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www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival The UK’s most scenic walking festival Sponsored and Supported by: 30th April - 7th May 2016 Our 20th Festival!

North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

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A great choice of guided walks on offer over the May Day Bank Holiday on our 20th festival. Friendly guides and the best scenery makes for some delightful walks.

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Page 1: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

North Devon and ExmoorWalking Festival

The UK’s most scenic walking festival

Sponsored and Supported by:

30th April - 7th May

2016 Our 20th Festival!

Page 2: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Download our Heritage Hunter App before you

visit!

20 Miles of Steam train travel between Bishops Lydeard (4 miles from Taunton - Home of Somerset County

Museum) and MineheadAlong the way trains serve the ancient harbour town of

Watchet ( 2 small museums), Washford (alight for Cleeve Abbey - English Heritage) and medieval Dunster with its

1000 year old castle (National Trust)Special Tickets ‘Dunster Castle Express’ and ‘Abbey and

Apple Explorer’ available.www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643 704996

West Somerset Railway

Dream of Peace and TranquillityDiscover Unspoilt Combes & MoorsExplore Paths and Bridleway

Find Top Experiences Natural Attractions Lots of Activities Things to do Places to StayAll atwww.visit-exmoor.co.uk

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 8630012

For more information call 01271 813777 or visit

www.marsdens.co.uk

Gorgeous cottages and contemporary apartments in stunning locations throughout

North Devon and Exmoor

...where memories are made

Page 3: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Welcome to the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival

Now in its 16th year, the festival has a good choice of guided walks for you to choose from. I hope you find some walks that take your fancy. You can book directly from this website using your credit card or by phoning Ilfracombe TIC on 01271 863001.

Although this is our 16th year, this year’s festival is actually our 20th walking festival, because we did a few autumn festivals as well. Because we use a booking system for all our walking festivals, we have accurate stats which I thought I would put together for all the festivals we have done so far. Over all those festivals we have guided 792 walks, with 4572 individual walkers who bought 9055 walk tickets. I found these figures quite surprising!

Walking festivals are a great way of getting to know an area, giving you the confidence to come back and do your own at another time. But, of course, a lot of you enjoy our friendly guides showing you the way with no worries of getting lost.

I hope you find some walks that suit your ability and you enjoy coming to our walking festival. The walk numbers are the date of the walk and a reference letter, so for example, walk 1B is on 1st May and the 2nd walk choice. The walks start with the shortest going to the longest in that day.

Keep up to date with the festival on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Exmoor-Walking-Festival-264423586917341.

Best wishes

Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator [email protected] 01271 883131

ContentPage 2 Local supporting adverts

Page 3 Festival Welcome

Page 4 - 5 Information

Page 6 - 9 North Devon area walks

Page 10 - 13 West Exmoor area walks

Page 14 - 17 Mid Exmoor area walks

Page 18 - 21 East Exmoor area walks

Page 22 - 23 Self-guided walk

Back Cover Walking Festival map

Festival walkers crossing Gallox Bridge, Dunster

3

Front cover image: Walkers on the South West Coast Path walking towards Watermouth Cove, near Combe Martin.

Page 4: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Information

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001 Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

This year’s festival is based on the larger towns in North Devon and Exmoor, starting on Saturday 30th April with the Ilfracombe based walks for two days. It then moves along to Lynton and Lynmouth for the next two days. The following days are based around Porlock with the last two days being based around Dunster. This should make it easier for participants to choose their base and cause much less travelling to walks.

To help you choose your walks, please consider the following:

1, The walk number is the date and a reference.

2, Choose the area and time you want to come.

3, Choose your walks, noting the distance, the degree of difficulty and the pace at which the walk is likely to proceed. Please do not over-stretch yourself and consider your fellow walkers.

4, If you need accommodation, locate somewhere fairly central to your chosen walks. You may need to change accommodation if you are following the festival across the area.

5, To find accommodation please support the adverts in this brochure or call the local tourist office. Without support from our advertisers and sponsors, our festival could not take place.

6, To book your walks either:

Go to the festival website www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk and book online. Payment is through Paypal but you do not need to have a Paypal account as you can use your credit card through their website.

Or:

Phone our Booking Line on 01271 863001, Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm Saturday and closed Sunday, to Easter. They will be able to make the walk bookings for you online. Please have the walk number(s) ready to give the operator.

If you have not been able to look at the website and check availability of the walk tickets, please be ready with an alternative.

The walks can book quickly. Once a walk is full, unless there is a cancellation, you will not be able to get on that walk. Confirmation of your booking will be provided from the website or posted to you if you phone your booking through.

This year we are offering a discount on walk tickets that are purchased in multiples. If you book 5 walks or more in one transaction we will give you a 10% discount on the ticket price. If a group of 10 people wish to book on one walk in one transaction we will offer a 15% discount.

To get these discounts these bookings must be made through our telephone booking line 01271 863001. They cannot be made on the website.

Additional Walks

Depending on demand we may find it necessary to put on extra walks. These will be put on to the festival website as necessary. Please keep an eye on the festival website should you find walks on certain days are becoming full.

We reserve the right to cancel any walk that is undersubscribed or for reasons and circumstances beyond our control. This will normally happen between 10 to 7 days prior to the walk commencing. The few participants that are affected will be contacted and offered another walk or their money back for that walk.

Please give a contact telephone number when booking that we can contact you on in the 10 day run-up to the festival walks.

Your details will be held on a database on making a booking. These will be used to contact you should there be a problem with the walk(s) you have chosen and to tell you about future North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festivals.

If you would like information on the festival by email at any time then please supply your email address when booking. This helps save paper and money.

Your information will not be passed on to any third party. You can opt-out of this database after the festival has taken place and unsubscribe from any email newsletters at any time.

4

Walk Ticket Discounts

Cancellation of Walks

Data Protection Act 1998

How to Book

Please support our Advertisers whose support of this festival

helps keep it going

Page 5: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Please read the walks details carefully and use this information to help you choose walks suitable for your ability.

Please bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. The guides, at their own discretion, have the right to refuse to take participants who are not suitably attired for the conditions.

Some walks require packed lunches and others have food included during the walk. The cost of the food is not always included in the walk ticket price. The price indicates if it is included. If it is not included then please pay the provider before leaving. Please show courtesy and do not eat your own sandwiches at a food provider that is included as part of the walk.

Dogs are welcome on walks which state this. Because of the time of year, we request that dogs are kept under close control because of ground nesting birds and young stock in fields. If a walk does not accept dogs it is because we know the walk passes through sensitive areas.

Easy: Height gained and lost: 5m to 20m per mile. Follows easily defined paths and are sometimes of shorter duration.

Easy to Moderate: Height gained and lost: 20m to 45m per mile. A walk with some ascents and descents on paths and tracks with varying surfaces.

Moderate: Height gained and lost: 45m to 75m per mile. A walk with some notable ascents and descents. Suitable for the averagely fit walker.

Moderate to strenuous: Height gained and lost: 75m to 120m per mile. A walk taking in one or more steep, physically testing ascents and descents. Not recommended for inexperienced or unfit walkers.

The organisers do not accept any liability whatsoever for injury or damage to (or by) walkers, third parties or their property while engaged on walks during the festival.

While the contents of this brochure are believed to be correct, no responsibility is accepted for any errors, omission or mis-statements. Walkers must rely on their own judgement and it is recommended that you carry your own insurance.

Symbols in Walk Details

Exmoor National Park Ranger walks

North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

North Devon Biosphere Reserve

South West Coast Path included

Dogs Welcome walks

No Dogs on these walks

Family Friendly walks

Food during the walk

Bring a packed lunch

5

Information

Exmoor coast from Holdstone Down near Hunter’s Inn

Preparing for the Walks

Grades of Walks

Disclaimer

Page 6: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

7 mile, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 444 392Cost: £8.00

Guide: Dave Edgcombe, ND AONB

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route: Croyde - Saunton Down - Down End - Baggy Point - Middleborough Hill - Croyde

Start: Croyde Village Hall car park

Car parking: Croyde car park, pay and display

Description: This spectacular walk is a figure of eight centred on Croyde. It will take you out to the impressive rocky outcrop of Baggy Point and across a beautiful sandy beach along the South West Coast Path to round Saunton Down before climbing on to the top of the down for some impressive panoramic views. The walk then descends back to the village.

Directions to start: Go to A361 between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. Go to traffic lights at Braunton. Turn towards Croyde on B3231. After 4.5 miles turn left into Jones Hill in Croyde village. Turn immediately left into Village Hall car park. The walk starts here.

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 8630016

3.5 mile, circular, 8 hrs, 180/SS 525 478Cost: £39.00 adults £22.00 children, includes boat ticket and guides. Quote DAYADTWF to get your discounted boat tickets.

PLEASE NOTE: This walk MUST be booked by telephone as it has to include the boat ticket.

Guide: Simon Dell and colleagues

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: South End - Castle - Old Light - Marisco and Lower East Side Path - Terraces - Tibbets - Marisco

Start: Ilfracombe harbour

Car parking: Ilfracombe car parks, pay and display

Description: Enjoy a unique Island experience on a marvellous boat trip across to Lundy Island. There you will be taken on a fascinating walk around the island with a chance to go to the top of the Old Light where there are amazing views around the whole island and beyond. The walk continues with the opportunity for refreshments at the Marisco Tavern before returning to Ilfracombe.

Directions to start: Go to Ilfracombe sea front and pass the Landmark Theatre continuing towards the harbour and park on the harbour car park. Go to the shore office to collect your boarding pass and then to the Oldenburg moored at the jetty.

Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Woolacombe and BrauntonIlfracombe nestles snugly amongst the rugged cliffs of the majestic Atlantic Coast and lies right on the route of the South West Coast Path. It is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town and many of the accommodation providers are set up to specifically cater for the needs of walkers (single night stays, early breakfasts on request, packed lunches etc). There is a wide range of accommodation here to suit all tastes and if you were to base yourself in Ilfracombe, you would be close to a wide range of different walks, including some of the easier ones.

With its shops, cafes and historic maritime pubs, the bustling harbour has a continental atmosphere and fishing vessels jostle for space alongside the bobbing yachts. New at the end of 2012 is the now world famous statue, ‘Verity’ by Damien Hirst, a must see for visitors to the town. Along the seafront you will find the Landmark Theatre, North Devon’s finest arts and entertainment centre. The award winning building also houses the Tourist Information Centre where you can book walks, buy maps/walking books and obtain information on the area. Further inland, Ilfracombe High Street has a range of mainly independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Ilfracombe has something for everyone. There are plenty of places to eat and drink, things to see and do, history, wildlife and the natural world, watersports and more.

Combe Martin is five miles along the coast on the edge of the Exmoor National Park with an attractive cove. It is a quiet village with a selection of small accommodation providers.

Woolacombe is seven miles along the coast in the opposite direction and has the gorgeous Blue Flag sandy beach and a wide range of good accommodation.

Braunton is a beautiful village lying six miles south in a relatively flat area of North Devon, close to the Braunton Burrows World Biosphere Reserve and Saunton Sands.

Verity, by Damien Hirst, at Ilfracombe harbour

Saturday 30th April &

Sunday 1st May

30A

Cream of Croyde Saturday 30th April 10.30am

30B

Lundy Island Discovery Saturday 30th April, 9.15am

Page 7: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Saturday 30th April &

Sunday 1st May

7

8 mile, circular, 6 hrs, 180/SS 484 354Cost: £8.00

Guide: John Breeds

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate, including walking on sand

Route: Velator - Horsey Island - Crow Point - Saunton beach - Braunton Burrows - Great Field - Velator

Start: Velator layby

Car parking: free

Description: Join John, the local expert on wild flora and fauna, for a fascinating walk around the heart of the biosphere reserve, giving you an insight into how it is the only reserve of its kind in the UK. You will hopefully see some unique and rare plants fresh from emerging in early Spring.

Directions to start: Go to A361 between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. Go to Braunton. If coming from Barnstaple direction, just before reaching Braunton pass a petrol station on your right as you approach a new roundabout. Turn left here to the next roundabout. Go straight across, to soon cross a hump-back bridge. A layby is soon on your left. Park here neatly. The walk starts here.

Wildlife of Estuary, Marsh & Dunes Saturday 30th April, 10.30am

30C

Croyde beach

Lundy Island cliffs

Page 8: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

3 miles, circular, 2.5 hrs, 180/SS 518 478Cost: £6.00

Guide: Dave Edgcombe, ND AONB

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Ilfracombe - Hillsborough - Hele Mill - Ilfracombe

Start: Landmark Theatre car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Join the North Devon Coast AONB Team for an informative walk on the history around Hele and Helesborough (now Hillsborough).

Directions to start: Go to Ilfracombe seafront and park in the Landmark Theatre car park. The walk starts by the front of the theatre.

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Saturday 30th April &

Sunday 1st May

8

Discover Ilfracombe’s Secret History Sunday 1st May, 2.00pm

5.3 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 180/SS 675 486Cost: £6.00. Lunch at Hunters Inn extra

Guide: John Breeds

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Woody Bay - South West Coast Path - Heddon Valley - Hunters Inn - Woody Bay

Start: Woody Bay lower car park

Car parking: donation box

Description: This beautiful coastal walk includes some of the best coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path. The walk will pass one of the highest waterfalls along this coast, view a rock arch and take in stunning views along to Foreland Point in one direction and Watermouth in the other. There will be a lunch stop (not included) at Hunter’s Inn during this walk.

Directions to start: Go to A39 between Blackmoor Gate and Lynton. Take the road signed to Woody Bay and follow it for 1.6 miles to the coast and turn right. Follow this road down hill bearing left and then zigzagging back right to lay-by car park on the right. The walk starts here.

1A

Exmoor’s High Coastal Cliffs Sunday 1st May, 10.30am

4.5 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 713 494Cost: £6.00

Guide: Mary Breeds

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Holman Park - Hollerday Hill - Lynton old town - West Lyn - Summerhouse Hill - East Lyn - Manor Green - Cliff Railway - Lynton

Start: Holman Park, Lynton

Car parking: free

Description: This walk gives some wonderful panoramic views over the Valley of Rocks and the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. It also passes through the older parts of the villages and crosses the two rivers and takes a ride on the cliff railway (fare not included).

Directions to start: Go to Lynton and turn towards the Valley of Rocks. Holman Park is a small car park on the left as you go towards the valley, 150 metres past the entrance to the football field, by the cemetery.

1B

Twin Towns Highs and Lows Sunday 1st May, 11.00am

1C

Please support our Advertisers whose support of this festival

helps keep it going

IlfracombeInformation Centre

(situated in the Landmark, on the seafront)

Call in for information on local attractions, events, bookings for accommodation, boat trips, walking festival tickets, coach tours

....and much much more!

Ilfracombe Events

01271 863001Open 7 Days a week We’re here to help!

www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

Scan the QR code to go to our

Events page for a full season of

exciting events.

Specialising in contemporary seafront properties, Holiday Home Hunter now offers over 50 self catering holiday

homes in Woolacombe and Mortehoe. t: 01271 870067 w: www.holidayhomehunter.co.uk

e: [email protected]

your holiday starts here……….

New!New!

Page 9: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Saturday 30th April &

Sunday 1st May

9

Hollow Brook on coast path near Woody Bay

OCEANBACKPACKERS

Top quality youth hostel accommodation

Ideal for student groups, schools, activity clubs and individual travellers/surfers/walkers

FROM£16

PER NIGHT

www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk29, St James Place, Ilfracombe Devon EX34 9BJ

01271 867 835

Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Page 10: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd M

ay

10

4.5 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 180/SS 578 473Cost: £6.00

Guide: Ione Willcock, ENPA Ranger

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Combe Martin - Great Hangman - Little Hangman - Combe Martin

Start: Combe Martin car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Join a National Park Ranger for a walk along ancient routes, exploring old lore and enjoying fine views of the Welsh coastline from the South West Coast Path on Exmoor. Some hill climbs rewarded by changing views.

Directions to start: Go to Combe Martin on A399. Park in the main car park above the beach. The walk starts at the Visitor Centre near the entrance to this car park.

7.3 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 807 284Cost: £8.00

Guide: Richard Medland

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Molland - Cussacombe Cross - Molland Common - Anstey Gate - Molland

Start: Molland church roadside car park

Car parking: free

Description: Starting in the small hamlet of Molland with its lovely old church nestling in a small valley, the walk soon gains height to wide open heather clad moorland giving far reaching views across the moor and to mid Devon. There is a good chance of seeing the rare Exmoor pony, buzzards circling overhead and being serenaded by a sky lark along the way.

Directions to start: Go to A361 between Barnstaple and Tiverton. Go to Aller Cross, junction A361 and A399. Go towards Tiverton, M5 for 3.4 miles and continue ahead at roundabout. After 1.3 miles turn left on to B3227 and left at next roundabout. After 0.7 miles at Combsland Cross turn left. After 1.1 miles on other side of river, turn right and in half a mile bear right. In another half mile turn left to Molland and in a mile park by the church. The walk starts here.

Lynton and LynmouthSet in some of the UK’s most spectacular countryside, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are a walker’s paradise. Walks in this area offer coastal trails, ancient woodlands, hidden valleys, open moorlands, and sparkling rivers. No wonder then, that the area is known as ‘the walking capital of Exmoor’!

As well as great walking, you’ll also find that Lynton & Lynmouth offers a wide range of quality accommodation with prices to suit every pocket.

Eating out is easy too with a selection of excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs. The villages’ location offers easy access to walks in other sections of the festival, making Lynton & Lynmouth an ideal place to base yourself throughout the festival.

So, whether you’re an experienced walker looking for a challenge, or simply looking for a more relaxing experience, centre yourself in Lynton & Lynmouth for a lovely location that has it all!

Spring Lanes & Coastal Vistas Monday 2nd May, 2.00pm

2A

The Beauty of Molland Monday 2nd May, 10.30am

2B

Overlooking Little Hangman and Combe Martin

Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Page 11: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300111

Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd M

ay

Valley of Rocks, Lynton

7.7 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 180/SS 674 486Cost: £8.00

Guide: Mary Breeds

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Woody Bay - South West Coast Path - Lee Bay - Croscombe - Woody Bay

Start: Woody Bay lower roadside car park

Car parking: free

Description: This walk follows the South West Coast Path to the unique Valley of Rocks before turning inland to give amazing views over the Valley of Rocks, then through ancient woods to an old barton before returning to the start.

Directions to start: Leave the A39 part way between Parracombe and Barbrook at Martinhoe cross (adjacent to Woody Bay Station) to take road marked Woody Bay, Martinhoe. Proceed straight on through first cross roads, at next T junction turn right for Woody Bay. In 200meters approx turn left for Woody Bay and follow road down round hairpin bend to car park on the right.

Hidden Bays, Rocky Valley & Barton Monday 2nd May, 10.30am

2C

Please support our Advertisers whose support of this festival

helps keep it going

Under 5s TRAVEL FREE

PAY ONCERide All Day

Two-mile Round Trip

ENQUIRIES: 01598 763487WWW.LYNTON-RAIL.CO.UK

ALL STEAM SERVICE -  HERITAGE CARRIAGES

atWOODY BAY STATION

STEAM TRAINSSTEAM TRAINS

LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY TRUSTReg. Charity No. 1082564

Reviving North Devon’s Lost Railway Heritage

On the A39 between Blackmoor Gate & Lynton/Lynmouth EX31 4RA

Page 12: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd M

ay

Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

12Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

6.5 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 817 362Cost: £6.00

Guide: Richard Medland

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Landacre Bridge - Withypool Common and Hill - Withypool - Barle valley

Start: Landacre Bridge

Car parking: free

Description: From Landacre Bridge the walk crosses Withypool Common and Withypool Hill to the picturesque village of Withypool with interesting church, pub and village shop. R.D. Blackmore stayed at the Royal Oak whilst writing Lorna Doone. The walk then returns along the Barle valley to Landacre. This walk has stunning scenery with great possibilities of seeing red deer, buzzards and ponies.

Directions to start: From Porlock take the A39 towards Lynmouth. At the top of Porlock Hill at Whitstone Post bear left to Exford. At Exford turn right and turn left immediately the other side of the river bridge. At the cross roads cross straight over. Follow this road for 2.4 miles to the bridge.

Over Hills and Moors to Royal Oak Tuesday 3rd May, 10.30am

3B

2 miles, circular, 1.5 hrs, 181/SS 913 279Cost: £2.50

Guide: Sue Cottrell

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to easy

Route: around Dulverton

Start: Dulverton Heritage Centre

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Dulverton Heritage Centre are guiding a historical amble through Dulverton. Discover hidden gems and hear Dulverton’s history as you go. Starts at 4pm at Dulverton Heritage Centre.

Directions to start: Go to Dulverton and park in the pay and display car park next to the Exmoor National Park Authority. Walk up the steps at the back of this car park, to cross the stream into the next small car park and the centre is now in front of you.

Dulverton Heritage walk Tuesday 3rd May, 4.00pm

3A

New!

Landacre Bridge, near Withypool

Page 13: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Self Guided Walks, Cycle Rides and Picnic Booklets

Written and devised by Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator

5 Half Day and 5 Full Day Circular Walks in North Devon

5 Half Day and 5 Full Day Circular Walks in Exmoor

16 Best Picnic Spots in North Devon

16 Best Picnic Spots in Exmoor

7 Cycle Rides in North Devon & Exmoor

7 Cycle Rides in North & Mid Devon

Walks include some from previous walking festivals.

If you cannot get to this festival - pick up a booklet

www.combewalks.com01271 883131, or find in local TIC’s

Buy online at:

Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd M

ay

13Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

7.7 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 792 478Cost: £8.00, any teas are extra

Guide: Mary Breeds

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Malmsmead - Lankcombe Ford - Badgeworthy Water - Cloud Farm - Oare Church - Malmsmead

Start: Malmsmead car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: See the countryside that inspired Richard Dodderidge Blackmore when he wrote the wonderful story of Lorna Doone. During the walk you will pass the ruins of a medieval village close to the Badgeworthy Water, pass the waterslide on the Lankcombe brook, visit Cloud Farm for a cream tea and see Oare church where Carver shot Lorna on her wedding day.

Directions to start: Go to County Gate on the Devon/Somerset border on the A39 above Lynmouth. Take the road down to Oare and Malmsmead. At Oare church bear right to Malmsmead. On reaching Malmsmead cross the ford or bridge and go round the buildings to the other side and park on the right in the car parks. The walk starts here.

The Doone’s Haunts Tuesday 3rd May, 10.30am

3C

www.rotary-startrek.org.uk

STARTREK is a sponsored night orienteering 8 or 16 mile walk in and around Exmoor in teams of 4 to 6 people. It takes place the �rst full weekend in March each year.

Go to our web site for more informa-tion booking forms can be down-loaded from July onwards each year for the next event.

Bookings taken for the 2017 event on the website from July 2016.

4-5 March2017

Oare church, near Malmsmead

Page 14: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th M

ay

14

Porlock Vale and its villages Porlock Vale is a wide and long fertile valley sweeping to the shore through the wide Porlock Marsh to its long shingle ridge before meeting the sea. The Horner Water is the main river running through the valley, passing through pretty Horner, on to Bossington before passing through the shingle ridge. The Vale is flanked to the north-east by Selworthy Beacon and to the south-west by Porlock Hill and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor. Beautiful ancient oak woodland clothe the deep valleys and the coastal hills making for perfect walking.

