There is a part of Exmoor which will forever be known as Lorna Doone Country. At the heart of it is ‘Doone Valley’ also known as Badgworthy Valley. It’s a magical, mystical place and it makes for a lovely walk.

The heart of Loona Doone country is tiny Malmsmead, which lies deep in the valley below County Gate, on Exmoor.

In the village itself is Lorna Doone Farm, and nearby Oare House and Oare Church, where R D Blackmore’s grandfather was once rector.

This picturesque walk passes the Blackmore Memorial and follows Badgworthy Water to a ruin known as Lorna’s Cott, climbing across open moorland towards Brendon Common and returning over Malmsmead Hill.