Exmoor, National park and royal forest in Somerset West and Taunton, United Kingdom
Exmoor is a national park and former royal forest in Somerset West and Taunton, North Devon, and Mid Devon in southwest England. The terrain extends across gritstone moorlands, ancient woodlands, steep coastal cliffs, and hidden bays along the Bristol Channel.
The Domesday Book of the 11th century recorded this area as a royal hunting ground before King Henry II established official forest regulations in the 13th century. Later centuries brought gradual changes in land use until the area was designated a national park in the mid-20th century.
The Exmoor pony, recorded in medieval manuscripts, represents one of Britain's oldest horse breeds and continues to roam freely across the moorland. These hardy animals are a living part of the landscape that visitors often observe while walking the paths.
The B3223 route provides access to numerous parking areas and trailheads, connecting visitors to an extensive network of walking paths. The terrain can be steep and wet, so sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are advisable in any season.
The park holds status as an International Dark Sky Reserve, with minimal light pollution allowing clear views of the Milky Way and celestial objects. On moonless nights, thousands of stars appear above the dark hills and valleys.
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