Porlock village sits just inland of Porlock Marsh, sheltered by it from the sea. It is a delightful village with a range of quality shops and places to eat. Porlock Weir is 2 miles to the west with a quaint harbour at one end of the shingle ridge. There is a wide choice of walks and accommodation in this unspoilt area.

3.8 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 181/SS 920 467Cost: £6.00, any teas are extra

Guide: Penny Webber

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Selworthy – Hindon Organic Farm – Selworthy Beacon – Hurlstone - Selworthy

Start: Selworthy National Trust “overflow” car park

Car parking: honesty box, free NT members

Description: From Selworthy we visit Hindon Organic Farm to try their Organic home made by hand Gloucester Old Spot sausages and a cup of Organic tea/coffee and then a beautiful walk which goes over Selworthy Beacon with wonderful views. The walk follows the coast around Hurlstone Point before returning to Selworthy with an optional visit to a picture-postcard thatched village for tea.

Directions to start: From Porlock take the A39 towards Minehead. On the level straight section of road take the turning to Selworthy and follow this up hill and round to the right to park in the overflow car park past the white church.

Farm, Beacon and Coastal Views Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am

4A

4.7 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/ SS 964 307Cost: £6.00

Guide: Alex Forster

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Boat across the lake to Cowmoor, walking back around the southern edge of the lake.

Start: Wimbleball Café

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Starting the adventure with a boat ride across the lake, then a walking back through the woods with bushcraft expert and site manager, Alex Forster.

Directions to start: Follow the A396 or B3224 to Wheddon Cross. At Wheddon Cross follow the B3224 towards Raleghs Cross and Taunton. After 7.5 miles turn right on to B3190 for 1.2 miles. Just after radio masts turn right (Robbery Gate) and follow this road for 2.7 miles to Bessom Cross just by the lake. Cross the bridge over the lake and then take the next left. Follow this small road and take the second left to the tea-rooms car park. The walk starts here.

Wimbleball boat and bushcraft walk Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am

4B

New!

Porlock Weir

Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Page 15: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300115

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Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th M

ay

5 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/SS 864 478Cost: £6.00

Guide: John Buchan

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Porlock Weir - Culbone - Silcombe - Worthy Woods - Porlock Weir

Start: Porlock Weir car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: This walk follows the South West Coast Path passing Culbone church and climbing to pass the ‘Coleridge farms’ before returning through Worthy Woods.

Directions to start: From Porlock take the B3225 to Porlock Weir. At the end of this road park in the car park on the right. The walk starts here.

Old Tunnels and Leper’s Haunt Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am

4C

Tarr Steps

5.5 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/SS 872 323Cost: £6.00

Guide: Barbara Wigley

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Tarr Steps - River Barle - Knaplock - Tarr Steps

Start: Tarr Steps car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: This walk crosses the famous ancient clapper bridge of Tarr Steps to then follow above the River Barle. The walk then climbs out of the valley to pass through old farmsteads and open moors where Exmoor ponies graze, before dropping back down to Tarr Steps.

Directions to start: Go to the B3223 between the B3224 (Exford to Simonsbath road) and Dulverton. From the B3224 junction follow the B3223 for 4.8 miles towards Dulverton. At a cross roads, left to Winsford, right to Liscombe and Tarr Steps, turn right here. Follow this road for 1.4 miles and turn left into Tarr Steps car park. The walk starts here. From Dulverton follow the B3223 up on to the moor to cross two cattle grids. After the second one take the next left to Liscombe and left again to reach the car park. The walk starts here.

Clappers to Moors and Farmstead Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am

4D

New!

6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 902 438Cost: £6.00

Guide: Jennifer Rowlandson

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Webbers Post - Dicky’s Path - Dunkery Beacon - Dunster Path - Webbers Post

Start: Webbers Post car park

Car parking: free

Description: Climb to the highest point on Exmoor, on the way passing through beautiful scenery with wide views across the Vale of Porlock, across to Wales and the rest of Exmoor. This walk also gives a good chance of seeing red deer, if not close, then through binoculars.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Porlock and Minehead. From Porlock towards Minehead, having left the village take the first turning on the right at Red Post towards Horner. Pass through Horner and continue until reaching a small cross-roads. Turn right and up the steep hill until the road forks. Take the right fork and then turn right into the large car park. The walk starts here.

High Beacons and Cairns Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am

4E

Page 16: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300116

Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th M

ay

Selworthy Green (NT)

2 miles, circular, 1.5 hrs, 181/SS 913 279Cost: £2.50

Guide: Sue Cottrell

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to easy

Route: around Dulverton

Start: Dulverton Heritage Centre

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Join the Dulverton Heritage Centre for a guided walk exploring the fascinating history of Dulverton. Discover some secret places and hear tales of old from local guides.

Directions to start: Go to Dulverton and park in the pay and display car park next to the Exmoor National Park Authority. Walk up the steps at the back of this car park, to cross the stream into the next small car park and the centre is now in front of you.

Dulverton Heritage walk Thursday 5th May, 2.00pm

5A

New! 6.3 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 904 469Cost: £6.00

Guide: John Buchan

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Allerford - Selworthy - Selworthy Beacon - Hurlstone Point - Bossington - Allerford

Start: Allerford car park

Car parking: free

Description: A beautiful walk which passes through the picture postcard thatched village at Selworthy before climbing on to the Beacon with wonderful views and out to an old coastguard lookout. The walk then follows the impressive shingle ridge before returning inland passing more pretty cottages.

Directions to start: Allerford is just off the A39 between Minehead and Porlock, on a sweeping bend. Turn towards the village to pass the beautiful pack horse bridge. The car park is down this road on the left. The walk starts here.

Pretty villages, high ridge & shingle ridge Thursday 5th May, 10.30am

5B

New!

6.5 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 920 467Cost: £6.00

Guide: Jennifer Rowlandson

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Selworthy - Selworthy Beacon - Bury Castle - Bossington Hill - Allerford - Selworthy

Start: Selworthy National Trust “overflow” car park

Car parking: donation box

Description: Sir Thomas Acland was a politician who owned much of the lands around Selworthy and the Holnicote Estate. This walk takes in memorials and the picturesque village restored by him as well as paths giving marvellous views across Porlock Bay before returning through attractive mixed woodland.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Minehead and Porlock. Turn off this road on the long straight signed to Selworthy. Follow this road up the hill to the church and park in the car park opposite or if it is full, further round to the right. The walk starts here.

