{"id":859,"date":"2026-06-05T17:11:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T17:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=859"},"modified":"2026-06-29T09:49:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T09:49:49","slug":"exmoor-scenic-drives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/exmoor-scenic-drives\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Spectacular Exmoor Scenic Drives: Porlock Hill, Tarr Steps and Little Switzerland"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:19px;line-height:1.5;color:#1a1a3e;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:18px;\">Wild moorland, dramatic coast roads, ancient bridges and Britain&#8217;s steepest A-road, all within easy reach of Bristol Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/exmoor-scenic-drives.png\" alt=\"Exmoor scenic drives route map, from Porlock Hill and the Valley of Rocks to Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon, with Bristol Airport as the gateway\" class=\"wp-image-867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/exmoor-scenic-drives.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/exmoor-scenic-drives-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/exmoor-scenic-drives-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/exmoor-scenic-drives-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 5 best Exmoor scenic drives, all within about 90 minutes of car hire at Bristol Airport.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div style=\"text-align:center;margin:8px auto 16px auto;\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Exmoor-Scenic-Drives-Guide.pdf\" download\n   onclick=\"if(typeof gtag==='function'){gtag('event','file_download',{'file_name':'Exmoor-Scenic-Drives-Guide','file_extension':'pdf','link_text':'Exmoor Scenic Drives Guide','link_url':'https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Exmoor-Scenic-Drives-Guide.pdf'});}\"\n   style=\"display:inline-block;background:#1a1a3e;color:#ffdb70;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;text-decoration:none;padding:15px 32px;border-radius:8px;border:2px solid #ffdb70;box-shadow:0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\">\n&#11015;&nbsp; Download the FREE Exmoor Scenic Drives Guide (PDF)\n<\/a>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#545454;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;margin-top:8px;\">The route map, every drive at a glance, and driving tips. Print it or save it to your phone.<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:inline-block;text-align:left;margin-top:12px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:#404040;\">\n<strong style=\"color:#1a1a3e;\">Download includes:<\/strong>\n<ul style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0;padding-left:20px;line-height:1.6;\">\n \t<li>Route difficulty ratings<\/li>\n \t<li>Safety tips<\/li>\n \t<li>Best-for recommendations<\/li>\n \t<li>Bristol Airport access guide<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-toc\" class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#the-exmoor-scenic-drives-at-a-glance\">The Exmoor Scenic Drives at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-you-need-to-know-before-driving-exmoor\">What You Need to Know Before Driving Exmoor<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#drive-1-porlock-hill-and-the-coast-road-to-lynmouth\">Drive 1: Porlock Hill and the Coast Road to Lynmouth (A39)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#drive-2-lynton-lynmouth-and-the-valley-of-rocks\">Drive 2: Lynton, Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#drive-3-the-lyn-valley-circular\">Drive 3: The Lyn Valley Circular (Watersmeet and Heddon Valley)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#drive-4-tarr-steps-and-the-barle-valley\">Drive 4: Tarr Steps and the Barle Valley<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#drive-5-dunkery-beacon-and-the-doone-valley\">Drive 5: Dunkery Beacon and the Doone Valley<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#hiring-a-car-for-your-exmoor-scenic-drive\">Hiring a Car for Your Exmoor Scenic Drives<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rank-math-list-item\"><a href=\"#plan-your-exmoor-road-trip\">Plan Your Exmoor Road Trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Exmoor scenic drives are among the most thrilling in Britain. This wild national park, straddling West Somerset and North Devon, packs heather moorland, plunging wooded valleys and a dramatic coastline into one compact touring ground, linked by roads that include Porlock Hill, the steepest A-road in the UK. From the cliffs of the Valley of Rocks to the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, a hire car is the perfect way to explore it all, and Bristol is the natural gateway, around 90 minutes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide covers the five best Exmoor scenic drives and everything you need to plan the trip.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"the-exmoor-scenic-drives-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Exmoor Scenic Drives at a Glance<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you only have time for one drive, make it the coast road over Porlock Hill and on to Lynmouth. But the best Exmoor scenic drives reward a full day or two of touring, moor and sea by turns. Here are the five drives at a glance, with distance and difficulty so you can match a route to your time.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table gch-table\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Drive<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Distance<\/th>\n<th style=\"background-color:#1a1a3e;color:#ffffff;padding:10px 8px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #1a1a3e;\">Difficulty<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Porlock Hill and the coast road to Lynmouth (A39)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 12 miles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Hard, very steep, hairpins<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Lynton, Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 4 miles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Easy to moderate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">The Lyn Valley circular (Watersmeet and Heddon Valley)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 21 miles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Tarr Steps and the Barle Valley<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 15 miles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate, narrow lanes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"background-color:#ffdb70;padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Dunkery Beacon and the Doone Valley<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Approx 18 miles<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:9px 8px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Moderate, exposed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-you-need-to-know-before-driving-exmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Need to Know Before Driving Exmoor<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#cf0000\"><strong>IMPORTANT: Porlock Hill is the steepest A-road in the UK, climbing 725 feet in under a mile at gradients up to 1 in 4 (25%), with two tight hairpin bends at the bottom and escape lanes on the descent. It is not suitable for caravans, motorhomes or any towed or heavy vehicle, which should use the gentler Porlock Scenic Toll Road instead. Many Exmoor lanes are single-track with passing places and high hedges, so drive slowly, anticipate oncoming traffic and watch for Exmoor ponies, sheep and walkers on the road.