Walk from Somerset into Exmoor on a route inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Passing through the Quantock Hills, Brendon Hills and on to the North Devon coast, this is a varied and characterful journey through classic English countryside, with a strong sense of literary and natural heritage.
Highlights
Following in the footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, this route offers a quietly rewarding journey through some of South West England’s most evocative landscapes. Beginning in Nether Stowey, where Coleridge wrote many of his best-known works, the trail leads through the Quantock Hills, England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The walking is varied, from wooded combes and farmland to open moorland as you cross into Exmoor National Park. Wildlife is a constant presence, with red deer often seen on the hills and a wide variety of birdlife.
The final stages lead to the coast, with far-reaching views before descending to Porlock or continuing to Lynmouth. Along the way, traditional villages, inns and tearooms provide a warm and characterful backdrop to a walk that feels both peaceful and steeped in history.
The walk begins in Nether Stowey, climbing gently into the Quantocks where wooded valleys give way to open heathland and sweeping views. Early sections are well-defined but quiet, setting the tone for the route.
Crossing into the Brendon Hills, the landscape becomes more remote, with long stretches of forest tracks and open moorland. The terrain is varied rather than steep, though some climbs are sustained.
Entering Exmoor, paths wind through small villages, farmland and heather-covered slopes before descending towards the coast. The route finishes at Porlock Bay or continues inland through wooded valleys and alongside rivers to Lynmouth.
Navigation is generally straightforward but requires attention in quieter sections where paths intersect across open ground and woodland.
What sets the Coleridge Way apart is its strong sense of place, shaped as much by literature as by landscape. This is not simply a scenic route, but one closely connected to the Romantic movement, with Coleridge and William Wordsworth drawing inspiration from these hills and valleys.
That connection still feels tangible today. The changing scenery, from enclosed woodland to open moor, mirrors the shifting moods in their writing. There is a quietness to the route, with fewer walkers than many better-known trails, allowing space to reflect and take in the surroundings.
Combined with traditional villages, historic inns and coastal views at the journey’s end, it is a walk that offers both variety and depth without ever feeling crowded.
Choose Your Walk
From £845 Per Person
From £635 Per Person
From £605 Per Person
From £520 Per Person
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.
4.7/5 based on 40 reviews
"Very well organised, great accommodation and transfers."
"Very efficient & well organised, so we could concentrate on enjoying the walk. All arrangements went smoothly."
"staff v good and good service."
"The personal approach made a big difference, some of the other companies seem v anonymous. We had the sense that Celtic Trails really wanted to make sure we had a good experience. The icing on the cake was that we received a hard copy of maps and relevant info. The last company we walked with simply refused to send us a hard copy even when we said we don't want to carry any devices with us, or if one of us does for emergency purposes, we don't want to be checking a small phone for the route, finding our glasses to read it etc! I also like to add a few notes to the instructions as a kind of diary (also handy for when the info wasn't quite clear)."
"Very good, friendly service & mostly excellent maps & descriptions"
"Efficient service, good information pack."
"Celtic Trails are very responsive, friendly and send clear emails with full details at appropriate stages of the booking progress."
"The best way to travel on walking holidays, where you get god recommendations for your ability"
"Friendly, efficient and reliable"
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
The former home of Samuel Taylor Coleridge is where he wrote some of his most celebrated works. Now open to visitors, the cottage hosts poetry readings, talks and occasional events in the adjoining orchard.
Managed by the National Trust, it is typically open from March to October, though opening times can vary, so it is worth checking in advance. Coleridge’s Cottage is located on the Nether Stowey to Bicknoller section of the route and is included in all of our itineraries.
Running parallel to the North Devon coast, this dry valley offers striking views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales. The landscape is rugged and largely undeveloped, with wild goats often seen along the cliff paths, adding to its distinctive character.
It is the scenery that draws visitors here, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping coastal vistas making it a memorable spot. The Valley of the Rocks can be visited as an extension of the Brendon to Lynmouth section of the COL3 itinerary, or as part of a rest day in Lynmouth.
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.
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.
Explore our other walking holidays...
Southern England
