North Devon and Exmoor
Walking Festival The UK’s most scenic walking festival
www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk 30th April - 7th May 2016
Sponsored and Supported by:
Our 20th Festival !
...where memories are made
Dream of Peace and Tranquillity Discover Unspoilt Combes &
Moors
Explore Paths and Bridleway
Gorgeous cottages and contemporary apartments in stunning locations throughout North Devon and Exmoor For more information call 01271 813777 or visit
www.marsdens.co.uk
20 Miles of Steam train travel between Bishops Lydeard (4 miles from Taunton - Home of Somerset County Museum) and Minehead Along 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
Find Top Experiences Natural Attractions Lots of Activities Things to do Places to Stay All at
www.visit-exmoor.co.uk Download our Heritage Hunter App before you visit!
West Somerset Railway 2
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-WalkingFestival-264423586917341. Best wishes Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator bryan@combewalks.com 01271 883131
Festival walkers crossing Gallox Bridge, Dunster
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
Self-guided walk
Back Cover
Walking Festival map
Front cover image: Walkers on the South West Coast Path walking towards Watermouth Cove, near Combe Martin.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Information
How to Book 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.
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:
Additional Walks
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.
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Walk Ticket Discounts
To get these discounts these bookings must be made through our telephone booking line 01271 863001. They cannot be made on the website. 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 whose support of this festival helps keep it going
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.
Grades of Walks
Symbols in Walk Details Exmoor National Park Ranger walks North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Information
Preparing for the Walks
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 Exmoor coast from Holdstone Down near Hunter’s Inn
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.
Disclaimer 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.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May
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.
Lundy Island Discovery Saturday 30th April, 9.15am
30A
3.5 mile, circular, 8 hrs, 180/SS 525 478 Cost: £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
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.
Route: South End - Castle - Old Light - Marisco and Lower East Side Path - Terraces - Tibbets - Marisco
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.
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.
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
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.
Cream of Croyde Saturday 30th April 10.30am
30B
7 mile, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 444 392 Cost: £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.
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May
Wildlife of Estuary, Marsh & Dunes 30C Saturday 30th April, 10.30am 8 mile, circular, 6 hrs, 180/SS 484 354 Cost: ÂŁ8.00 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 humpback bridge. A layby is soon on your left. Park here neatly. The walk starts here. Lundy Island cliffs Croyde beach
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May
Discover Ilfracombe’s Secret History 1A Sunday 1st May, 2.00pm 3 miles, circular, 2.5 hrs, 180/SS 518 478 Cost: £6.00
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4.5 miles, circular, 3.5 hrs, 180/SS 713 494 Cost: £6.00
Guide: Dave Edgcombe, ND AONB
Guide: Mary Breeds
Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Route: Ilfracombe - Hillsborough - Hele Mill Ilfracombe
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Route: Holman Park - Hollerday Hill - Lynton old town - West Lyn - Summerhouse Hill - East Lyn Manor Green - Cliff Railway - Lynton
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.
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.
your holiday starts here……….
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: info@holidayhomehunter.co.uk
Exmoor’s High Coastal Cliffs Sunday 1st May, 10.30am
1B
5.3 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 180/SS 675 486 Cost: £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.
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Twin Towns Highs and Lows Sunday 1st May, 11.00am
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Ilfracombe
Information 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 Scan the QR code to go to our Events page for a full season of exciting events.
01271 863001
Open 7 Days a week We’re here to help!
www.visitilfracombe.co.uk
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
OCEAN BACKPACKERS
Ideal for student groups, schools, activity clubs and individual travellers/surfers/walkers
01271 867 835
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
FROM
ÂŁ16 PER NIGHT
www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk 29, St James Place, Ilfracombe Devon EX34 9BJ
Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May
Top quality youth hostel accommodation
Hollow Brook on coast path near Woody Bay
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd May
Lynton and Lynmouth
Spring Lanes & Coastal Vistas Monday 2nd May, 2.00pm
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’!
4.5 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 180/SS 578 473
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.
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
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! Overlooking Little Hangman and Combe Martin
2A
Cost: £6.00 Guide: Ione Willcock, ENPA Ranger
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.
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk The Beauty of Molland Monday 2nd May, 10.30am
2B
7.3 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 807 284 Cost: £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.
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
7.7 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 180/SS 674 486 Cost: £8.00 Guide: Mary Breeds
ALL STEAM SERVICE - HERITAGE CARRIAGES
STEAM TRAINS at WOODY BAY STATION
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.