The Acland Story Thursday 5th May, 10.30am

5C

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Page 17: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300117

Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th M

ay

6.6 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/ST 023 434Cost: £6.00

Guide: Jo Halliday

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to easy

Route: Blue Anchor - Chapel Cleeve- Mineral Line - Watchet - Blue Anchor

Start: opposite the Driftwood Cafe on the seafront

Car parking: free roadside

Description: This walk offers great coastal views over Blue Anchor before following the old mineral line that starts high in the Brendon Hills to carry ore to the port at Watchet. At Watchet you can investigate the old harbour before continuing back along the fossil coast to Blue Anchor.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater. At Carhampton take the B3191 to Blue Anchor. At Blue Anchor cross the level crossing and park on the seafront. The walk starts by the Driftwood Cafe.

Cleeve, Harbour and Fossil Coast Thursday 5th May, 10.30am

5D

New! 7.2 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 984 376Cost: £8.00

Guide: Barbara Wigley

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Kingsbridge - Clicket - Croydon Hill - Kingsbridge

Start: Kingsbridge car park

Car parking: free

Description: This walk visits the abandoned village of Clicket. Clicket was once a thriving community in a secluded Exmoor valley but became deserted at the end of the 19th century. Remains of its buildings and bridges can still be seen today. The walk continues over Croydon Hill with wide views.

Directions to start: Go to Wheddon Cross, junction A396/B3224. Set your trip meter to zero. Follow the B3224 towards Taunton for 1.7 miles to Heath Poult Cross. Turn left here towards Luxborough and Dunster. Go 1.5 miles to Couple Cross and turn right towards Luxborough. Go 1.3 miles to Beech tree and bear right to Churchtown in 0.4 miles. At Churchtown turn left and follow this road for 0.7 miles to Kingsbridge with the car park on the right.

Clicket Lost Village Thursday 5th May, 10.30am

5E

New!

Watchet outer harbour

Page 18: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May

18

Dunster and its surroundsDunster is a wonderfully preserved medieval village, overlooked by its fairy-tale castle perched on a prominent hill. On an opposite hill, the Conygar Tower is a folly offering great views across the village to the castle. In the centre of the village is the unique Yarn Market (1590). The impressive priory church of St George plays its carillon of eight bells every four hours during the day. Next to the church is a well-preserved dove cot and the restored tithe barn.

In the main street you will find the old nunnery which never actually inhabited nuns. On the edge of the village is the Gallox Bridge, a beautiful pack-horse bridge over the River Avill. Also on the river is the 18th century watermill which is still working and can be visited. The village walks will bring all this alive for you.

On the outskirts of the village is Dunster railway station, on the preserved steam railway of West Somerset Railway. This area offers a good range of walks and scenery. There is a good choice of hotels and B&B’s to stay in here.

All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

or phone 01271 863001

6.7 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 181/ST 039 344Cost: £2.50

Guide: Tessa Wilson

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate, one steep descent

Route: Raleghs Cross Inn - The Incline - Comberow - Leighland Chapel - Western Cliff Wood - Raleghs Cross Inn

Start: Raleghs Cross Inn

Car parking: free

Description: The Old Mineral Line is an amazing legacy of Victorian engineering which carried iron ore via a 1:4 incline down to Watchet harbour. This project is enhancing people’s understanding of this fascinating industrial heritage.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Minehead and Williton. Go to Washford Cross by Tropiquaria and the tall masts and turn up the B3190 to Ralegh’s Cross and Bampton. Keep on this road for 4.4 miles to reach Ralegh’s Cross Inn. The walk starts here. From Wheddon Cross follow the B3224 towards Taunton for 7.5 miles and then bear left onto the B3190 for 0.7 miles to Ralegh’s Cross.

West Somerset Mineral Line Explore Friday 6th May, 10.30am

6C

4.5 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 181/SS 969 285Cost: £6.00

Guide: Adam Vasey, ENPA Ranger

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Haddon Hill - Wimbleball Lake - Haddon Hill

Start: Haddon Hill car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Join a National Park ranger on this picturesque walk overlooking the Wimbleball Lake. The walk starts high on Haddon hill, dropping down to cross the dam and walk alongside the lake before cutting back to pass through the deer park and back to the start.

Directions to start: Haddon Hill car park is on the B3190, Watchet to Bampton road. It is on a sharp right-angle bend with the car park signed off there. It is 5 miles from Bampton and 13.5 from Watchet.

Overlooking Wimbleball Friday 6th May, 2.00pm

6A

6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 902 438Cost: £6.00, any teas are extra

Guide: John Paterson

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Webbers Post - Horner area - Webbers Post

Start: Webbers Post car park

Car parking: free

Description: Do you want some help with map-reading? This fun walk helps you keep track of where you are on the map, with lots of friendly assistance along the way. There is even a stop for tea or lunch half way. Map provided or bring your own, OS OL9.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Porlock and Minehead. From Porlock towards Minehead, having left the village take the first turning on the right at Red Post towards Horner. Pass through Horner and continue until reaching a small cross-roads. Turn right and up the steep hill until the road forks. Take the right fork and then turn right into the large car park. The walk starts here.

Orienteering for fun Friday 6th May, 10.30am

6B

New!

Page 19: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300119

8.8 mile, circular, 6 hr, 181/SS 993 438Cost: £8.00

Guide: David Colley

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Dunster - Grabbist Hill - Wootton Courtenay - Timberscombe - Dunster

Start: Dunster Steep car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: This walk takes in the beautiful Avill valley, going along the Grabbist Hill ridge to Wootton Courtenay to cross the plain to Timberscombe to return along the other side through ancient woodland.

