The Brendon Hills, very close to Exmoor House, have been described as the bridge between Exmoor proper and the Quantocks and deserve to be much better known than they are. Stretching from near Bishops Lydeard in the east to Wheddon Cross in the west, the Brendons fall within the Exmoor National Park boundary and, like Exmoor itself, provide great walkingand touring country.

These days the Brendons are a haven of peace and quiet, but it wasn't always so. From the mid to late nineteenth century the hills were home to numerous iron ore mines. A special railway - the old Mineral Line - transported the ore down to Watchet, from where it was shipped across the Bristol Channel to be smelted in Wales. The photo on the right shows The Incline, which in its day was a remarkable feat of railway engineering.Today it's a scheduled ancient monument, with ongoing preservation work. You can find more details at www.westsomersetmineralrailway.org.uk/

From a network of waymarked footpaths, you'll find terrific views across the Bristol Channel (the hills rise to over 1200 feet) and unspoilt, resolutely untouristy villages such as Luxborough and Monksilver. Take any of the side turnings off the main ridge road (the B3224) to discover narrow country lanes that are largely traffic-free (though you might well encounter, as we have, a few pheasants or partridges).

For more information about accommodation and food at Exmoor House, including short breaks packages, click on the buttons at the top of the page, or the links below.

To check availability or make a booking to stay at Exmoor House, contact Rosi & Frank: