North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival 2013

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North Devon and Exmoor

Walking Festival The UK’s most scenic walking festival

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk 27th April - 6th May 2013

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Sponsored and Supported by:

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South West Coast Path

630 miles of stunning scenery

Experience culture, heritage, geology and beauty along the UK’s longest National Trail Hundreds of short and long distance walks available to download from our website www.southwestcoastpath.com

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

Woody Bay, photographer Audrey Rowlatt

Your cottage escape... Choose from our hand-picked selection of over 1,500 holiday cottages in destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the Cotswolds. To view our inspiring collection visit our website, download our app or call us on 01237 459935

holidaycottages.co.uk www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


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Welcome to the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival In its 13th year, the festival has a wide choice of guided walks for you to choose from. We have informative strolls around towns giving you an insight into their history. We have some of our popular regular walks and longer walks for those who like to stretch their legs. As in previous years, we are starting the festival around Ilfracombe for two days, then moving to Lynton for the next two days. It then moves to Porlock area for the next three days and finally on to Dunster area for the last three days. Each area is giving a ‘Welcome Evening’ the night before the festival starts with them to meet the local guides or make a last-minute booking. This year we have several new local guides helping the festival with their local knowledge and enthusiasm. We also have experienced guides from the Exmoor National Park, the National Trust, The Crown Estate Dunster and North Devon Ramblers. I would like to thank all our guides, wardens and rangers for their continued support. Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership is very pleased to support the Exmoor Walking Festival through their lottery funding. Please visit www. heartofexmoor.org.uk to discover and enjoy even more about Exmoor’s moorland. The Exmoor National Park Authority also underwrites the festival, enabling it to continue for all of us. Our advertisers and walk sponsors also help towards the festival costs and keeping it running. Please try and support those who have advertised in this brochure and on the website. Without their support, and of course your support, we would not have our walking festival. Some of you may already know my involvement with the South West Coast Path Association. In 2013 we are celebrating our 40th anniversary with a relay walk of the whole 630 miles over April and early May. This is to raise at least £250,000 for the improvement of this great National Trail. If you would like to get involved go to www.greatsouthwestwalk.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @LoveSWCoastPath. I hope you find some good walks and have an enjoyable experience on your festival walks. Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator 01271 883131

On the coast path coming up to Watermouth Cove, in the distance

Content Page 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

Vouchers & Local adverts

Back Cover

Walking Festival map

Front cover image: Overlooking Broadsand beach near Combe Martin, looking towards Little Hangman and Exmoor from the South West Coast Path.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


4 How to Book

Walk Ticket Discounts

This year’s festival is based on the larger towns in North Devon and Exmoor. Starting on Saturday 27th April with the Ilfracombe based walks, for two days. It then moves along to Lynton and Lynmouth for the next two days. The following three days are based around Porlock and the last three days are based around Dunster. This should make it easier for participants to choose their base and cause much less travelling to walks.

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 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:

Information

Phone our Booking Line on 01271 863001, Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre, between 10.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and closed Sunday. 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.

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.

Cancellation of Walks 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.

Data Protection Act 1998 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.

Please support our Advertisers and use the Discount Vouchers on page 22 of this brochure.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


5 Preparing for the Walks 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.

Symbols in Walk Details Exmoor National Park Ranger walks National Trust walks Dunster Crown Estate walks South West Coast Path included Walkers are Welcome Towns Ramblers Association walks Dogs Welcome walks No Dogs on these walks Family Friendly walks Food during the walk Bring a packed lunch

Grades of Walks Easy: Height gained and lost: 5m to 20m per mile.

Overlooking Combe Martin Bay and Little Hangman

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.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Information

Disclaimer


Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April

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Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Woolacombe and Braunton Ilfracombe 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 north in a relatively flat area of North Devon, close to the Braunton Burrows World Biosphere Reserve and Saunton Sands. Verity at Ilfracombe harbour

Local Welcome Welcome Evening Friday, 26th, from 6.30 - 8.30pm Venue: George & Dragon at 4-5 Fore Street, Ilfracombe www.georgeanddragonilfracombe.co.uk Come and meet some of the local guides and the festival coordinator at the oldest pub in Ilfracombe, near the harbour. A chance to book on some of the local walks at the last minute. The pub is offering a free drink and nibbles for those who have booked any walks. Or come for something more substantial from their home-cooked meals using local produce. We look forward to seeing you.

Short Stroll Ne w Wa l k 27A Stroll around Old Ilfracombe 6.15pm 1 mile, circular, 1.5 hrs, 180/SS 518 478 Cost: £2.00, food extra Guide: Ilfracombe Town Crier Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy Route: Landmark Theatre - Ilfracombe Quay Start: Landmark Theatre car parks - free after 6pm Description: Join Ilfracombe Town Crier for an informative stroll around the lower part of Ilfracombe to visit Verity, the new statue by Damien Hirst in the harbour. Finish with a drink or food at Damien Hirst’s restaurant at No11 The Quay. Directions to start: Go to Ilfracombe sea front and park in the Landmark Theatre car park. The walk starts from the front of the theatre.