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Two-mile Round Trip
PAY ONCE Ride All Day
Under 5s TRAVEL FREE
On the A39 between Blackmoor Gate & Lynton/Lynmouth EX31 4RA LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY TRUST
Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd May
Hidden Bays, Rocky Valley & Barton 2C Monday 2nd May, 10.30am
Reg. Charity No. 1082564
Reviving North Devon’s Lost Railway Heritage
ENQUIRIES: 01598 763487
WWW.LYNTON-RAIL.CO.UK Valley of Rocks, Lynton
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd May
Dulverton Heritage walk Tuesday 3rd May, 4.00pm
3A
2 miles, circular, 1.5 hrs, 181/SS 913 279
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Cost: £2.50
Over Hills and Moors to Royal Oak 3B Tuesday 3rd May, 10.30am 6.5 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 817 362 Cost: £6.00
Guide: Sue Cottrell
Guide: Richard Medland
Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to easy
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate
Route: around Dulverton
Route: Landacre Bridge - Withypool Common and Hill - Withypool - Barle valley
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.
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
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.
Landacre Bridge, near Withypool
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
3C
7.7 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 792 478 Cost: £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
Self Guided Walks, Cycle Rides and Picnic Booklets Written and devised by Bryan Cath, Walking Festival Coordinator Walks include some from previous walking festivals. If you cannot get to this festival - pick up a booklet 5 Half Day and 5 Full Day Circular Walks in North Devon
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.
5 Half Day and 5 Full Day Circular Walks in Exmoor
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.
7 Cycle Rides in North Devon & Exmoor
16 Best Picnic Spots in North Devon 16 Best Picnic Spots in Exmoor
7 Cycle Rides in North & Mid Devon
Monday 2nd to Tuesday 3rd May
The Doone’s Haunts Tuesday 3rd May, 10.30am
Buy online at:
www.combewalks.com 01271 883131, or find in local TIC’s Oare church, near Malmsmead
4-5 March 2017 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 first full weekend in March each year. Go to our web site for more information booking forms can be downloaded from July onwards each year for the next event. Bookings taken for the 2017 event on the website from July 2016.
www.rotary-startrek.org.uk Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th May
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.
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk Porlock Weir
Farm, Beacon and Coastal Views Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am
4A
3.8 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 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.
Wimbleball boat and bushcraft walk 4B Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am 4.7 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/ SS 964 307 Cost: £6.00
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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.
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
4C
High Beacons and Cairns Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am
5 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/SS 864 478
6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 902 438
Cost: £6.00
Cost: £6.00
Guide: John Buchan
Guide: Jennifer Rowlandson
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate Route: Webbers Post - Dicky’s Path - Dunkery Beacon - Dunster Path - Webbers Post
Route: Porlock Weir - Culbone - Silcombe Worthy Woods - Porlock Weir
Start: Webbers Post car park
Start: Porlock Weir car park
Car parking: free
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.
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Clappers to Moors and Farmstead Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am 5.5 miles, circular, 4.5 hrs, 181/SS 872 323 Cost: £6.00
4E
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.
Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th May
Old Tunnels and Leper’s Haunt Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am
Tarr Steps
4D Ne w!
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.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th May
Dulverton Heritage walk Thursday 5th May, 2.00pm
5A
2 miles, circular, 1.5 hrs, 181/SS 913 279
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Cost: £2.50
Pretty villages, high ridge & shingle ridge 5B Thursday 5th May, 10.30am 6.3 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 904 469 Cost: £6.00
Guide: Sue Cottrell
Guide: John Buchan
Pace: Gentle Difficulty: Moderate to easy
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
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. Selworthy Green (NT)
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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.
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The Acland Story Thursday 5th May, 10.30am
5C
6.5 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 920 467 Cost: £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.
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
Wednesday 4th to Thursday 5th May Watchet outer harbour
Cleeve, Harbour and Fossil Coast 5D Thursday 5th May, 10.30am 6.6 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/ST 023 434 Cost: ÂŁ6.00
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Clicket Lost Village Thursday 5th May, 10.30am
5E
7.2 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 181/SS 984 376
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Cost: ÂŁ8.00
Guide: Jo Halliday
Guide: Barbara Wigley
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to easy
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Blue Anchor - Chapel Cleeve- Mineral Line - Watchet - Blue Anchor
Route: Kingsbridge - Clicket - Croydon Hill Kingsbridge
Start: opposite the Driftwood Cafe on the seafront
Start: Kingsbridge car park
Car parking: free roadside
Car parking: free
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.
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 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.
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.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May
Dunster and its surrounds Dunster 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.
Orienteering for fun Friday 6th May, 10.30am
6B
6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 902 438 Cost: £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.
All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001 West Somerset Mineral Line Explore 6C Friday 6th May, 10.30am Overlooking Wimbleball Friday 6th May, 2.00pm 4.5 miles, circular, 4 hrs, 181/SS 969 285 Cost: £6.00
6.7 miles, circular, 6 hrs, 181/ST 039 344
6A Ne w!
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 rightangle bend with the car park signed off there. It is 5 miles from Bampton and 13.5 from Watchet.
