EXMOOR SOCIETY GUIDED WALKS 2017

Wednesday 5th April 2017 10:30am - 3:30pm Two Exmoor Rivers and Two Exmoor Villages Enjoy fine views on this walk alongside the rivers Exe and Barle, visiting both Withypool and Exford. Appx 8 miles including a steep ascent and wet underfoot in places. Please bring a picnic and wear weatherproof clothing and footwear. (Ref. MC) Meet: Withypool car park, Withypool, TA24 7QP. Grid Ref. 844353

Tuesday 18th April 2017 10:00am - 12:30pm Lynton and Valley of Rocks - An historic tour This is a fascinating 2.5-hour walk to see a different view of Lynton, to learn how it has been shaped over the years and how the Victorians were drawn to the splendour of the Valley of Rocks. 2.5 mls/2.5 hours. (Ref. TP) Meet: Valley of Rocks ENPA car park & picnic area (car park near public toilets), Lynton, EX35 6JH. Grid Ref. 7113 4968

Sunday 23rd April 2017 2:30pm - 5:00pm Discovering Dunster’s Hidden History This is a fascinating and easy-going walk around Dunster village looking at its historic buildings and secret places. About 1.5 miles. (Ref. JG) Meet: Dunster Visitor Information Centre, Dunster Steep, Dunster, TA24 6SE. Grid Ref. SS 992438

Monday 24th April 2017 2:00pm - 4:30pm Ilkerton Ridge and the Cuckoo Enjoy stunning scenery and open moorland in this remote landscape on a 3.5ml/5.5km walk along Ilkerton Ridge, to the folly and Ruckham Combe, with the hope of hearing the first cuckoo. In the event of wet weather, a shorter route of 2.5ml/4km may be taken. Refreshments at Barbrook petrol station (no toilets). (Ref. TP) Meeting point directions: From A39 at Barbrook service station, EX35 6PG (opposite church), take Ilkerton Hill signposted 'Ilkerton' and continue along Ilkerton Hill to car park, 500m on left past cattle grid.

Tuesday 2nd May 2017 10:00am - 1:00pm In the Footsteps of Rachel Reckitt: Engraver, Sculptor and Welder Hear about Rachel Reckitt on this walk, see some of her work and the places associated with her. Firstly to Golsoncott, passing below the gardens of Rachel's home, then to St. Bartholomew’s Church, Rodhuish to see fine works by Rachel and her mother and finally to The Valiant Soldier Inn where another of Rachel's sculptures can be seen. Some steep climbs and may be muddy. Food available in the Valiant Soldier and the village shop. (Ref. PM) Meet: Roadwater Village Hall, TA23 0QY. Grid Ref. 03191 38282

Wednesday 10th May 2017 11:00am - 1:00pm Mining and Mystery at Wheal Eliza On this short walk along the River Barle, hear the history of the Knights, mining in this part of Exmoor and the tragic mystery of Wheal Eliza. One or two short climbs but overall an easy walk along the valley. Return to Simonsbath for optional pub lunch or bring a picnic. (Ref. RT) Meet: Ashcombe car park, Simonsbath, TA24 7SH. Grid Ref.773394

Tuesday 16th May 2017 10:30am - 4:00pm Wildflowers of Watersmeet Woodlands A 5-6 mile walk to see the spring flora and rare whitebeam trees in this area. Walking along the beautiful East Lyn valley to Watersmeet, then a steep climb to Blue Ball, Countisbury, we descend on the coastal path to Lynmouth, enjoying stunning views. A steep climb and descent. Please bring a picnic. Older children welcome. Dogs on leads please. (Ref MB) Meet: Car park, Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth EX35 6EP. Grid Ref. SS 724494

Tuesday 23rd May 2017 10:00am - 12:30pm Lynton and Valley of Rocks - An historic tour This is a fascinating 2.5-hour walk to see a different view of Lynton, to learn how it has been shaped over the years and how the Victorians were drawn to the splendour of the Valley of Rocks. 2.5 mls/2.5 hours. (Ref.TP) Meet: Valley of Rocks ENPA car park & picnic area (car park near public toilets), Lynton, EX35 6JH. Grid Ref. 7113 4968