Short Ranger Walk

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27B Trentishoe Titbits 2.00pm 4.5 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 655 480 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Ione Willcock, ENPA

North Devon area

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, one steep ascent and descent Route: Hunters Inn - Heddon Cleave - South West Coast Path - Trentishoe - Blackmore Water - Hunters Inn Start: Hunters Inn NT car park - donation box Description: Join a National Park Ranger for a glorious panoramic walk with views out to sea. The walk joins part of the dramatic Exmoor coastline using an easier section of the South West Coast Path, finishing down an ancient wooded river valley. The walk includes one steep ascent and descent. Directions to start: From Combe Martin follow the A399 towards S Molton through all the bends and when the road finally straightens look for the first turning on the left to Hunter’s Inn. Follow this road all the way to Hunter’s Inn and to the car park opposite the toilets.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


7 27C Baggy Trail 10.30am 6.2 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 443 392 Cost: £6.00

Ilfracombe

Information Centre

Guide: Paul Morris, ND Ramblers Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

(situated in the Landmark, on the seafront)

Route: Croyde - Putsborough - Baggy Point - Croyde Saunton - Croyde Start: Croyde village Hall car park - pay and display Description: Starting in pretty Croyde, this walk follows quiet lanes to Putsborough to reach the South West Coast Path. It follows this around the impressive Baggy Point offering excellent views along the coast before going over Saunton Down to return to Croyde. Directions to start: Go to Croyde. Turn left into Jones Hill. Turn immediately left by the Village Hall into the village car park. The walk starts here.

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01271 863001

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www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April

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Short Ramblers Walk

Baggy Point, Croyde

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Short Ramblers Walk 27D Ilfracombe surrounds 10.30am

6.3 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 180/SS 529 474 Cost: £6.00 Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Brimlands - Hele beach - Hillsborough - Verity Torrs - Brimlands Start: Ilfracombe swimming pool car park - pay and display Description: Ilfracombe is surrounded by the most spectacular coastal scenery. This walk takes in both sides of the town as well as the harbour with the new Verity statue by Damien Hirst. Directions to start: The car park is off the A399 to Combe Martin from Ilfracombe, on the left, near the brow of the hill, before reaching Hele. More on 27th April, next page....

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

North Devon area

Guide: Julian Tippett, ND Ramblers


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Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April

Longer Walk

Lyncott House

27E Explore the Heritage Coast & Old Railway 10.30am

4 Star Rating 56 St Brannocks Road Ilfracombe, EX34 8EQ

8.2 miles, circular, 5hrs, 180/SS 518 478 Cost: £8.00

01271 862425

Guide: Ken Chadwick Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate, some long ascents Route: Ilfracombe - Lee - Borough Woods - Ilfracombe Cycleway - Ilfracombe

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Parking * All En-suite * CarAdults Drying Facilities Only

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www.lyncotthouse.co.uk Phone Bookings Only

Start: Landmark Theatre car parks - pay and display Description: Explore the breathtaking countryside around Ilfracombe. By taking the South West Coast Path, Tarka Trail, public footpaths and part of the National Cycle Network, this walk explores some of the fine countryside, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. Directions to start: Go to Ilfracombe sea front and park in the Landmark Theatre car park. The walk starts from the front of the theatre.

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Short Ranger Walk 28A Explore the Torrs 10.30am

4 miles, circular, 2 hrs, 180/SS 518 478 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Jonathan Fairhurst, NT Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Ilfracombe - Torrs Walk - Torrs - Ilfracombe

Walking in Braunton Burrows

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Start: Landmark Theatre car parks - pay and display

Short Ramblers Walk

Description: Join the National Trust ranger to discover the flora and fauna of the Torrs above Ilfracombe. Enjoy beautiful views from the coast path from the Torrs Walk, built by the Victorians.

28B Smugglers Haunts

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

4.6 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 457 451

10.30am Cost: £6.00 Guide: Angela and Barry Neal, ND Ramblers

North Devon area

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Strathmore AA 4* Gold Award – Licensed Guest House •All Bedrooms en-suite •Packed Lunches on request •Pets & Children Welcome •Washing & Drying Facilities available •Off road parking – Close to Town 57 St Brannocks Rd, Ilfracombe, EX34 8EQ 01271 862247 info@the-strathmore.co.uk www.the-strathmore.co.uk

Route: Mortehoe - Morte Point - Bull Point - Bennets Mouth - Lighthouse road - Mortehoe Start: Mortehoe car park - pay and display Description: Starting in Mortehoe with its lovely church, the walk goes to the headland of Morte Point with its impressive wind-sculptured rocks and violent currents. The walk continues along the South West Coast Path to pass Bull Point lighthouse to a hidden cove with unique flora. The walk then heads inland back to Mortehoe. Directions to start: Follow the A361 to the roundabout above Ilfracombe, called Mullacott Cross. Turn towards Woolacombe on the B3343 until reaching the turning to the right on a sweeping bend to Mortehoe. Follow this road to Mortehoe and turn left into the car park.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


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28C Braunton Burrows Discovery 10.30am 6.5 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 180/SS 467 327 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Julian Tippett, ND Ramblers Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Easy, some walking on sand Route: Crow Point - Saunton - Braunton Burrows - Crow Point Start: Crow Point car park - toll road to car park Description: This walk shows you one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK, with a wonderful display of wild flowers and fauna. The walk may include some soft sand walking. Directions to start: Go to the A361 at Braunton. On the Barnstaple side of the town there is a roundabout by a petrol station. Take the road towards Velator and at the next roundabout go straight over. Follow this road alongside Velator Quay to the first turning on the left. Pass through the toll and follow this road to its end and the car parks.

