Holidays
Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail

Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail

Guided trails in Exmoor

4 nights

Jun, Jul

Grades 3

4 nights from

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Members

From

£769

Non-members

From

£799

Groups of 10+

or call

020 3974 8865

Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail is a scenic 29-mile walking route set in the heart of Exmoor National Park. Linking nine of Exmoor’s churches and chapels, this inspiring trail follows the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who once journeyed across the moorland to the historic village of Porlock and its ancient church of St Dubricius. This inspiring three-day trail offers walkers a chance to take in the timeless beauty of the Exmoor landscape all while embarking on a journey rooted deep in the region’s remarkable past.

What You’ll Love

Discovering the history of the region
Spectacular scenery from start to finish
Walking a route which links landscapes, legends and people
Travelling a path walked by clergy and parishioners for hundreds of years
The chance to spot red deer on the moors
The sense of accomplishment upon finishing your journey

What's Included

Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation
Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
Daily packed lunches
Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
All transport to and from walks where necessary 
Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail Guide which can be stamped at each church.

Trip Suitability

This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail has walks graded level 3

Your fitness Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr hill days in
Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
Take the stairs every time
Train on different terrain
Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

Itinerary

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Check-in is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. Your walks leader will be at the bar area at 6:30pm to meet the group and give a short introduction to the trail before dinner.

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)

This scenic walk takes us along the stunning Exmoor coast and through peaceful woodlands, connecting four historic churches steeped in heritage. We begin our journey at St Dubricius Church in the charming village of Porlock. This ancient church, with roots dating back to the 13th century, offers a peaceful start to the day. From Porlock the path leads through woodland and descends to the coastal hamlet of Porlock Weir. Here, St Nicolas church, a tin tabernacle, sits close to the sea, offering dramatic views over the area.

The route continues along the South West Coast Path, weaving through ancient woodland, toward the secluded St Beuno’s Church at Culbone. Often cited as England’s smallest parish church, Culbone is only accessible to the public on foot. The final leg of the day takes us inland via The Coleridge Way to the remote St Mary’s Church in Oare - famously featured in R.D Blackmores novel Lorna Doone. The route follows an ancient farm track before ascending the ridge offering impressive views before descending into the peaceful Oare Valley

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

Starting in Oare, the path ascends steadily initially over fields but soon reaches the open moor. The ascent offers panoramic views across the moors and out to the coast – a worthwhile reward. The route continues across wild, open moorland, passing the now derelict Larkbarrow farmstead. Here, we get a real sense of what the landscape looked like before it was tamed by man for farming. Eventually, the walk reaches Stoke Pero Church, one of the most isolated churches in England. With no electricity and perched high above sea level, the tiny church is surrounded by farmland and steep, wooded slopes offering a peaceful and timeless atmosphere that feels miles from anywhere.

Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)

Our final day begins back at Stoke Pero where we descend through steep valleys covered in ancient woodland to the sheltered valley of Luccombe where we’ll viist the 13th Century St Mary’s church. Continuing eastward through rolling farmland and quiet lanes to the hamlet of Tivington, we’ll stop by St Leonard’s Church. Adjoined to a cottage – it once had a connecting door – this little church, simple and serene, is a reminder of the area’s deep rural roots.

After time to explore St Leonard's, the walk ascends gently towards the picturesque village of Selworthy, with its iconic whitewashed cottages. The elegant All Saints Church perched on a hill, offers unrivalled views across the Vale of Porlock and Porlock Bay. Descending through wooded paths, the route leads to Lynch Chapel of Ease, a quiet and contemplative 14th century chapel tucked away near an ancient farmstead. We end our pilgrimage journey at St Dubricius church, where this spiritual trail began. The return to this ancient church ties together a pilgrimage that has lasted for centuries, thanks to the region’s landscape and sacred spaces.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Holnicote House

There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.

• 32 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 40 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Travel cot & high chair • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Two lounges • Garden with croquet lawn • Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Holnicote House has 32 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The rooms in the main building or the thatched grounds, especially Rooms 1 and 4. The first floor rooms have fabulous views across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.

Room supplements

Superior	Premium single	Premium double/twin	Choose your room
£25 pppn	£20 pppn	£20 pppn	£30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House

View more details View holidays here

More Information

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: SEL04-LPT01

2026

Back to dates

Mon 29 Jun – Fri 3 Jul 2026

Trip Note Download

Land Only

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020 3974 8865

Non-members

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Single Price - Land Only

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Non-members

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Single Supplement

Members

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020 3974 8865

Non-members

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020 3974 8865

Itinerary: 4 Nights - Guided Trail

Trip Type: Guided trails

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Trip Suitability

Itinerary

Daily Walk Options