West Country Cottages for Winter Walks

Here are a few of our favourite West Country holiday cottages for winter walks in the Westcountry, from the Mendip Hills in Somerset to the Cornish Riviera.

Bridesmere, Moretonhampstead – Sleeps 8

This converted barn has a large entrance hall where you can store your coats and muddy boots after a day exploring Dartmoor National Park. A lovely footpath starts in Moretonhampstead and climbs through lush countryside to the Iron Age hill fort of Cranbrook Castle. Stop for a picnic and enjoy the views across Dartmoor before descending back to the village.

Hill House Farm Cottage, Cheddar – Sleeps 4

Somerset countryside holiday cottage in the  Mendip Hills 

Hill House Farm Cottage has open fires and a secure garden where you can leave your dog without worrying about an escape. We highly recommend the Cheddar Gorge Walk, a four-mile footpath along the weathered crags and pinnacles of one of England’s most remarkable natural sights. This well-signposted route begins at the National Trust information centre and takes roughly an hour and 40 minutes to complete.

Foxwitchen, Withypool – Sleeps 14

Large cottage with views across Exmoor National Park

Foxwitchen is a beautiful place to unwind after a day of walking, with open fireplaces, underfloor heating and beautifully furnished living areas. This luxury holiday cottage is set amid some of Exmoor’s most idyllic countryside. Don’t miss the four-mile route that starts in Withypool and follows the banks of the River Barle to Landacre Bridge before returning to the village along a rugged hillside.

Selworthy, Dunster – Sleeps 4

Exmoor holiday cottage with original beams and exposed brickwork

This dog-friendly holiday home is located on a small Somerset estate in the Avill Valley, surrounded by the ancient woods, rolling hills and high, open moorland of Exmoor National Park. Take a tour of the village, stopping at the old butter cross in St George’s Churchyard and the restored dovecote before ascending to medieval Dunster Castle. Reserve another day for a walk on the South West Coast Path. Start in Minehead and make your way over the clifftops towards Porlock Weir, enjoying views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales.

4 Coastguards, Bigbury-on-Sea – Sleeps 6

Coastal cottage with a spacious balcony overlooking a sandy beach

4 Coastguards has a large storage area for your hiking gear and a handy outside shower for washing off at the end of the day. The South West Coast Path runs right past the doorstep, heading west towards Challaborough and Mothecombe and east towards Bantham and Hope Cove, passing wide river estuaries and secret beaches along the way.

Kara Mor, Duporth Bay – Sleeps 5

Modern Cornish Riviera holiday cottage with stunning sea views at Duporth Bay

Kara Mor is ideally located for exploring the beautiful stretch of the South West Coast Path along St Austell Bay. Spend one day walking east, past the Georgian harbour at Charlestown, to the sandy beach at Polkerris, and another day heading west along the Roseland Heritage Coast to the fishing port of Mevagissey.