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Longer Walk

28D Flowerpot Men, Secret Coves & Old Mill 10.30am 6.8 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 180/SS 561 466

Morte Point from Woolacombe

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April

Longer Ramblers Walk

Cost: £6.00 - lunch stop at Hele Mill extra Guide: Ken Chadwick Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Berrynarbor - S W Coast Path - Hele Corn Mill Sterridge Valley - Berrynarbor Start: Berrynarbor car park - free Description: Try and spot the cheeky flowerpot men working for their masters. Discover 2000 years of history along the Coast Path. Explore the dramatic coastline passing quiet secluded coves.

Avoncourt •Family run Guest House •On the Coastal Path •Ample Parking •Licensed •Drying facilities Torrs Walk Ave., Ilfracombe EX34 8AU Tel 01271 862543 Website: avoncourtilfracombe.co.uk

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

North Devon area

Directions to start: From Ilfracombe go towards Combe Martin on A399. At the Sawmill Inn turn right to Berrynarbor. At the church follow the sign to the car park which is shortly on the right, with toilets.


North Devon and West Exmoor area

Monday 29th to Tuesday 30th April

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Lynton and Lynmouth Set 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!

Local Welcome Welcome Evening, Sunday, 28th, from 6.30 - 8.30pm Venue: Rock House, Manor Green, Lynmouth www.rock-house.co.uk Come and meet some of the local guides and the festival coordinator at the beautifully positioned Rock House, beside the mouth of the Lyn rivers. A chance to book on some of the local walks at the last minute. Join us for a drink and nibbles or come for something more substantial from their home-cooked meals using local produce. We look forward to seeing you.

Short Walk

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29A Valley of Rocks from above and below 1.30pm Sponsored by: Lyn House Holiday Apartments, Lynton 4.7 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 719 495 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Alan Reeves Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Town Hall Car Park - Sinai Hill - Lyn House Holiday Apartments - Norman’s Cleave - SouthCliff Lee Abbey - North Walk - climb to Hollerday Hill High Path - Lynton Start: Lynton Town Hall car park - free for the festival walkers only Description: Come and see some amazing scenery right beside Lynton. The walk starts at the unique Town Hall and on leaving the town climbs South Cleave for panoramic views over the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay. The walk then loses height to pass by Lee Abbey before going through the Valley of Rocks and along the coast path back to Lynton. Cliff railway overlooking Lynmouth and The Foreland

Tramper All-Terrain Mobility Scooters

Directions to start: Go to Lynton on the A39 and B3234 and park in the car park to the right of the Town Hall which has had the charges waived for this walk. Valley of Rocks from Hollerday Hill

Book direct on: 01392 459222 Trampers are available at a number of sites around Exmoor, such as the Heddon Valley. Trampers provide a wonderful opportunity for people with limited mobility to explore hidden corners of North Devon and Exmoor.

Countryside Mobility.org

Please contact 01392 459222 or visit www.countrysidemobility.org for more information.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


Shorter Ranger Walk

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29B Victorian Entrepreneurs and Explorers 10.30am 5.3 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 180/SS 655 480 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Marcus Wilde, NT Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Hunters Inn - Heddon Valley - South West Coast Path - Woody Bay - Old coach road - Hunters Inn Start: Hunters Inn NT car park - donation box Description: Join a Ranger for a guided walk from the Heddon valley to Woody Bay and back to find out how the Victorian entrepreneurs and explorers shaped this coastline. Directions to start: Hunters Inn can be approached from two roads, one above Combe Martin, of the A399 and one off the A39 above Parracombe. Both are signed clearly to Hunters Inn. Car parks are opposite the toilet block and NT shop. Watersmeet (NT)

Longer Walk

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29C Little Switzerland’s Wooded Combes 10.30am

Monday 29th to Tuesday 30th April

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Sponsored by: Blue Ball Inn, Countisbury Cost: £6.00, lunch stop at the Blue Ball Inn extra Guide: Richard Medland Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Combe Park - Watersmeet - Ash Bridge - Trilly - Countisbury - Wind Hill - East Lyn River - Hoar Oak Water - Combe Park Start: Combe Park NT car park - donation box

Heddon River

Blue Ball Inn Open From 11am to 11pm A Picturesque Old World Coaching Inn Located at the Top of Countisbury Hill Just Outside Lynmouth on the A39. Serving Excellent Food and Beer Large Beer Garden Perfect for relaxing in the Sun and Enjoying the Tranquil Views of the valley Tel: 01598 741 263 www.blueballinn.com