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UK drives on the left. If you are towing or driving a larger vehicle and want to avoid the worst of Porlock Hill, the advice is to descend it rather than climb it, approaching from the Lynmouth side, or to take the Porlock Scenic Toll Road, a gentler 4.2-mile alternative that never exceeds about 1 in 14 and costs only a small toll, currently around &#163;3 for a car. Exmoor roads can be exposed and misty on the high moor, so check the forecast in winter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fuel up in Minehead, Porlock, Lynton or Dulverton before a long day on the moorland lanes, as filling stations are few and far between once you are up on Exmoor. For visitor information and live conditions, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Exmoor National Park Authority (opens in new tab)<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/driving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UK government driving pages (opens in new tab)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"drive-1-porlock-hill-and-the-coast-road-to-lynmouth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 1: Porlock Hill and the Coast Road to Lynmouth (A39)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Porlock-Hill-Exmoor.jpg\" alt=\"Porlock Hill on the A39, the steepest A-road in the UK, on the Exmoor scenic drives towards Lynmouth\" class=\"wp-image-863\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Porlock-Hill-Exmoor.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Porlock-Hill-Exmoor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Porlock-Hill-Exmoor-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Porlock-Hill-Exmoor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Porlock Hill: the steepest A-road in the UK, the dramatic start to the Exmoor coast road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the headline act, the single most dramatic of all the Exmoor scenic drives. The A39 west from Minehead climbs out of the pretty village of Porlock up the notorious Porlock Hill, the steepest A-road in the country, rising 725 feet in under a mile with two hairpin bends and gradients touching 1 in 4. It is a genuine test of car and driver, and the views back over Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel are sensational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stop in Porlock first for its thatched cottages and the tiny harbour at Porlock Weir, then steel yourself for the climb. If you are towing or nervous of the gradient, take the Porlock Scenic Toll Road instead, a gentler wooded climb with sea views and a small toll.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the top, the road runs along the wild northern edge of Exmoor through Countisbury, with the moor on one side and the sea far below on the other, before plunging down Countisbury Hill into Lynmouth. It is one of the finest coastal drives in England, around 12 miles of moor, cliff and sea that sets the tone for everything Exmoor has to offer.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"drive-2-lynton-lynmouth-and-the-valley-of-rocks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 2: Lynton, Lynmouth and the Valley of Rocks<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Valley of Rocks near Lynton, known as Little Switzerland, one of the best scenic drives in Exmoor\" class=\"wp-image-865\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Valley-of-Rocks-near-Lynton-Exmoor-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Valley of Rocks: Exmoor&#8217;s &#8216;Little Switzerland&#8217;, with its resident wild goats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, linked by their famous Victorian cliff railway, sit at the heart of the area the Victorians christened Little Switzerland. From Lynton, a short and spectacular toll road leads west to the Valley of Rocks, a dry valley of jagged rock towers above the sea, home to a herd of feral goats and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Exmoor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a short drive, only a few miles, but it is one of the best scenic drives in Exmoor mile for mile. Park at the Valley of Rocks and walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path along the cliff tops, watching for the goats among the crags, then return to Lynmouth for the harbour and a cream tea. The riverside village was rebuilt after the devastating flood of 1952, and the little museum tells the story. It pairs perfectly with the coast road for a full day in Little Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 30px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\">\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"drive-3-the-lyn-valley-circular\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 3: The Lyn Valley Circular (Watersmeet and Heddon Valley)<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Watersmeet in the Lyn Valley, a wooded river gorge on the Exmoor scenic drives near Lynmouth\" class=\"wp-image-866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Watersmeet-Lyn-Valley-Exmoor-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Watersmeet: where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water in a deep wooded gorge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a satisfying loop that captures the contrast between moor, woodland and coast, the 21-mile Lyn Valley circular is hard to beat. Starting from Lynmouth, the route climbs through the deep wooded gorge of Watersmeet, where the East Lyn River tumbles down to meet Hoar Oak Water, then heads out across open moorland to Brendon and Countisbury before dropping back to the coast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A short detour takes in the Heddon Valley, one of the deepest river valleys in England, running down to a wild stretch of coast near Trentishoe. This is classic Exmoor touring, all dense oak woodland, rushing water and big moorland skies, and one of the most rewarding of all the Exmoor scenic drives for sheer variety. Stop at Watersmeet House, a former fishing lodge now run as a tea garden by the National Trust, for a break beside the river before climbing back onto the moor.