Ashton Cleave and the Oare Water
At the far right corner of the car park, by the toposcope memorial to poet and countryman John Peel, you will find a footpath post. Take the left fork, signed ‘Brendon’, enjoying spectacular views over steep-sided Ashton Cleave and beyond to Brendon Common and Exmoor’s highest ground, The Chains (rising to just under 1,600ft/487m). Follow the narrow path above Ashton Cleave, eventually dropping to a footpath post just before a gate.
Turn sharp left downhill, signed ‘Malsmead and Oare’. The path descends steeply along the top edge of pretty oak and birch woodland to meet the East Lyn River, and continues along its left bank. Pass through a gate and along the right edge of a small meadow, then through a big gate between a high hedge and the river.
Pass through a gate by a white cottage (private: note there is no access to the lane here, and dogs should be kept on leads), cross the drive and go through another gate. The broad, grassy path passes the confluence of the Oare and Badgworthy waters – follow the Oare Water ahead.
Reach a big footbridge over the river. For the optional 0.5-mile (800m) there-and-back extension to Malmsmead, cross the footbridge and follow the path gently uphill and through a gate to a lane. Turn right to pass the drive to Cloud Farm, soon crossing 17th-century Malmsmead Bridge over the Badgworthy Water. To continue on the main the walk pass the footbridge, soon turning left away from the river, and ascending gently past a bridlepath sign.
At the next sign turn left and climb steadily uphill through gorse and bracken, eventually to pass through a gate into the car park. A dilapidated wall running down the valley side to the left marks the Devon–Somerset border. Look out also for areas of scree on the steep valley sides, resulting from intense freeze-thaw action in the underlying rock.
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Been on this walk?
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
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- Sky or freeview
- En suite
- Total units: 1
- Sky or freeview
- En suite
- Internet
- Rooms 8
- Free TV
- Wifi
- Open parking


