Meandering the banks of the River Barle & Dulverton
11 people attending
4 places left
Join us for a scenic and tranquil walk through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Dulverton, the gateway to Exmoor. This circular route follows the picturesque River Barle, taking in ancient woodlands, historic landmarks, and breathtaking countryside views.
We begin our journey in Dulverton, a charming market town nestled on the banks of the River Barle. As we set off, we will pass the iconic Lorna Doone statue, a much-loved local landmark where visitors often place flowers in her bronze hand. From here, we make our way to the medieval Barle Bridge, a five-arched stone bridge that has stood the test of time.
Following the river, we’ll walk along its tranquil banks, skirting Burridge Wood, which sits high above the valley and is thought to be the site of an ancient fort. Our path continues through Syds Wood, Invention Wood, and Buckminster Wood, immersing us in the peaceful ambiance of Exmoor’s enchanting forests. We then head towards Venford Wood and onto Hawkridge Ridge, where the views open to rolling countryside and expansive farmland.
From Hawkridge Ridge, we will cross farmland and quiet country lanes as we make our way back to Dulverton. Around 75% of our route follows the banks of the River Barle, allowing us to fully enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water and the serenity of the surrounding woodland. The return stretch through open fields and lanes provides a contrasting landscape to complete our day’s adventure.
We look forward to sharing this beautiful walk with you and enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded walkers. See you in Dulverton!
Don't waste that space!
Spring and Summer walks mean lots of new and existing members excited to be getting out more. Please only book if you know you can make it. Should your plans change please free up the space immediately for someone else who could attend.
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
Remember we will encounter livestock and horses, and land owners and authorities have clearly signposted their expectation of the integrity and assurity they require of any dog owner, and their dog whilst on their farm land.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, then feel free to message me or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits:
All leader's own images, taken on a cold winters day. I grant permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
My other walks for 2025:
Getting tipsy on nature at The Punchbowl, via the Tarr Steps – 15th March 2025
IMPORTANT - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.










What to bring
Note that the kit list below is only a broad general guide and you will need to consider the weather forecast and specific conditions when deciding what to wear closer to the time.
Water: Without fail bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable boots and designed for hiking. Walking boots/shoes are highly recommended for this walk.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay shaded in summer, or something to keep your head warm in the cooler months
Sunglasses & Suntan Lotion: for sunny days, your shades and some UV protection.
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a decent supply of of water to keep you fully hydrated throughout the day.