Dulverton lies in a steep, wooded valley at the confluence of the River Barle and River Exe. The town offers different ways to plan your stay: short walks around Dulverton, a long route across the high ground and moorland, or historic buildings by the water. First consider how much time you want to set aside for walking.
Walks and activities around Dulverton
The Dulverton Sound Walks are downloadable, self-guided audio tours based on voices from the Exmoor Oral History Archive. Both start at the statue of Lorna Doone on Exmoor Lawns and lead through the town. The routes are step-free, and each of the two walks takes about an hour. This clearly sets them apart in duration from the Dulverton and Tarr Steps walking route, which is 20.3 kilometres long and takes about five to six hours.
The Dulverton and Tarr Steps route crosses hills, ridges and moorland above Dulverton. The return to town then follows the wooded valley of the River Barle. The details on distance and duration can help you distinguish this longer hike from the shorter Sound Walks when planning your days.
A public footpath at the foot of Burridge Woods runs parallel to the River Barle as part of the Exe Valley Way. Dulverton is also a possible starting point for a circular walk through Burridge Woods, returning via Marsh Bridge. The River Barle near Dulverton is also suitable for canoeing and kayaking. If you plan to do this, check current access arrangements in advance.
Bridges, water and local history
Barle Bridge is a five-arched stone bridge of medieval origin that crosses the River Barle in Dulverton. It still carries vehicle traffic across the river. The old leat also shapes the town's history by the water: together with the weir, it forms an urban watermill landscape dating back more than 700 years. The historic leat once powered four mills and flows through Dulverton; there are several viewpoints along its course.
If you are interested in architecture, take a look at the town hall on Fore Street: it has detached double external staircases and a covered porch. The Dulverton Heritage Centre introduces visitors to the history, natural history and architecture of the surrounding area. Its displays include Granny Baker’s Kitchen, the Dulverton Room and an exhibition on the history of the Exmoor pony.
A complete model of Dulverton’s historic railway station is housed in a separate building, with moving trains and carriages. The station itself closed in 1966. The model and the Heritage Centre’s historical subjects offer different ways to explore local history, from the building and its past to a detailed representation with moving parts.
Markets, tastings and Exmoor ponies
The Dulverton Farmers Market takes place on the last Saturday of each month from April to September, from 10:00 to 14:30, at Lion Stables Car Park. Check the date for your travel period if you plan to visit the market.
The Exmoor Distillery in Dulverton offers tours and tastings about the production of gin and rum. Dates and availability may change, so check what is available before visiting. This lets you plan a visit to the distillery as a separate activity, distinct from the hikes or walks around town.
At the Exmoor Pony Centre in Ashwick near Dulverton, visitors can see Exmoor ponies up close in the yard, in the paddocks and in the petting area. Taster lessons are also offered in an indoor riding arena; advance booking is required. Meeting the ponies and taking a riding lesson are two different activities, so allow time and plan accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Minehead, Fivehead, Tintinhull, Templecombe, Evercreech, Ilminster, Mells, South Petherton.
For the broader travel guide: Somerset.