Directions to start: From the A39 turn towards Dunster village at the traffic lights. As you go up the hill turn left into the village car park. The walk starts at the Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre above the car park.

Around the Avill Valley Friday 6th May, 10.30am

6F

Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May

7.7 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 792 478Cost: 8.00

Guide: Jennifer Rowlandson, Exmoor Society

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Malmsmead - Badgworthy Water - Toms Hill - Oare - Malmsmead

Start: Malmsmead car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: Join this Exmoor Society walk to see the countryside that inspired Richard Dodderidge Blackmore when he wrote the wonderful story of Lorna Doone. During the walk you will pass the ruins of a medieval village, close to the Badgeworthy Water, pass the waterslide on the Lankcombe brook before climbing Tom’s Hill, returning to Oare church where Carver shot Lorna on her wedding day.

Directions to start: Go to County Gate on the Devon/Somerset border on the A39 above Lynmouth. Take the road down to Oare and Malmsmead. At Oare church bear right to Malmsmead. On reaching Malmsmead cross the ford or bridge and go round the buildings to the other side and park on the right in the car parks. The walk starts here.

Lorna Doone Country Friday 6th May, 10.30am

6D

Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

View from Withycombe Hill

8 mile, circular, 6 hr, 181/ST 023 434Cost: £8.00

Guide: Jo Halliday

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to easy

Route: Blue Anchor - Coast path to Dunster - Dunster village - Dunster Park - Withycombe - Blue Anchor

Start: opposite the Driftwood Cafe on the seafront

Car parking: free roadside

Description: This walk starts by following alongside the West Somerset Steam Railway on the coast path. It then goes inland to pass the Dunster railway station to reach Dunster. The walk passes through this beautiful medieval village, past the castle and over an ancient bridge to continue through Dunster deer park. The walk returns through farmsteads to Withycombe village and another old farmstead to the start.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Minehead and Bridgwater. At Carhampton take the B3191 to Blue Anchor. At Blue Anchor cross the level crossing and park on the seafront. The walk starts by the Driftwood Cafe.

Old railway, Castle and Farm Friday 6th May, 10.30am

6E

New!

Page 20: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300120

Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May

7.4 mile, circular, 5 hr, 181/SS 844 354 Cost: £8.00

Guide: John Buchan

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Withypool - Worth - Parsonage Farm - Tarr Steps - River Barle - Withypool

Start: car park near Withypool Bridge

Car parking: free

Description: Join this walk to give a taste of open moorland before dropping down into the River Barle valley to follow its meanders upstream. It passes the ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge. You will see evidence of the massive flood that hit Exmoor and wiped away much of Lynmouth in 1952.

Directions to start: Go to the B3224 between Wheddon Cross and Simonsbath. Above Exford, on the Simonsbath side, take the B3223 towards Dulverton. Follow it for 2.6 miles and turn right towards Withypool. Pass through the village over the river bridge and turn right into the small car park. The walk starts here.

A Meander along the Barle Saturday 7th May, 10.30am

7C

New!

Bird’s Eye View of Dunster Saturday 7th May, 10.30am

7B

6.6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 993 438Cost: £6.00

Guide: Graham Lamacraft

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Dunster - Tallest tree - Broadwood Farm - Withycombe Hill - Bats Castle - Dunster

Start: Dunster Steep car park

Car parking: pay and display

Description: A walk with panoramic views over Dunster Castle and Park as well as over the Bristol Channel and into Wales. The walk passes through oak and mixed woodland and across old settlements and bridges, as well as old Dunster village itself.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Minehead and Carhampton. From Minehead direction, turn right towards Dunster village at the traffic lights. As you go up the hill turn left into the village car park. The walk starts at the Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre above the car park.

4.6 mile, circular, 4 hr, 181/SS 821 464Cost: £6.00

Guide: Tim Parish, ENPA Ranger

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Robbers Bridge - Black Barrow - Robbers Bridge

Start: Robbers Bridge, near Oareford

Car parking: free

Description: Large parts of Exmoor are open access, meaning you can walk where you like within those areas. Join a National Park Ranger to explore some less visited parts of the moor, pushing up a valley to wide views and discover some of the hidden parts of Exmoor that make it so special. As the walk is completely off footpaths, it will involve some steep ground and narrow sheep paths. Bring a packed lunch.

Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Porlock and Lynmouth. From the Lynmouth direction follow the A39 towards Minehead and pass County Gate on the county boundary of Devon and Somerset. Shortly after there, turn right towards Oare. At Oare church turn left and follow this road until reaching a narrow old bridge over a small river. Carefully cross this bridge and park in the car park on the left.

Coming from Porlock follow the A39 up Porlock Hill and over the top of Porlock Hill to pass the old AA box by a cattle grid. Take the next road that bears off to the left and follow it down into the valley through hairpin bends. When the road straightens, before crossing the narrow bridge, turn right into the car park. The walk starts here.

Hidden Combes of Exmoor Saturday 7th May, 11.00am

7A

Withypool bridge

New!

All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

or phone 01271 863001

Page 21: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300121

Friday 6th to Saturday 7th MayYarn Market Hotel, Dunster

a warm welcome awaits you01643 821 425

Extensive knowledge of Exmoor for walking

Up to date route information

Comprehensive route directions provided free for all our holidays

Good choice of walks

Variety of packages to choose from

Car-free walking holidays

The opportunity to use public transport

Minibus transport for groups enabling linear walks

Suitable for 1 person or a group of 30 or more

Tailor-made holidays for your group

Worry-free, relaxing walking holidays

Organised walking holidays along the South West Coast Path and Coleridge Way

[email protected] walks online at

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

8 mile, circular, 6.5 hr, 181/SS 937 434 Cost: £8.00

Guide: Woody Tickner

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Wootton Courtenay - Avill valley - Brockwell - Wootton Courtenay

Start: Wootton Courtenay village hall car park

Car parking: £1 donation

Description: This walk passes through pretty countryside before reaching North Hawkwell Wood, known in winter for its wonderful displays of snowdrops. The walk continues along the moorland around Dunkery Beacon to pass quarries before returning to the village.