Description: This is a breathtaking walk takes in some beautiful wooded combes before climbing up to overlook these meandering valleys. At Countisbury stop for lunch at an old coaching inn who are kindly sponsoring this walk. The walk then continues above the wooded valley before dropping back down to follow the rivers upstream. Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Lynmouth and Blackmoor Gate. From the Blackmoor Gate direction (A399/A39) follow the A39 towards Lynmouth. Pass through Barbrook and now go through four hairpin bends. At the fifth hairpin continue ahead on to the B3223 towards Simonsbath. Do not cross the river bridge immediately at the start of this road but immediately turn right and immediately right again into the Combe Park car park. Coming from Lynmouth, follow the A39 past Watersmeet and at the hairpin bend turn left, immediately right and immediately right again into Combe Park car park. The walk starts here. More on 29th April, next page....

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

North Devon and West Exmoor area

6.6 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 180/SS 740 477


Monday 29th to Tuesday 30th April

12 Longer Walk 29D Coastal Views and Wooded Combe 10.30am 8.2 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 764 481 Cost: £12.50 includes cream tea at Brendon House Guide: John Breeds Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Brendon - County Gate - Kipscombe Farm Wilsham Farm - Rockford - Brendon Start: Brendon village Hall car park - donation box Description: This walk gives good views over Doone Country. It then follows a path above the coast path, before dropping into the East Lyn’s wooded combe to return to Brendon for an award-winning cream tea. Directions to start: From Lynmouth go on the A39 towards Porlock. Cross two cattle grids and turn right to Brendon. Go down the steep hill and turn right over the two old bridges. Turn right in the village to follow it to the village hall on the right. View from County Gate along the upper East Lyn

Heron on the East Lyn River

North Devon and West Exmoor area

Short Ranger Walk

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30A Spring flowers and plants 10.30am 3.6 miles, circular, 3 hrs, 180/SS 740 477 Cost: £6.00 food extra Guide: Julian Gurney, NT Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Combe Park - Myrtleberry Cleave - Watersmeet - Ash Bridge - Combe Park Start: Combe Park NT car park - donation box Description: Discover the wild flowers and stunning scenery of the East Lyn Valley with the local ranger. Rare and beautiful Irish Spurge, delicate Welsh poppies, sanicle, blue bells and wild garlic. Includes a break at Watersmeet Lodge (NT). Directions to start: Go to the A39 between Lynmouth and Blackmoor Gate. From the Blackmoor Gate direction (A399/A39) follow the A39 towards Lynmouth. Pass through Barbrook and now go through four hairpin bends. At the fifth hairpin continue ahead on to the B3223 towards Simonsbath. Do not cross the river bridge immediately at the start of this road but immediately turn right and immediately right again into the Combe Park car park. Coming from Lynmouth, follow the A39 past Watersmeet and at the hairpin bend turn left, immediately right and immediately right again into Combe Park car park. The walk starts here.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


13 30B Around Culbone 10.30am 5.8 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/SS 821 464 Cost: ÂŁ13.00 includes Bar lunch at The Culbone Guide: Richard Medland Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Route: Robbers Bridge - South West Coast Path - The Culbone - Robbers Bridge Start: Robber Bridge car park - free Description: This walk starts in Doone Country and climbs to join the coast path. The walk passes the Culbone Stone Row and Stone to reach The Culbone for lunch before returning to Robbers Bridge. Directions to start: From Lynmouth follow the A39 towards Porlock for 5.1 miles, turning right just after County Gate car park. Follow this road down and turn left in front of Oare church. Follow this road for about 1.5 miles to cross a narrow bridge over the river. The car park is now on the left. Robbers Bridge

Please support our Advertisers and use the Discount Vouchers on page 22 of this brochure. Longer Walk

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30C Lorna Doone Country 10.30am 7.7 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/OL9/SS 792 478 Cost: ÂŁ8.00, any teas are extra Guide: John Breeds Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Malmsmead - Lankcombe Ford - Badgeworthy Water - Cloud Farm - Oare Church - Malmsmead Start: Malmsmead car park - donation box 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: From Lynmouth follow the A39 towards Porlock for 5.1 miles, turning right just after County Gate car park. Follow this road down and turn right in front of Oare church to reach Malmsmead. Cross the ford and park the other side of the buildings.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

North Devon and West Exmoor area

Monday 29th to Tuesday 30th April

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Shorter Food Walk


Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd May

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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.

Short Food Walk

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1A Farm, Beacon and Coastal Views 10.30am 3.9 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 181/SS 920 467 Cost: £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 free Description: From Selworthy we visit Hindon Organic Farm 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 left turning to Selworthy and follow this up hill and round to the right to park in the overflow car park past the white church.

