Exmoor Specialist Activities

Click here for Specialist Activity providers.

Exmoor offers a wealth of special and unique opportunities just a few of which are detailed below. For those of you looking for quality outdoor activities such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, nordic walking - the list goes on, then go to www.activeexmoor.com. If you would like to be guided on walks, rides, rock climbing, mountain biking, again the list goes on, then go to www.leisureguides.org.uk for a list of friendly, knowledgeable guides.

Bird Watching

Three special features of Exmoor explain its rich resident and migrant bird life:

• Its low population density and man's limited impact on its landscape and vegetation - over half of the Exmoor National Park is semi-natural habitat
• It's very diverse topography and vegetation with mixed and rare ecosystems - steep rugged cliffs, wooded cliffs, natural moorland of heather heath and scrub and its sheltered wooded and open valleys with their streams and rivers
• The mild winters in its coastal areas.

Keep an eye out for the many species of raptors, the common buzzards, sparrow hawks and kestrels, also peregrines, merlins, hobbies, possibly hen harriers, red kites, and even goshawks, in winter. A wealth of smaller birds: kingfishers and dippers can be spotted along the streams in valley bottoms, plus stonechats, whinchats, Dartford warblers and more... little egrets, hoopoes, mergansers

The area with the greatest diversity of habitat is Porlock Vale - one place to be visited during your stay!

Deer Watching

Exmoor is home to Englands largest herds of wild red deer. These roam freely over its moors and hide in its combes.

Seeing these large wild animals, especially some of the regal stags, is an exhilarating experience that captures the essence of the space and freedom of Exmoor.

Whether you are out walking, riding or quietly driving over the moor, there is always the chance of seeing deer. Your can increase your chances of finding them by seeking local knowledge and advice as to where and when to look.

Alternatively, you can book a place on a four wheel drive safari when your driver and guide will use his, or her, local knowledge of smaller highways and byeways and maybe also private land, to find the deer for you. These safaris explore the hidden heart of Exmoor. They are exciting for children and fascinating for adults, both for the actual experience of being driven into areas inaccessible without four wheel drive, and because of the total natural history experience.

Golf

The most central golf course to Greater Exmoor is at Minehead, along the coast just east of the town, with Minehead Hill as an impressive backdrop - a challenging course which meanders between farmland and the beach.

Other courses cluster on the eastern and western side of Exmoor, around Taunton, slightly north east of Wiveliscombe, marked on the orientation map, and from Chumleigh along the western side northwards to Saunton, just north of Barnstaple, and Illfracombe.
For contact details click here.

All offer green fees and the selection shown should enable visitors to find the appropriate type, location and price for a round or two. For a more special, or dedicated, round there is Saunton Sands -championship links! Fine scenery and fresh air is the common characteristic of these parkland and links courses.

Summary details of most can be found on www.golf.co.uk