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"drive-4-tarr-steps-and-the-barle-valley\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 4: Tarr Steps and the Barle Valley<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1706\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Tarr Steps clapper bridge over the River Barle, a highlight of the Exmoor scenic drives in the Barle Valley\" class=\"wp-image-864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Tarr-Steps-Exmoor-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tarr Steps: the ancient clapper bridge over the River Barle, deep in central Exmoor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heading into the heart of central Exmoor, the lanes from the old market town of Dulverton follow the lovely Barle Valley to Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge of massive stone slabs crossing the River Barle, thought to be one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. The drive there, through Dulverton and along the wooded river valley, is gentle and beautiful, a complete contrast to the high coast road.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continue on towards Simonsbath, a tiny village in an area the locals call Exmoor proper, set among miles of open moorland crossed by the infant River Barle. These are narrow, hedge-lined lanes that call for a careful pace, but they lead through some of the quietest and most timeless country in the national park, well worth the unhurried driving.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"drive-5-dunkery-beacon-and-the-doone-valley\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drive 5: Dunkery Beacon and the Doone Valley<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"882\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dunkery-Beacon-summit-cairn-Exmoor.jpg\" alt=\"Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, with sweeping moorland views on the best scenic drives in Exmoor\" class=\"wp-image-861\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dunkery-Beacon-summit-cairn-Exmoor.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dunkery-Beacon-summit-cairn-Exmoor-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dunkery-Beacon-summit-cairn-Exmoor-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dunkery-Beacon-summit-cairn-Exmoor-768x529.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dunkery Beacon: at 519 metres, the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the wildest, most open driving on Exmoor, head up towards Dunkery Beacon, at 519 metres the highest point on the moor and in Somerset. The narrow road across Dunkery Hill climbs through heather moorland to a high point with one of the finest views in the South West, reaching on a clear day from the Brecon Beacons to Dartmoor and out across the Bristol Channel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From here the lanes drop towards the Doone Valley, the wild country around Badgworthy Water made famous by R. D. Blackmore&#8217;s novel Lorna Doone. This is bleak, beautiful upland driving, exposed and quiet, so take care in mist or poor weather. It rounds out the extraordinary variety that makes Exmoor such a rewarding place to drive, from sea cliffs to high open moor in a single day.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"hiring-a-car-for-your-exmoor-scenic-drive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiring a Car for Your Exmoor Scenic Drives<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exmoor is best explored at your own pace, and a hire car is the only realistic way to link the moor, the coast and the hidden valleys. The nearest major airport with the full range of suppliers is Bristol, around 90 minutes from the eastern edge of the moor at Porlock. For everything you need on collecting a car, the suppliers and the best rates, see our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/bristol.htm\">car hire in Bristol and at Bristol Airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A smaller, nimbler car is a real advantage on the Exmoor scenic drives, especially on Porlock Hill and the tight moorland lanes. Wherever you are heading in Britain, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/uk.htm\">UK car hire guide<\/a> compares all the major suppliers in one search, with insurance and taxes included. Compare deals below and start planning your trip across the moor.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-drive-across-exmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you drive across Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Exmoor is criss-crossed by scenic roads and lanes, from the dramatic A39 coast road over Porlock Hill to quiet single-track lanes across the high moor. The best Exmoor scenic drives link the coast at Lynmouth and Porlock with the inland valleys around Tarr Steps and Dulverton and the high moorland of Dunkery Beacon. A hire car lets you explore it all at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"how-steep-is-porlock-hill\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How steep is Porlock Hill?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porlock Hill is the steepest A-road in the UK, climbing about 725 feet in under a mile with gradients reaching 1 in 4 (25%) and two tight hairpin bends near the bottom. It has escape lanes on the descent and is not suitable for caravans or heavy vehicles, which should use the gentler Porlock Scenic Toll Road instead. In a normal car, taken slowly, it is a memorable but manageable climb.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"how-long-do-you-need-to-drive-exmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long do you need to drive Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can drive the headline coast road over Porlock Hill to Lynmouth in a couple of hours, but to enjoy the Exmoor scenic drives properly, including the Valley of Rocks, the Lyn Valley circular, Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon, allow a full day or two. The roads are slow and winding, and you will want time to stop, walk and take in the views.