Shorter Walk

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1B Discovering Hawk Combe 10.30am 5 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 181/SS 881 447 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Barbara Wigley Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Ley Hill - Bromham Farm – Hawkcombe – Doverhay Down – Woodcocks Ley

Mid and East Exmoor area

Start: Ley Hill - free

Porlock Vale from Porlock Hill

Local Welcome Welcome Evening, Tuesday, 30th, from 6.30 - 8.30pm Venue: Ship Inn, High Street, Porlock www.shipinnporlock.co.uk Come and meet some of the local guides and the festival coordinator at one of the oldest inns on Exmoor. A chance to book on some of the local walks at the last minute. Join us for a drink and nibbles or come for something more substantial from their home-cooked meals using local produce. We look forward to seeing you.

Description: This walk starts on Ley Hill, a magnificent viewpoint set in a moorland landscape of gorse and heather. Crossing high moorland pastures, the walk then descends into Hawkcombe, a 250 acre National Nature Reserve, one of England’s most special ancient woodlands and a valuable example of a temperate rainforest. The walk then climbs Doverhay Down, a mixed conifer and deciduous wood, back to the top of Ley Hill. Directions to start: From Porlock follow the A39 towards Minehead. Shortly after leaving the 30 limit, take the second turning right (the first is a Private Road) at “Red Post” on an unclassified road signed to West Luccombe and Horner. At the small green in West Luccombe, turn right (this is the first right turn) signed to Filter Station. A little way after passing over a cattle grid, the road splits. Take the left fork, up hill. At the next fork, on top of the hill, again take the left fork. Soon a wide track joins from the right, park on the grass on either side of that track.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


15 1C Dunkery Beacon – a walk on the wild side 10.30am 8 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 181/SS 897 455

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Longer Walk

2B Discovering the Medieval Selworthy Wall 10.30am 7 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 897 480

Cost: £8.00

Cost: £8.00

Guide: Alistair and Gill Campbell

Guide: Alistair and Gill Campbell

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Horner Water – Stoke Pero – Dicky’s Path – Dunkery Beacon – Allercombe – East Water - Horner

Route: Bossington – Selworthy Woods and Combe – Cockerhills – Selworthy Beacon – Hurlstone Combe Bossington

Start: Horner National Trust car park - Pay and display, free NT members Description: The walk gives an intimate taste of all three principal features of Exmoor - wooded valleys with tumbling streams, open moorland and views of the seashore. With luck, we will see birds of prey, Exmoor ponies and, maybe, red deer. Stoke Pero is Exmoor’s smallest village, with its own little church. and Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point, offering fantastic views. Directions to start: From Porlock follow the A39 towards Minehead. Shortly after leaving the 30 limit, take the second turning right (the first is a Private Road) at “Red Post” onto an unclassified road signed to West Luccombe and Horner. Keep straight ahead in West Luccombe to cross a narrow humpbacked bridge and eventually reach Horner village. The car park is on the left at the beginning of the village.

Start: Bossington National Trust car park - pay and display, free NT members Description: From Bossington, the first part of this walk follows the recently restored medieval wall which runs around the combes through holme oak and deciduous woods. The walk then crosses open moorland to Selworthy Beacon, the highest point on this part of the coast, with a fantastic 360° view. The walk is led by two of the volunteers who are still working on the wall’s restoration. Directions to start: From Porlock follow the A39 towards Minehead. As it leaves the village, the main road takes a sharp right bend. Continue straight ahead here towards Bossington. Eventually, at the triangular green, bear left to go through Bossington village and reach the car park which is on the right.

Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd May

Ne w Wa l k

Longer Walk

Please support our Advertisers and use the Discount Vouchers on page 22 of this brochure.

2A A Holnicote history walk 10.30am 5 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 904 469 Cost: £6.00

Groyne on Porlock shingle ridge

Ne w Wa l k

Longer Walk

2C Village, Marsh and Shingle Ridge 10.30am 7.4 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 886 466

Guide: Ros Lawton Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy

Cost: £8.00

Route: Allerford – Selworthy - Budleigh Hill – Holnicote - Piles Mill - Allerford

Guide: Ruth Hylett Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to easy

Start: Allerford car park - free

Route: Porlock - Porlock Marsh - Bossington - Porlock

Description: The leader is a National Trust Volunteer, with knowledge of the Acland family and the Holnicote Estate. The walk will be taken at an easy pace, with stops for information at significant places on the route, including Holnicote Estate Yard and Holnicote House – the Acland’s former home, now leased by HF Holidays.

Start: In front of Porlock church, St. Dubricius

Directions to start: From Porlock, take the A39 east towards Minehead. After crossing a narrow hump-back bridge, the A39 curves left and then sharp right. At this bend, keep straight ahead onto a minor road into Allerford. Turn left at the packhorse bridge and soon the car park is on the left, opposite the Museum.

Description: The walk starts from the 900 year old St. Dubricius Church in the centre of Porlock. It then crosses the Marsh to explore the Shingle Ridge including the Breach created in 1996 and subsequent changes to habitats. The walk then climbs to Hurlstone Point with stunning coastal views and returns through the pretty hamlet of Bossington. Directions to start: Park in any of the car parks in Porlock and walk to the church in the centre of the village. More walks in this area, next page....