Friday 26th May 2017 1:30pm - 4:00pm In Search of John Knight's Lost Mansion and Gardens

Join Exmoor Society member and National Park Conservation Manager Rob Wilson-North on this walk centred around Simonsbath to explore the setting of the village and John Knight's uncompleted gardens, laid out in the 1820's. 2.5 km max, mainly level, but does involve some steeper paths. Dogs on leads welcome. This walk links with the illustrated talk on this subject at the Simonsbath Festival on 24th May 2017 (each can be attended separately). Meet: Ashcombe car park (£2 fee), Simonsbath, TA24 7SH. Grid Ref. SS 773394

Wednesday June 7th 2017 10:00am - 12:00pm Dulverton Woodland Walk Join the Society's archivist for a walk through Burridge Woods incorporating Oldberry Castle (remains of an iron age hill fort). Enjoy the oak, hazel and birch typical of many Exmoor valleys. Some steep climbs and at times paths are rocky and occasionally muddy, even in summer. Appx 3 miles. Suitable, stout footwear is a must. After the walk, join the archivist for an optional tour of the Exmoor Society's resource centre.(Ref. HB) Meet: Exmoor Society, 34 High Street, Dulverton TA22 9DJ

Wednesday June 14th 10:30am - 4:30pm A Walk through Two Iron Ages Enjoy superb moorland and river views on this 7.5 ml walk to visit Cow Castle Iron Age fort and view locations of 19th century iron mines. Fit children welcome. Please bring a picnic.(Ref. JG) Meet: Ashcombe car park (£2 fee), Simonsbath, TA24 7SH. Grid Ref. SS 773394

Saturday 24th June 2017 10:30am - 2:30pm Avill Valley Vistas A steady climb from the Avill Valley to the Grabbist Hill ridgetop is rewarded with stunning views of Dunkery and North Hill and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. Following the ancient track, the views continue before making our way down to Wootton Courtney and following level tracks back to Timberscombe. 4 hrs/8 mls. (Ref. AM) Meet: Outside The Lion Inn, Timberscombe TA24 7TP. Grid Ref. 962422

Thursday 29th June 10:00am - 1:00pm Yellowcombe and Winsford Join this 5-mile challenging walk around the edge of Winsford Hill. Starting with a steep climb up Yellowcombe Lane to the ancient Caratacus Stone, across Winsford Hill and then a steep descent down the Punchbowl, we cross fields from Withycombe Farm back to Winsford. Followed by optional pub lunch or please bring a picnic. (Ref. JR) Meet: Car park in centre of Winsford, TA24 7JE. Grid Ref. 905348

Wednesday 5th July 2017 2:00pm - 3.30pm Discovering the Flowers of the Barle Valley An informative 1.5 hour/1-2 mile leisurely stroll discovering the wildflowers of an Exmoor river valley in the species-rich meadows of Simonsbath in summertime. (Ref. WM) Meet: Ashcombe car park, Simonsbath, TA24 7SH. Grid Ref. 773394

Thursday 6th July 10:30am - 2:00pm A Circular Walk around Dunkery Enjoy this 7.5 ml walk through the woods and heather moorland skirting around Dunkery Beacon. Please bring a picnic.(Ref. AM) Meet: Rest & Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7DR. Grid Ref. 923387

Thursday 20th July 2017 10:30am - 2:30pm Heather on North Hill See the colourful heather on North Hill on this moderate 7-mile walk along the Rugged Coast Path to the top of Hurlestone Combe returning along the South West Coast path over Selworthy Beacon. Please bring a picnic. (Ref. JR) Meet: Car park by Burgundy Chapel Combe, TA24 5SG. Grid Ref. 948476

Saturday 29th July 2017 10:30am - 3:00pm From Withypool to Tarr Steps – A Step Back in Time Following a lovely stretch of the River Barle along the waymarked path to Tarr Steps and crossing the clapper bridge ancient monument, on this walk we will then climb slowly to the open moorland of Withypool Hill, passing two prehistoric sites before descending back to Withypool. Refreshments and toilets at Withypool and Tarr Steps or bring a picnic. 9.5 miles. (Ref. AM) Meet: Withypool car park TA24 7QP. Grid Ref. 842353