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"what-is-the-best-scenic-drive-in-exmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best scenic drive in Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most spectacular single drive is the A39 coast road over Porlock Hill and along the moorland edge to Lynmouth, taking in Little Switzerland and the Valley of Rocks. For variety, the 21-mile Lyn Valley circular combines wooded gorges, moorland and coast in one loop. The best plan is to combine several of these routes over a day or two.<\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"which-airport-is-best-for-exmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which airport is best for Exmoor?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bristol Airport is the best gateway for Exmoor, around 90 minutes from the eastern edge of the moor and with all the main car hire suppliers on site. It makes the Exmoor scenic drives easy to reach for a long weekend or a touring holiday. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/bristol.htm\">car hire Bristol<\/a> guide for details.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"plan-your-exmoor-road-trip\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Exmoor Road Trip<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the heart-stopping climb of Porlock Hill to the wild goats of the Valley of Rocks, the ancient stones of Tarr Steps and the high moorland of Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor packs an extraordinary range of landscapes into one compact national park, all within easy reach of Bristol. The Exmoor scenic drives are among the most rewarding and underrated driving destinations in the South West.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick up a hire car at Bristol, point it south west towards the moor, and Exmoor is yours. Compare car hire deals below and start planning your Exmoor scenic drives.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"padding:20px 0 40px 0;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;\">\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exploring more of the South West? Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/cheddar-gorge-scenic-drive\/\">Cheddar Gorge scenic drive<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"author-bio\" style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:20px;padding:24px;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;margin:30px 0;\">\n<div class=\"author-info\">\n<h4 style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;color:#222;\">About the Author<\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#555;\">Written by the Digitalhound.co.uk editorial team. Every guide is thoroughly researched with genuine local knowledge, road numbers, food stops and practical driving tips gathered from on-the-ground experience.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top:2em;padding-top:1em;border-top:1px solid #eeeeee;text-align:center;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#545454;\">Follow Getcarhire.com: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">X<\/a> &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/getcarhire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=6\"><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget-banner.js?v=6\"><\/script>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/exmoor-scenic-drives\/#article\",\"headline\":\"5 Spectacular Exmoor Scenic Drives: Porlock Hill, Tarr Steps and Little Switzerland\",\"description\":\"Drive the best Exmoor scenic drives: Porlock Hill (the steepest A-road in the UK), the Valley of Rocks, the Lyn Valley circular, Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon. Around 90 minutes from Bristol.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Digitalhound Editorial Team\"},\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Getcarhire.com\"}},{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/exmoor-scenic-drives\/#faq\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can you drive across Exmoor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Exmoor is criss-crossed by scenic roads and lanes, from the dramatic A39 coast road over Porlock Hill to quiet single-track lanes across the high moor. The best Exmoor scenic drives link the coast at Lynmouth and Porlock with the inland valleys around Tarr Steps and Dulverton and the high moorland of Dunkery Beacon. A hire car lets you explore it all at your own pace.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How steep is Porlock Hill?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Porlock Hill is the steepest A-road in the UK, climbing about 725 feet in under a mile with gradients reaching 1 in 4 (25%) and two tight hairpin bends near the bottom. It has escape lanes on the descent and is not suitable for caravans or heavy vehicles, which should use the gentler Porlock Scenic Toll Road instead. In a normal car, taken slowly, it is a memorable but manageable climb.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long do you need to drive Exmoor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can drive the headline coast road over Porlock Hill to Lynmouth in a couple of hours, but to enjoy the Exmoor scenic drives properly, including the Valley of Rocks, the Lyn Valley circular, Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon, allow a full day or two. The roads are slow and winding, and you will want time to stop, walk and take in the views.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the best scenic drive in Exmoor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The most spectacular single drive is the A39 coast road over Porlock Hill and along the moorland edge to Lynmouth, taking in Little Switzerland and the Valley of Rocks. For variety, the 21-mile Lyn Valley circular combines wooded gorges, moorland and coast in one loop. The best plan is to combine several of these routes over a day or two.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which airport is best for Exmoor?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Bristol Airport is the best gateway for Exmoor, around 90 minutes from the eastern edge of the moor and with all the main car hire suppliers on site. It makes the Exmoor scenic drives easy to reach for a long weekend or a touring holiday.\"}}]}]}<\/script>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wild moorland, dramatic coast roads, ancient bridges and Britain&#8217;s steepest A-road, all within easy reach of Bristol Airport. The 5 best Exmoor scenic drives, all within about 90 minutes of car hire at Bristol Airport. &#11015;&nbsp; Download the FREE Exmoor Scenic Drives Guide (PDF) The route map, every drive at a glance, and driving tips. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scenic-drives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=859"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1263,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/859\/revisions\/1263"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}