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Mid and East Exmoor area

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Shorter Walk


Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd May

16 Ne w Wa l k

Village Walk 3A Historic Dunster (1) 11.00am

Short Ranger Walk 3C Talking Trees 10.30am

1 mile, circular, 1.5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438

4 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 181/SS 897 455

Cost: £2.00

Cost: £3.00

Guide: Biddy Bale

Guide: Adam Vasey, ENPA

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate

Route: around Dunster medieval village

Route: Horner village – Horner Wood - Old Bridge – Cloutsham Ball – Horner Hill – Horner village

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster Description: Join local experts who will uncover the hidden secrets and rich history of this enchanting village. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwtaer road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car park and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

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Start: Horner National Trust car park - pay and display, free NT members Description: Join a National Park Ranger for a walk through Horner Woods - said to contain Britain’s largest area of ancient oak woodland. The woods are a National Nature Reserve as a well as a SSSI and contain a wealth of wildlife ranging from rare lichens, ancient trees, beetles, bats, otters and red deer. We’ll talk about the myths and legends relating to our native trees, medieval woodland management and anything else we see whilst strolling round! Directions to start: From Porlock follow the A39 towards Minehead. Shortly after leaving the 30 limit, take the second turning right (the first is a Private Road) at “Red Post” onto an unclassified road signed to West Luccombe and Horner. Keep straight ahead in West Luccombe to cross a narrow humpbacked bridge and eventually reach Horner village. The car park is on the left at the beginning of the village.

All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001

Mid and East Exmoor area

Hurlestone Point from Porlock Weir

Wildlife Walk 3B Bossington Butterflies 12.00pm

Ne w Wa l k

2 miles, circular, 3 hrs, 181/SS 897 480 Cost: £4.00

Shorter Walk Ne w Gui d e 3D All Things Bright and Beautiful (1) 11.00am 4.1 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £6.00 Guide: Andy Speed

Guide: Ruth Hyett Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy to moderate (one steep downhill section) Route: Bossington to Hurlstone, returning on the “middle path” Start: Bossington car park - pay and display, free NT members Description: A short circular walk to look for early species of butterflies such as Orange Tips, Small Coppers and Green Hairstreaks. The walk includes many different habitats and stunning coastal views. Directions to start: From Porlock follow the A39 towards Minehead. Shortly after leaving the village the main road takes a sharp right bend. Continue ahead here towards Bossington. At the triangle green bear left to reach the car park.

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Dunster - Gallax Hill - Bats Castle - Dunster Park - Dunster Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster Description: This walk reveals much of this hymn which was written in Dunster in 1848 by Cecil F Alexander, possibly inspired by a verse in Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. The walk passes the Castle and gains height to oversee Dunster village, the rolling hills of Exmoor and the sea across to Wales. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


17 3E Rodhuish Breakfast Walk 10.00am

Higher Rodhuish Farm

7.6 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/ST 012 398 Cost: £13.00, including breakfast Guide: Andrew Player, The Crown Estate Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Higher Rodhuish Farm - Withycombe Common Withycombe Scruffets - Withycombe Hill - Withycombe - Rodhuish Start: Higher Rodhuish Farm, Rodhuish - free Description: This walk starts with a breakfast at 10:00, and then you walk it off! The walk goes up onto Withycombe Common offering wide views before entering woodland to follow an old coaching road. It then descends to Withycombe with more excellent views over the Channel. Directions to start: From Dunster take the A39 towards Williton. After 4 miles turn right signposted Withycombe and Rodhuish. Go through Withycombe, up the hill and follow the road round the bends. The farm is on left at bottom of the hill.

Enjoy a warm friendly welcome with good home cooking using local and homegrown produce. Stay here for the ‘Breakfast Walk’ and then walk it off! Special Offer: £35pppn for the Friday night- includes B&B and dinner £60pppn for Friday and Saturday- includes B&B and dinner for both nights Higher Rodhuish Farm, Rodhuish, Minehead, TA24 6QL T: 01984 640253 E: Jennifer@Thomas2008B.Entadsl.com

Wednesday 1st to Friday 3rd May

Breakfast Ranger Walk

Please support our Advertisers and use the Discount Vouchers on page 22 of this brochure. Porlock Weir

Longer Walk

3F Over the Hill to the Harbour 10.30am

3G Around the Avill Valley 11.00am

8 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 181/SS 886 466

8.8 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438

Cost: £8.00

Cost: £8.00

Guide: Alistair and Gill Campbell

Guide: Cliff Nicholson

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Route: Porlock - Porlock Hill – the Parks – Worthy Woods – Porlock Weir – Porlock Marsh - Porlock

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

Start:c

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Description: From Porlock, the walk climbs the ancient pack horse route up Porlock Hill before cross the old deer parks and the toll road. Continuing across Worthy Woods, the walk descends to Worthy Manor and then Porlock Weir. Finally, the walk returns across Porlock tidal salt marsh, nationally important for its coastal vegetation and bird life.

Description: This walk takes in the beautiful Avill valley, passing through ancient woodland to Timberscombe before crossing the valley to Wootton Coutenay. From here the walk climbs on to Grabbist Hill giving wide views over the valley back to Dunster.