Friday 4th August 2017 11:00am - 3:00pm Ponies on Winsford Hill A 5-6 ml walk of appx 4 hrs through woodland up to the moors at Winsford Hill. A good chance of seeing Exmoor Ponies (though not guaranteed!) but extensive views throughout in all directions. Some reasonably steep ascents and descents. Dogs on leads welcome. Please bring a picnic. Refreshments available at Tarr Steps or bring a picnic. (Ref. KM) Meet: Main public car park above Tarr Steps, TA22 9PY. Grid Ref. 872323

Monday 7th August 2017 1:30pm - 5:00pm Lorna Doone – A shorter guided walk A 4.5 ml/7 km walk visiting the sites associated with Lorna Doone - along Badgworthy Water, past the Waterslide, up Lank Combe and returning via Malmsmead Hill and Post Lane to Malmsmead. Toilets & refreshments at Malmsmead. Dogs on leads welcome.(Ref. TP) Meet: Malmsmead car park, EX35 6NU. Grid Ref. SS 7916 4780

Thursday 10th August 2017 10:30am - 3:00pm Horner Woods and Water Explore the beautiful woods of Horner and Horner Water on this 7-mile challenging walk with some shallow stream crossings. Some steep climbs, through the woods to Webber's Post and up to Cloutsham Ball, and a descent. Please bring a picnic.(Ref. JR) Meet: National Trust car park, Horner, near Minehead. Grid Ref. 898456

Tuesday 15th August 2017 10:30am - 4:00pm Wildlife of the Doone Valley & Moorland Join a fascinating look at insects, wild flowers and lichens of the woodland and moorland on this 5-6 mile walk taking us along the Doone Valley, Badgworthy Water and onto Brendon Common before returning back to Malmsmead. Older/fit children very welcome. Dogs on leads please. Bring a picnic. Toilets & refreshments at Malmsmead. (Ref. MB) Meet: Malmsmead car park, EX35 6NU. Grid Ref. SS 79184 47816

Friday 18th August 2017 10:00am - 3:00pm The Hidden Landscape of Culbone Wood Join a member of the Exmoor Society and National Park Woodlands Conservation Officer Graeme McVittie on this 3ml/5km circular walk to discover the layers of history and landscape of these fascinating coastal woods, walking from Ashley Combe to Culbone Church. Please bring a picnic. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet: Car park (fee), Worthy Toll Road lower lodge, TA24 8PG. Grid Ref. SS 858481

Thursday 24th Aug 2017 10:30am - 3:00pm Round Dunkery - A Guided Walk Join this walk over Dunkery Beacon, from Webber's Post along Dicky's Path, with possible sightings of deer. A challenging 6-mile walk over rough paths in places, a steep climb and a rough descent. Bring binoculars if you have them and a picnic. (Ref. JR) Meet: Webber's Post. Grid Ref. 902438

Monday 28th August 1:30pm - 5:00pm Lorna Doone - A Short Guided Walk

A 4.5 ml/7 km walk visiting the sites associated with Lorna Doone - along Badgworthy Water, past the Waterslide, up Lank Combe and returning via Malmsmead Hill and Post Lane to Malmsmead. Toilets & refreshments at Malmsmead. Dogs on leads welcome.(Ref. TP) Meet: Malmsmead car park, EX35 6NU. Grid Ref. SS 7916 4780

Wednesday 6th September 2017 10:30am-4:30pm To Culbone in Coleridge's Footsteps A 6 mile/6 hour walk on part of the Coleridge Way to discover the inspiration behind the poem 'Kubla Khan', to visit England's smallest church and to learn about the first computer programmer. Please bring a picnic.(Ref. JG) Meet: Porlock weir car park, TA24 8PB. Grid Ref SS 864478