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Cost: £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.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
7.7 miles, circular, 5.5 hrs, 180/SS 792 478 Cost: 8.00
6D
Around the Avill Valley Friday 6th May, 10.30am
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8.8 mile, circular, 6 hr, 181/SS 993 438 Cost: £8.00
Guide: Jennifer Rowlandson, Exmoor Society
Guide: David Colley
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Route: Malmsmead - Badgworthy Water - Toms Hill - Oare - Malmsmead
6F
Route: Dunster - Grabbist Hill - Wootton Courtenay - Timberscombe - Dunster
Start: Malmsmead car park
Start: Dunster Steep 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.
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.
Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May
Lorna Doone Country Friday 6th May, 10.30am
View from Withycombe Hill
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk Old railway, Castle and Farm Friday 6th May, 10.30am
6E
8 mile, circular, 6 hr, 181/ST 023 434 Cost: £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.
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May
Hidden Combes of Exmoor Saturday 7th May, 11.00am 4.6 mile, circular, 4 hr, 181/SS 821 464 Cost: £6.00
7A
Bird’s Eye View of Dunster Saturday 7th May, 10.30am
7B
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6.6 miles, circular, 5 hrs, 181/SS 993 438
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Cost: £6.00
Guide: Tim Parish, ENPA Ranger
Guide: Graham Lamacraft
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Route: Robbers Bridge - Black Barrow - Robbers Bridge Start: Robbers Bridge, near Oareford
Route: Dunster - Tallest tree - Broadwood Farm - Withycombe Hill - Bats Castle - Dunster
Car parking: free
Start: Dunster Steep car park
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.
Car parking: pay and display
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. Withypool bridge
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.
All walks can be booked online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
A Meander along the Barle Saturday 7th May, 10.30am
7C
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.
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
8 mile, circular, 6.5 hr, 181/SS 937 434 Cost: £8.00
7D Ne w!
Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster 01643 821 425
a warm welcome awaits you
Extensive knowledge of Exmoor for walking
Guide: Woody Tickner
Up to date route information
Pace: Moderate Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Comprehensive route directions provided free for all our holidays
Route: Wootton Courtenay - Avill valley Brockwell - Wootton Courtenay Start: Wootton Courtenay village hall car park
Good choice of walks
Car parking: £1 donation
Variety of packages to choose from
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.
Book walks online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk
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
Friday 6th to Saturday 7th May
Discover the Upper Avill Saturday 7th May, 10.30am
Worry-free, relaxing walking holidays Organised walking holidays along the South West Coast Path and Coleridge Way
hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk Tarr Steps, near Dulverton
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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Self-guided walk - Combe Walks
Tarr Steps via Winsford
Description:
Hill
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.
Fact File:
Highlights: Tarr Steps, Caractacus Stone, Exmoor ponies, Winsford Hill moorland, ancient farmsteads Start Grid ref: SS 868 321 Parking: Tarr Steps car park Distance: 5.3 miles, circular Height gained/lost: 218 metres. This walk starts with a steady climb for the first mile, then becoming easy walking.
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.
High point: 376 metres Low point: 220 metres Toilets: At Tarr Steps car park and near Tarr Steps (portaloo) Eating places: Tarr Farm, next to Tarr Steps Time required: 2.5 hours, plus stops
Route Directions: 1, SS868 321: With Tarr Farm up to your left and
For more self-guided walks like this, covering North Devon and Exmoor, please visit www.combewalks.com.
Woodland
Roads Rivers

Route Track
8
Knaplock
Church Toilets
to Winsford
to Exford
Winsford Hill
Food
T
Tarr Steps behind you, go through the small car
7
B3
22
3
Spire Cross
6 Caractacus Stone
5
Cattle Grid Cattle Grid
Higher Knaplock
4 9 Liscombe
Riv
10
B er
e arl Tarr Steps
Car
T Park Cattle Grid
T
1
Varle Hill
2
22
Cattle Grid
Mounsey Hill Gate
3 Cattle Grid
B3
22
3 to Dulverton
Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
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:
Self-guided walk - Combe Walks
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.
Tarr Steps is an ancient clapper bridge. Its age is unknown but thought to date back to 10001400AD. 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 863001
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Book online at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or phone 01271 863001
30A
30B
30C
1A 2A
1B 2C 1C
2B
3B
3C 6D 7A
7C
4C
4B
Longer Guided Walks, 7 miles and over
3C
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Smaller Towns for Accommodation
Main Towns for Accommodation
Shorter Guided Walks, up to 7 miles
4B
6C
5D 6E
Half Day Guided Walks, up to 4.5 miles
5E
7B
2B
3/5A 6A
7D
6F
Walk numbers: The number indicates the date and the letter is a reference
4D
6B 4E
5B 4A 5C
Walking Festival Map