Directions to start: Park in any of the car parks in Porlock and walk to the church in the centre of the village.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Mid and East Exmoor area

Ne w Wa l k

Longer Walk


Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

18

Dunster and its surrounds Dunster is a wonderfully preserved medieval village. Overlooked by its fairy-tale castle perched on a prominent hill and 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) where most of our walks for this area start. 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. One walk includes this. 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.

Villlage Walk

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4B Conygar Tower (1) 2.00pm 1 mile, circular, 1 hr, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £2.00 Guide: Steve Palmer Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate Route: Dunster - Conygar Tower - Dunster Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster Description: A walk to the Conygar Tower, overlooking the village, with a history of this folly. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Dunster High Street showing the Yarn Market and Castle

Local Welcome Welcome & Folk Music Evening, Friday 3rd May, from 6.30 - 8.30pm

East Exmoor & Dunster Estate area

Venue: Stags Head Inn, 10 West Street, Dunster www.stagsheadinnexmoor.co.uk Come and meet some of the local guides and the festival coordinator at the old Stags Head Inn. Enjoy some folk music and a chance to book on some of the local walks at the last minute. Join us for a drink and nibbles or come for something more substantial from their home-cooked meals. We look forward to seeing you.

Village Walk 4A Historic Dunster (2) 12.00pm 1 mile, circular, 1.5 hr, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £2.00

Short Ranger Walk

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4C Wild Food & Useful Plants 1.00pm 4 miles, circular, 2.5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £3.00 Guide: Pat Watts-Mabbott, ENPA

Guide: Antony Brunt Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy Route: A walk around Dunster medieval village Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate Route: Dunster - Conygar Tower - Buttercross - Dunster Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Description: Join local experts who will uncover the hidden secrets and rich history of this enchanting village.

Description: Join Patrick, the National Park’s Education Support Officer, having fun with lots of talking and tasting around Conygar, Buttercross and beyond.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


19 Village Walk 5B Conygar Tower (2) 2.00pm

9.5 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 181/SS 991 438

1 mile, circular, 1 hr, 181/SS 991 438

Cost: £8.00

Cost: £2.00

Guide: Iain Logan

Guide: Steve Palmer

Pace: Quicker Difficulty: Moderate

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Dunster - Croydon Hill - Clicket - Dunster

Route: Dunster - Conygar Tower - Dunster

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Description: This walk offers a mix of narrow paths and atmospheric woods; a chance to visit some of the less known parts of Exmoor. It visits the abandoned village of Clicket over Croydon Hill and other sites of historical interest.

Description: A walk to the Conygar Tower, overlooking the village, with a history of this folly.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Dunster Station

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Railway Walk Village Walk 5A Historic Dunster (3) 11.00pm 1 mile, circular, 1.5 hr, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £2.00

5C The Old Mineral Line 12.00pm 4 miles, linear, 5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £6.00 plus train ticket fare Guide: Antony Brunt Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Easy

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy

Route: Dunster - Dunster Station - Washford Station Mineral Line walk - Watchet Station - Dunster Station - Dunster

Route: A walk around Dunster medieval village

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Description: Walk to the station to catch the 12.32 train to Washford. Walk to Watchet along the old mineral line route and discover more about the line and village before returning by train to Dunster.

Guide: Biddy Bale

Description: Join local experts who will uncover the hidden secrets and rich history of this enchanting village. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts. More on 5th May, next page....

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

Ne w Gui d e

East Exmoor & Dunster Estate area

Longer Walk 4D Abandoned Exmoor 11.00am


20

Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

Linear Walk

Ne w Wa l k

Village Walk

5D Macmillan Way West Sampler 11.00am

6B Conygar Tower (3) 2.00pm

6.5 miles, linear, 4 hrs, 181/SS 991 438

1 mile, circular, 1 hr, 181/SS 991 438

Cost: £9.00 including transport, dogs £2 each

Cost: £2.00

Guide: David Colley

Guide: Antony Brunt

Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate

Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate

Route: Dunkery Beacon - Wootton Courtenay - Grabbist Hill - Dunster

Route: Dunster - Conygar Tower - Dunster

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Description: A walk to the Conygar Tower, overlooking the village, with a history of this folly.

Description: This linear walk starts at Exmoor’s highest point, gently dropping to Wootton Coutenay to regain some height on to the Grabbist Hill ridge with wide open views, before dropping down back to Dunster village. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts. A minibus will take you to Dunkery Beacon.