Tuesday 12th September 2017 10:00am - 1:00pm

Ralegh’s Cross and the Source of the River Tone A 6 mile/3 hour walk to the source of the River Tone from Ralegh's Cross via Tripp Lane and Stolford Farm. Then crossing the West Somerset Mineral Line, and walking from the winding house via Brown Lane, we return to Ralegh's Cross. Can be muddy and steep in places. Dogs welcome. Lunch/refreshments available at Ralegh's Cross Inn. Fit children welcome. (Ref. PM) Meet: Ralegh's Cross Inn, Ralegh's Cross, Brendon Hill TA23 0LN. Grid Ref. 038 344

Thursday 14th September 2017 10:30am - 12:30pm 'Upstream Thinking' - A walk looking at the project to improve water quality on Exmoor Join a member of the 'Upstream Thinking' Project on this 3-mile walk to hear about the Project to improve water quality within Exmoor National Park. Great views of the reservoir, farmland and birdlife. Some moderately steep sections. Nearest facilities (café & toilets) at main reservoir car park. Dogs on leads welcome. (Ref. RM) Meet: Small car park close to Bessom Bridge, northern leg Wimbleball Reservoir. Grid Ref SS 974 318

Saturday 23rd September 2017 10:30am - 1:00pm Hope Bourne and her Beloved Exmoor A walk around the Withypool area in the footsteps of Exmoor artist and author Hope Bourne, taking in some of her favourite views from her writings. A moderate walk of appx 3 miles, some parts rough underfoot and steep in places. Followed by optional refreshments in Withypool tea rooms or bring a picnic. (Ref. RT) Meet: Withypool car park, TA24 7QP. Grid Ref. 842353

Monday 25th September 2017 10:00am - 12:30pm Lynton and Valley of Rocks - An historic tour This is a fascinating 2.5-hour walk to see a different view of Lynton, to learn how it has been shaped over the years and how the Victorians were drawn to the splendour of the Valley of Rocks. 2.5 mls/2.5 hours. (Ref.TP) Meet: Valley of Rocks ENPA car park & picnic area (car park near public toilets), Lynton, EX35 6JH. Grid Ref. 7113 4968

Wednesday 4th October 2017 10:30am - 2:30pm Around the Mid-Exe Valley Join this walk of approx. 6 miles for fine views of the Exe Valley and surrounding hills between Winsford and Bridgetown including Exton. Some steep sections and potentially muddy. Please bring a picnic. Well behaved dogs welcome.(Ref. MC) Meet: Winsford car park (village centre), TA24 7JE. Grid Ref. SS 90633 34936

Wednesday 18th October 2017 10:30am - 4:30pm Autumn Sights and Sounds around Dunkery A circular walk through Horner Woods and along Dunkery’s northern slopes to admire the autumn colours and, if lucky, see and hear red deer during the rut. Hilly and rough underfoot. Fit children welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. (Ref. JG) Meet: Webbers Post car park, appx 1 mile south of TA24 8HY. Grid Ref SS 901437.

Saturday 21st October 2017 10:00am - 1:00pm Autumnal Woods around Dulverton Join the Exmoor Society’s archivist on this guided walk of appx 5 miles around Dulverton to see the splendour of the local woods in autumn. Aim to be back in Dulverton for lunch time. May be muddy underfoot and there will be some climbs. Route can be shortened if weather inclement. Well behaved dogs welcome. Followed by optional visit to Society archives with Exmoor Society archivist. (Ref. HB) Meet: Exmoor Society, 34 High Street, Dulverton TA22 9DJ

Thursday 26th October 2017 11:00am - 2:30pm Watersmeet and the East Lyn River A 5-mile moderate walk through beautiful Exmoor woods and river valleys. First to Watersmeet and then along the East Lyn river to Rockford for a pub lunch (or bring a picnic), returning on the opposite side of the river. (Ref. JR) Meet: Hilsford Bridge National Trust car park. Grid Ref. 742477

The Society advises that participants take part in activities at their own risk. For all outdoor activities please wear weatherproof clothing and walking boots.

Members and non-members are most welcome. There is no charge for the guided walks. A small donation is appreciated from non-members.

Very occasionally walk details may change so please check the website in advance.

For any enquiries, please contact The Exmoor Society

info@exmoorsociety.com 01398 323335

www.exmoorsociety.com