Inland, the grass moorland is surrounded by heather-clad rounded hills mostly over 300 m (900 ft).  Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor 519 m (1704 ft).  This high land catches clouds from the Atlantic with rainfall up to 2000 mm (80 ins) a year and forms a catchment area for numerous rivers and streams which flow rapidly to the north and more gently to the south.  It is not surprising that the moor is named after its main river, the River Exe.  The moorland is dissected by combes (steep wooded valleys) formed by these fast-running streams.
 

To the east lie the cultivated Brendon Hills, heavily wooded in the north but with enclosed fields surrounded by banks and fine beech hedges to the south.  This typical landscape extends right across the south western lower slopes of the moor.  Here there is some dairying but Exmoor is farmed mainly with beef cattle and sheep.

For further information visit the Exmoor National Park Authority's web site.