Heddon Valley

About this route

Heddon Valley is a National Trust site within Exmoor National Park – a stunning natural haven of wooded slopes, a winding river, and a pebble beach where the River Heddon meets the sea. Its ancient oak and hazel woodlands host birds like redstarts and wood warblers, while the river is home to otters, kingfishers, and brown trout. Surrounding heathlands are rich with heather, gorse, and rare butterflies such as the high brown and heath fritillaries. With a history of lime kilns and mining, the valley also inspired Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poetry. Managed by the National Trust, it offers scenic trails like the Heddon’s Mouth walk, blending breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Getting Around

By car:

By bus: Regular service from Barnstaple to Lynton (passing close Barnstaple train station), alight just north of Parracombe, then 2 miles

Facilities
Cafe, car park, pub, toilets, dog friendly.
Terrain
Accessibility

Interesting information

The Heddon Valley is home to an array of butterfly species, including the High Brown Fritillary.

As one of the rarest butterflies in the UK, the high brown population numbers were on a steep decline, losing 85% of its population since the 1970s. Thanks to the work done by the West Exmoor Ranger and volunteer team, these numbers are now back on the rise.

High Brown Fritillary Neil Hulme
High Brown Fritillary, Neil Hulme

You can explore more in this area

View of the north Devon coastal cliffs and sea at Valley of the Rocks
5miles/
8kms

Lynton and the Valley of Rocks

The spectacular landscape of the Lynton area, where Exmoor meets the sea, lends itself to superb walking. Lynton itself is
Photo of bracket fungus

Watersmeet, Exmoor

Watersmeet is one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the south west. Oak dominates the canopy, but other species
Photo of bracket fungus

Watersmeet, Exmoor

Watersmeet is one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the south west. Oak dominates the canopy, but other species
Photo of bracket fungus

Watersmeet, Exmoor

Watersmeet is one of the largest remaining ancient woodlands in the south west. Oak dominates the canopy, but other species