Exmoor
Following a good journey down on the Friday and an exploration of the medieval town and castle of Dunster in almost tropical conditions, Saturday dawned a little more overcast but very welcome nonetheless for the start of our 11-mile, circular walk, The Chains, starting and finishing at Goat Hill Bridge.
Our walk took us to the head of the Exe, the source of Exmoor's major river, with great views of open, unenclosed moorland. The views are magnificent and the feeling of freedom and spaciousness exhilarating - a view we could all heartily endorse!
We stopped for a break at Pinkery Pond which had an underground conduit opening up much lower down on the hillside. Although you could walk through the conduit, our time was limited and we had to move on. The path passed close to the Pinkery Centre, an outdoor exploration centre sporting a small wind turbine in a field and a board stating the Centre's green credentials.
This walk was a great start and a real eye-opener to someone like myself who imagined Exmoor country to be very different from what we found on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday, a short drive from the hostel took us to the pretty village of Malmsmead, with its beautiful old bridge and ford, to commence Sunday's circular walk in Lorna Doone country, the setting for the famous Victorian classic by R.D. Blackmore. We were fortunate with the weather all day. It stayed warm with a gentle breeze, perfect for walking.
Our walk took us to the head of the Exe, the source of Exmoor's major river, with great views of open, unenclosed moorland. The views are magnificent and the feeling of freedom and spaciousness exhilarating - a view we could all heartily endorse!
We stopped for a break at Pinkery Pond which had an underground conduit opening up much lower down on the hillside. Although you could walk through the conduit, our time was limited and we had to move on. The path passed close to the Pinkery Centre, an outdoor exploration centre sporting a small wind turbine in a field and a board stating the Centre's green credentials.
This walk was a great start and a real eye-opener to someone like myself who imagined Exmoor country to be very different from what we found on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday, a short drive from the hostel took us to the pretty village of Malmsmead, with its beautiful old bridge and ford, to commence Sunday's circular walk in Lorna Doone country, the setting for the famous Victorian classic by R.D. Blackmore. We were fortunate with the weather all day. It stayed warm with a gentle breeze, perfect for walking.
Moorland and river make for a varied walk
Beginning with gentle climb in a wooded area then a gentle descent, we walked beside the lovely river, Badgeworthy Water to the remains of a medieval village. A coffee stop by the river refreshed us, and we proceeded to deserted high open moorland. We were lucky enough to see some rather beautiful Exmoor ponies. However sightings of the Exmoor red deer eluded us, probably because they are so well camouflaged.
Lunch was taken near Great Tom's Hill before proceeding back northwards, towards the hamlet of Oare. Here the rugged moorland gave way to pastoral scenes with meadows of grazing sheep and cattle.
A visit to the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin at Oare provided the highlight of the final part of the walk. This was the setting of the shooting of Lorna Doone, by her half brother as she stood at the altar to marry John Ridd. The ancient church attracts many visitors due to its literary associations, and a memorial exists within the church to R.D.Blackmore.
Walking past Robber's Bridge and back to Malmesmead, we enjoyed tea (some of us had Pimms, very nice!) sitting outside at the Lorna Doone Farm teashop. Unfortunately, a rather grumpy serving lady slightly marred our mellow and happy mood. In true SAR fashion, we were able to make a joke of it.
After a wash and brush up back at the hostel, we all enjoyed a welcome meal in the nearby Crown pub that evening, the end to a very enjoyable day. Benita and Diane
Lunch was taken near Great Tom's Hill before proceeding back northwards, towards the hamlet of Oare. Here the rugged moorland gave way to pastoral scenes with meadows of grazing sheep and cattle.
A visit to the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin at Oare provided the highlight of the final part of the walk. This was the setting of the shooting of Lorna Doone, by her half brother as she stood at the altar to marry John Ridd. The ancient church attracts many visitors due to its literary associations, and a memorial exists within the church to R.D.Blackmore.
Walking past Robber's Bridge and back to Malmesmead, we enjoyed tea (some of us had Pimms, very nice!) sitting outside at the Lorna Doone Farm teashop. Unfortunately, a rather grumpy serving lady slightly marred our mellow and happy mood. In true SAR fashion, we were able to make a joke of it.
After a wash and brush up back at the hostel, we all enjoyed a welcome meal in the nearby Crown pub that evening, the end to a very enjoyable day. Benita and Diane
Julian the two teapots. Mike gives some impromptu first aid
