most enjoyed about this walk was the amazing scenery and the fact that we were walking, almost exclusively, in the country. The accommodation was all very good.
    - August 2018
    "The uphill bits were a struggle, but the views were breathtaking! The walk also contained various terrains, which made it more interesting. The B&Bs that we stayed in each night were wonderful. Warm and welcoming at the end of a long day's walk! It doesn't get much better than this!"
    - May 2018
    Dear Penny, My daughter and I are back in America from our trip and wish we were still in England. The trip was wonderful. Thank you so much for helping us plan our amazing walking trip. We met many lovely people. Everything was top notch. I'm already thinking about next year's trip. Again, thank you so much.
    - May 2018
    ‘This was a magnificent walk through varied and very beautiful countryside. It was more up and down than some walks, but that ensured an everchanging landscape. Definitely one of the best walks I’ve done – memorable and beautiful. Our visit to Coleridge’s cottage made a lovely end to the walk.'
    - September 2016
    Leave your own review of your Coleridge Way Walking Holiday with us - add review.
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    What Happens Next?

    We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.

    Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.

    Still Have Questions?

    If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.

    Enquire About Coleridge Way
    +44 (0)1291 689 774
    Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
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    Sample Accommodations

    Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.