What trekking poles are recommended for the Exmoor coastal walks?

Exmoor National Park, located in Somerset and Devon, offers some of England's most dramatic coastal walking. The South West Coast Path, which runs along Exmoor's northern edge, features steep cliff ascents, muddy headlands, rocky beaches, and exposed ridges. The terrain is a mix of ancient woodland, heather moorland, and crumbling red sandstone cliffs. The best trekking poles for Exmoor's coastal walks are durable aluminium models with lever locks, replaceable carbide tips, cork grips, and—crucially—mud baskets for the wet sections. The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 offers the best value at £55, while premium walkers often choose the Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Back. Here is a comprehensive guide to choosing the right poles for Exmoor's varied and often challenging coastal terrain.

Understanding Exmoor's coastal terrain

Exmoor's coastal path is not a single, uniform trail. It includes:

• Steep, grassy descents – The cliffs along the coast (e.g., near Lynmouth and Porlock) have steep drops that can be slippery after rain.
• Muddy headlands – Sections like the path around Hurlestone Point and the approach to Foreland Point are often claggy and boggy.
• Rocky beaches – Walking on pebble beaches (e.g., at Porlock Weir) requires careful footing.
• Exposed ridges – The coastal path is often open and windy, demanding stable poles.
• Ancient woodland paths – Rooty and uneven sections in the wooded valleys.
• Road sections – Some stretches pass through villages or along quiet roads.

Key challenges for poles: abrasive red sandstone, deep mud, and constant elevation changes.

Essential features for Exmoor coastal walks

1. Aluminium over carbon – Carbon poles are brittle. A side impact on the sandstone or a fall on scree can splinter them. Aluminium (especially 7075 alloy) bends but does not break, making it safer for this terrain.
2. Lever locks – Twist locks are notorious for slipping in wet, muddy conditions. Lever (cam) locks (Leki SpeedLock, Black Diamond FlickLock, Decathlon's cam system) are more secure and can be tightened on the trail.
3. Replaceable carbide tips – The abrasive red sandstone and coastal grit will wear down tips. Poles with replaceable tips are more economical. Carry a spare pair.
4. Cork grips – In damp, coastal air, cork grips become tacky and provide superior grip compared to foam or rubber. They also insulate against cold.
5. Mud baskets – Essential for the muddy headland sections. They prevent the pole from sinking into soft ground. Remove them on rocky or road sections to avoid catching.
6. Easy‑to‑clean locks – After a day on the coast, your poles will be caked in mud and grit. Lever locks are easier to rinse and dry than twist locks.

Top recommendations for Exmoor coastal walks

1. Decathlon Forclaz MT900 (£55) – The best value pole for Exmoor. Features: 7075 aluminium, reliable lever locks, cork grips, replaceable carbide tips. Weight: ~250 g per pole. Accepts Decathlon's own mud baskets (£5–10), which are essential for the muddy headlands. Lightweight, durable, and proven on UK coastal trails.
2. Leki Makalu (£90–100) – A premium choice for frequent walkers. Features: SpeedLock Plus (the most secure lever lock), 7075 aluminium, a steel lower section for extra abrasion resistance (resists the sandstone), cork grips. Slightly heavier at 270 g per pole but virtually indestructible. A lifetime investment if you walk regularly. Leki's mud baskets fit perfectly.
3. Black Diamond Trail Back (£75–85) – Similar to the Makalu but with Black Diamond's FlickLock system. Lighter (240 g per pole) and with a more ergonomic grip. Excellent if you prefer FlickLock over SpeedLock. Available at Cotswold and Go Outdoors.
4. Folding poles – an option for packability – If you plan to stow poles for beach or road sections, folding aluminium poles (e.g., Black Diamond Distance Z) are convenient. However, they are more fragile and less field‑repairable than telescoping poles. Only recommended if you are a confident walker who handles poles carefully.

Why carbon poles are a risk

Carbon poles are lighter, but Exmoor's red sandstone and coastal rocks are unforgiving. A single side impact on a rock can splinter a carbon shaft. The weight saving of ~100 g per pole is not worth the potential for breakage on a remote coastal headland. Stick with aluminium.

Mud baskets – a seasonal essential

The muddy sections on Exmoor's coastal headlands can be deep and claggy, especially after rain. Fit mud baskets before setting off on these sections. Remove them on rocky beaches or road sections to avoid catching on stones. Decathlon, Leki, and Black Diamond all sell mud baskets (around £5–15 per pair).

Spare parts and maintenance for coastal walks

• Carbide tips: Carry at least one spare pair. The abrasive sandstone will wear down tips significantly over a few days.
• Hex key: A small 2.5 or 3 mm hex key allows you to tighten lever locks if they loosen over time.
• Mud baskets: Carry a spare pair—they can crack on rocky ground.
• Rinse after each day: Salt spray and sand can corrode locks and shafts. Rinse poles with fresh water and dry thoroughly. Open the lever locks to allow mud to fall out. Apply a tiny drop of silicone spray to the cams to keep them smooth.
• Inspect tips: Check carbide tips daily; replace if blunt.

Practical tips for Exmoor coastal walks

• Adjust pole length – Shorten by 5–10 cm for the steep ascents (e.g., the climb out of Lynmouth); lengthen by 5–10 cm for the long descents.
• Use rubber tips on road sections – Exmoor has some road walking; rubber protectors save your carbide tips and reduce noise.
• Secure wrist straps – In windy coastal conditions, a loose strap can let a pole slip from your hand. Adjust straps to fit comfortably but securely.
• Wear gloves – The coastal air can be chilly. Lightweight gloves improve grip on cork handles and keep your hands warm.
• Carry a spare pair of baskets – If you lose one in mud or on rocks, you can still use the other pole.

Where to buy before your walk

• Decathlon UK – Forclaz MT900 (best value; also stocks mud baskets and spare tips).
• Go Outdoors – Price‑match and discount card can make Leki and Black Diamond more affordable.
• Cotswold Outdoor – Expert advice and in‑store testing.
• SportPursuit – Flash sales on premium brands.

Final verdict

For Exmoor's coastal walks, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 is the best value choice, offering all the essential features – aluminium, lever locks, cork grips, replaceable tips – and compatibility with mud baskets. If you walk regularly and want the best build quality, invest in the Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Back. Avoid carbon and twist locks. Remember to fit mud baskets, carry spare tips, and maintain your poles daily. With the right poles, you will navigate the steep cliffs, muddy headlands, and rocky beaches with confidence, protecting your knees and keeping your hands comfortable in the coastal conditions. Happy walking on Exmoor's spectacular coast.