Against the backdrop of small fields and hedgerows, go for a ramble on Exmoor, along the beautifully wooded Exe Valley and up to open moorland for fine views, writes Nigel Vile

This walk is about five miles – use the map OS Outdoor Leisure 9 Exmoor GR 854384. The crossing of a ford over the River Exe may provide a challenge. Be sure to pack a towel to dry your feet. Start at the village green in the centre of Exford.

Lying on the B3224, Exford is six miles west of Wheddon Cross en route to Simonsbath. Turn off north-wards by the Crown Hotel and park alongside the village green. The White Horse Inn is two minutes' walk along the B3224.

H ouses and shops are grouped together around a pleasant village green in Exford, while at the western end, the creeper-clad White Horse Inn sits alongside an ancient bridge over the River Exe.

The village has a backdrop of small fields and hedgerows, a landscape that is so typical of this part of Exmoor and which can truly be appreciated from high on Room Hill.

Below the hilltops lies the beautifully wooded Exe Valley, bringing a secluded and peaceful conclusion to this fine walk in one of England's magnificent national parks.

Situated opposite the River Exe in the heart of Exford, the White Horse Inn is a lovely 16th-century coaching inn.

In the comfortable beamed and carpeted bar there are country-themed prints adorning the walls, open log fires in winter, Exmoor Ale on tap, and an extensive menu listing traditional pub meals.

Look out for the inn's specialities, namely venison, pheasant and partridge from the surrounding moors, locally caught lobster and daily deliveries of fresh fish, and the platter of Somerset cheeses – all from select local suppliers. There is also a Sunday lunch carvery.

The White Horse is also a hotel and is open from 7.30am to 11.30pm daily. Food is served from noon to 2.30pm, and 6pm to 9.30pm. Tel: 01643 831229.

1.

From the green, follow the B3224 to the right in the direction of Simonsbath.

Cross the River Exe by the White Horse Inn and run left along the lane sign-posted to Withypool and Dulverton, initially passing the youth hostel.

In 250 yards (229m), on a sharp right-hand bend, turn left down the lane leading to Court Farm. Follow this lane down through the farm and holiday complex, looking out for the waymarks to Withypool via Room Hill.

Having passed Court House and Court Mill, pass through a gateway ahead to follow a bridleway to Room Hill.

Keep on what is an enclosed track for half a mile until it eventually climbs to reach a gate at the top of Court Copse and an open hillside field.

2.

Cross this hillside field to a gateway opposite – with fine views to the left towards Exford.

Beyond this gateway, turn right and walk uphill to a gate at the end of a line of beech trees.

Pass through this gateway, and follow the right edges of the next two fields before continuing along the bridleway as it crosses open moorland.

In 200 yards (189m) at a fork, bear left and continue for 500 yards (457m) to the next junction of paths. Keep on the left-hand path sign-posted to Winsford – passing the head of a combe on the left – and continue for 450 yards (412m) to a gate in the far corner of this open hilltop.

Just before this gateway, turn left and walk downhill, keeping a beech hedgerow about 20 yards (18m) to the right.

Drop steadily downhill for 650 yards (594m) to reach the River Exe, turn right for 50 yards (46m) and cross the river. Once across the River Exe, follow the path opposite that climbs to the right to reach a track.

Turn left and follow this track across the side of the Exe Valley for one mile to reach a property called Lyncombe.

Pass the house, barns and outbuildings to reach a gate and continue along the track for 20 yards (18m) to a stile and footpath on the left.

3.

Cross the stile, and bear right to follow a footpath across the field to a stile in the far corner by the River Exe.

Continue along a short section of riverside path to a pair of stiles, then cross the next riverside meadow to a gate in the end field boundary.

Follow the right edge of the next field to a stile in the corner, then take the path across the following field that shortly bears right to cross to a stile in the corner of the field and a track.

Turn left and follow this track back towards Exford. In 300 yards (274m), just before the Exe and Court Farm, turn right through a kissing gate and follow a path alongside the river and across a meadow to reach a car park in Exford.

Follow the road beyond the car park to the B3224, turn left and walk back to the village green.

Place of Interest: Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge carrying an ancient trackway across the River Barle, lies a few miles to the south of Exford.

Dating from 1000BC, some of the stones weigh five tonnes and were said to have been placed there by the Devil to win a bet.

Pub Walks for Motorists Bristol & Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire, by Nigel Vile, is published by Countryside Books priced £8.99.