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

Short Ranger Walk

Ne w Gui d e

6C All Things Bright and Beautiful (2) 10.30am 4.1 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £3.00 Guide: Adam Vasey, ENPA Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Dunster - Gallax Hill - Bats Castle - Dunster Park - Dunster

East Exmoor & Dunster Estate area

Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster Description: This walk reveals much of this hymn which was written in Dunster in 1848 by Cecil F Alexander, possibly inspired by a verse in Coleridge’s ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’. The walk passes the Castle and gains height to oversee Dunster village, the rolling hills of Exmoor and the sea across to Wales. Dunster church

Village Walk 6A Historic Dunster (4) 11.00pm

Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts. view from Bats Castle

1 mile, circular, 1.5 hr, 181/SS 991 438 Cost: £2.00 Guide: Steve Palmer Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Easy Route: A walk around Dunster medieval village Start: Yarn Market, High Street, Dunster Description: Join local experts who will uncover the hidden secrets and rich history of this enchanting village. Directions to start: Go to Dunster village which is off the A39, Minehead to Bridgwater road, on the A396 to Wheddon Cross. Park in any of the village car parks and walk to the High Street and the Yarn Market where the walk starts.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


Where Exmoor meets the sea Whether you seek challenge and adventure, or peace and tranquillity, you will find it all at the Dunster Estate. From forests, follies and farmland, to hillforts, hilltops, heathland, explore this special landscape on our extensive walking trail network: accessible from Dunster, or from Nutcombe Bottom car park and adventure play area- also home to England’s tallest tree!

Forest Office, Sea Lane, Dunster Marsh, Minehead, TA24 6PL T: 01643 821309 E: info@dunsterestate.co.uk www.dunsterestate.co.uk

All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001 Ne w Wa l k Linear Walk 6D Abridged Coleridge Way 11.00am 8.5 miles, linear, 5.5 hrs, 181/ST 004 428 Cost: £11.00 including transport, dogs £2 each Guide: Dr Alan Nelson Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to easy Route: Roadwater - Kingsbridge - Lype Hill - Cutcombe - Wheddon Cross Start: Wheddon Cross car park - free Description: Walk part of the Coleridge way from Roadwater to Wheddon Cross as a linear walk. The walk passes the highest point on the Coleridge Way at Lype Hill, with great all-round views. Directions to start: Wheddon Cross is on the A396 between Dunster and Dulverton. It is the highest village on Exmoor. It is 6 miles from Dunster and there is a regular bus route. A minibus will take you to the start of this walk at Roadwater.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

East Exmoor & Dunster Estate area

Discover Dunster Estate

Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May

21


22 Discount Vouchers Terms and Conditions for Discount Vouchers • Please Quote ‘Walking Festival’ when using any discount voucher.

The duration of the voucher is as stated in the voucher.

• • •

Cannot be used with any other offer. No redeemable cash value.

10% off a cream tea at Rock House, Lynmouth during the walking festival.

Voucher must be presented to get offer.

www.rock-house.co.uk 01598 753508

Higher Rodhuish Farm near Minehead

The Yarn Market Hotel Dunster

£35pppn for the Friday 3 May nightincludes B&B and dinner £60pppn for Friday and Saturday, 3-4 May - includes B&B and dinner for both nights

01984 640253

Local supporting adverts & vouchers

Rock House Hotel

£25 off per room for a 2 night stay valid until 31 Dec 2014

www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk 01643 821425

Dunster Country Store 10% discount to walking festival participants during the walking festival. rohantime.com/19076/rohan-heritage-dunster

Porlock Marsh - now saltmarsh

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk


23 Self Guided Walks, Cycle Rides and Picnic Booklets Written and devised by Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator

Visit-Exmoor.co.uk

Walks include some from previous walking festivals. If you cannot get to this festival - pick up a booklet

16 Best Picnic Spots in Exmoor 7 Cycle Rides in North Devon & Exmoor 7 Cycle Rides in North & Mid Devon

Discover… quality holiday accommodation, with a warm welcome and high hospitality standards Explore… acres of open moors, lots of things to do on Exmoor, fun-filled days and some of the west’s best beaches. O EXM OR

Buy online at: TO

RI

U

www.combewalks.com 01271 883131, or find in local TIC’s

ST

ASSOC

IA

Join the South West Coast Path Association’s sponsored walk Help to raise £250,000 for improvement projects to the SW Coast Path

Walks take place from 3rd April to 7th May 2013 Visit our website for more information and to sign up today!

www.greatsouthwestwalk.co.uk

Tel 01752 896237 . Twitter: @LoveSWCoastPath We are grateful to a large number of countryside organisations supporting this event, including the South West Coast Path Team, the National Trust, County Councils and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, along with local walking groups & numerous tourism businesses.

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk

Local supporting adverts & vouchers

16 Best Picnic Spots in North Devon

Dream… of a peaceful haven far from the madding crowd with plenty of activities for all the family

ON

5 Half Day and 5 Full Day Circular Walks in Exmoor

TI

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


Walking Festival Map

www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk 28C

27C

28B

27D 28D 28A

27E

27A 27B

29B 29A 29D

29C 30A 30C

30B 5C

Longer Guided Walks, 7 miles and over

Walk numbers: The number indicates the date and the letter is a reference

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Smaller Towns for Accommodation

Main Towns for Accommodation

Shorter Guided Walks, up to 7 miles

6B

6D

3D/6C 3E 4D

3G

4/5/6B 3/4/5/6A 4C

4B

5D

3C

Half Day Guided Walks, up to 4.5 miles

2A

2B

1B 1C

3F

3B 2C 1A 2B


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