Directions to start: Go to the A396 to Timberscombe which is between Dunster and Wheddon Cross. At Timberscombe take the ‘C’ road at Cowbridge by the old water mill to Wootton Courtenay and follow it into the village to pass the church. The village hall is on the right at the far end of the village. The walk starts here.

Discover the Upper Avill Saturday 7th May, 10.30am

7D

New!

Tarr Steps, near Dulverton

Page 22: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

TRiver Barle

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Hill Fact File:Highlights: Tarr Steps, Caractacus Stone, Exmoor ponies, Winsford Hill moorland, ancient farm-steadsStart Grid ref: SS 868 321Parking: Tarr Steps car parkDistance: 5.3 miles, circularHeight gained/lost: 218 metres. This walk starts with a steady climb for the first mile, then becom-ing easy walking.High point: 376 metresLow point: 220 metresToilets: At Tarr Steps car park and near Tarr Steps (portaloo)Eating places: Tarr Farm, next to Tarr StepsTime required: 2.5 hours, plus stops

For more self-guided walks like this, covering North Devon and Exmoor, please visit www.combewalks.com.

Description:This walk starts from the Tarr Steps car park, above Tarr Steps as the car park by the river is very small. Having visited Tarr Steps the walk then climbs out of the valley to Winsford Hill to eventually reach the Caractacus Stone, a standing stone in a shelter built in 1906. The walk continues with wide views before losing height again passing an old farmstead before dropping quickly back to Tarr Steps.

Directions to the Start:Go to the B3223 road between Exford and Dulverton. There are two roads you can take, both leading to Liscombe where you continue downhill to reach a large car park on the left with toilets. Park here and then follow the path at the lower exit to the car park which goes down a field beside the road to Tarr Steps.

Route Directions:1, SS868 321: With Tarr Farm up to your left and Tarr Steps behind you, go through the small car

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Self-guided walk - Com

be Walks

22

Page 23: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

park on the right to cross the footbridge to follow the path ahead with the river on your right. Shortly ignore the kissing gate on the left and gate ahead turning up left up a sunken lane signed to Varle Hill. Soon pass through a bridle gate and now ignore the path on your right to Dulverton, instead bearing round to the left. Keep on this footpath as it steadily climbs out of the trees to open moorland. 2, SS881 317, 0.9 miles: The path soon levels to reach a gate in a tree-lined Devon bank. Pass through the gate and follow the level track ahead until reaching a small road and cattle grid. Follow alongside this road ahead soon reaching the main road (B3223). 3, SS891 321, 1.6 miles: Cross straight over to follow the path between gorse to reach a beech tree-lined Devon bank ahead, bearing left to follow the path with the bank over to the right. Pass by the low canopied trees to come into more open moor again, keeping the now layered beech-topped bank still over to your right. At a gate over in a right-hand corner the wall suddenly comes left towards the path you are walking. 4, SS897 330, 2.3 miles: Follow it around to the apex and on to a track ahead, ignoring it to the left. It loses height slightly and shortly bears right. On this corner take the path to the left which then follows alongside another ancient Devon bank signed to Spire Cross. A little way along ignore the bridle gate in the bank on the right. Still keeping ahead beside the bank ignore the next bridle gate in it. 5, SS889 334, 2.9 miles: Soon the path enters a lot of gorse and suddenly a standing stone in a stone shelter appears. This is the Caractacus Stone. From here continue in the same direction as before passing more stunted beech trees to reach a gate in the bank on the right and a track across to it. Turn left along this track to a road. Turn left along it to reach a cross-roads at Spire Cross. 6, SS888 335, 3.2 miles: Carefully cross straight over towards Knaplock. Keep beside this road until it bears left over a cattle grid. Leave the road here to follow the track ahead beside another hedged bank on your left. 7, SS880 333, 3.7 miles: Soon pass by the cattle grid and keep on the now tree-lined track which opens out again shortly. After a while ignore the bridleway on the right to Winsford Hill, continuing along the track as it drops to Higher Knaplock. 8, SS869 331, 4.5 miles: At the farm follow the track round to the right to the next farm where

you keep ahead, ignoring tracks to the right. Pass by the tin barn, through a gate/stile ahead and almost immediately turn left through a gap signed ‘Alternative Path’. Go straight down this field to a footbridge over a stream and straight ahead up the next field to a gate in the corner and up to the next gate ahead. 9, SS867 328, 4.8 miles: Now still keep the hedged bank on your left to the next gate ahead in a corner with a tree trunk across it to duck under. From this gate bear slightly right across the field to a gate ahead and then straight down the next field between fenced-off areas to a gap in the bank ahead. 10, SS869 324, 5.1 miles: Now follow the track bearing slightly right diagonally downhill across the field to reach the road by Tarr Farm. Follow the road back down to the river and the start of the walk.

Notes: Tarr Steps is an ancient clapper bridge. Its age is unknown but thought to date back to 1000-1400AD. The stones are said to weigh between 1 and 2 tons each with 17 spans covering 50 metres. A ford runs alongside the clapper bridge. Just upstream from the bridge you will see cables stretched across the river. These are to catch debris such as fallen branches and trees from hitting the clapper bridge. The bridge has been damaged by flood water on several occasions where the stones have been washed downstream some 50 metres or so. It is a Grade I listed building, although the river does not always appreciate that!

The Caractacus Stone, sometimes spelt Caratacus is one of many standing stones on Exmoor. It is not certain whether this is a Neolithic stone or more recent 5th Century standing stone. Its Latin inscription commemorates a Celtic Chieftain who bravely fought against the Romans.

Winsford Hill is the home to many Exmoor ponies, so you will have a good chance of seeing them as you walk across this moorland. They are a very hardy breed, living on the moor throughout the year. They are herded once a year in autumn for a veterinary check-up to ensure they are still healthy enough to stay on the moor. They are an endangered species with less than about 3000 worldwide.

Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 86300123

Self-guided walk - Com

be Walks

Page 24: North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival brochure 2016

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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

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