Simonsbath to Cow Castle

If you want to see the very essence of Exmoor then try this delightful walk as it gently meanders along the River Barle between Simonsbath, Landacre and eventually Dulverton, towards Exebridge.

This is a short walk, not circular but ideal for a few hours and it’s not a rollercoaster of steep climbs or sheer drops. It’s a small segment of the much longer Two Moors Way that stretches some 102 miles from Ivybridge in South Devon, through Dartmoor to Exmoor, to Lynmouth.

Park up in car park in Simonsbath, just after the Exmoor Forest Inn as you drive from Lynmouth. There are public toilets here, so a great opportunity for a comfort break. Exit the Car Park and head towards the inn, cross the road where you see the signs for Bridleway to Wheal Eliza and Cow Castle.

This wooded area is called Birchcleave Wood. This is the start of the walk, and it’s the same path all the way to Cow Castle and beyond.

The entire River Barle valley is teeming with life, bursting with nature and birdsong. Take in the wonderful country smells and the soothing sounds of the river as it tumbles and turns on its endless journey.

The path isn’t close to the river to begin with, but it does get closer later on in the walk. As you emerge from the wooded area the smooth stone path continues through the valley towards Flexbarrow, then Wheal Eliza. Flexbarrow is a small hill on the right of the path, just before Wheal Eliza. If you have time, there is a delightful detour around Flexbarrow that takes you right down to the river edge. It’s beautiful and relaxing. This path eventually meets up with your original path at Wheal Eliza. Wheal Eliza is an old mine that was originally dug to mine copper, but unfortunately yielded none. All that remains is the ruins of the Wheal Eliza Cottages and a closed-off mine shaft. This area has quite the dark history, making it as eerie as it is beautiful. Walk up, past the mine, following the fence and continue on the stone path to Cow Castle.

The path bends to the right following the river down to a charming path made of set stones, that kiss the river edge.

The moss on the trees here is magical and elven. Walk through the next wooded enclave along the river, with Cow Castle in plain sight ahead of you.

Cow Castle is home to an ancient Iron Age hill fort, long since gone – but it’s footprint can be easily seen from a distance.

As this is the end of this particular walk, it’s time to head back the way you came.

However, if you wanted to extend the walk and make it circular, consider taking the narrow track behind the hill up to ‘Picked Stones’. From here you can follow the bridleway atop the River Barle valley through White Water / Winstitchen back to Simonsbath.

River Walk, Simonsbath Walk, Moorland Walk

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