|
Walking on Exmoor
Whether you are an experienced
walker or someone who prefers a short stroll, Exmoor National
Park is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With
over 1000 km of Rights of Way footpaths and bridleways, through
woodlands, by tumbling rivers and on open heather covered
moorland, the variety is infinite. Affording wonderful views,
the South West Coast Path runs along the the 54km of Exmoor's
coastline and, along with a Regional Trail the Two Moors Way,
is a popular way to experience the best of Exmoor.
Many visitors to Exmoor enjoy a walk
and the network of narrow roads, bridleways (for use by riders
as well as walkers) and footpaths that cross the moor provide
splendid opportunities for all sorts of walks. These have
been signposted by the NPA where they join roads and many
are signposted and waymarked with coloured squares or arrows
to help visitors find their way around and stop them straying
on to private land. There are few signs on open moorland where
they would spoil its wild character.
The NPA and other organisations have
set up trails with themes such as nature, local history and
woodland management. Some have their own special waymarks
and signposts. Some of the many booklets and leaflets describing
walks on Exmoor are on sale in the National Park Visitor Centres.
Guided Walks
Many people prefer to walk with a guided group so that they
do not have to worry about the route, can enjoy the company
of like-minded people and learn from a knowledgeable local
guide about the area they are visiting. Each year the NPA
joins with other local organisations to provide a programme
of guided walks designed to introduce the visitor to the many
areas and aspects of Exmoor. The programme includes village
trails, farm visits and specialised walks for studying aspects
of natural history such as fungi, woodlands and wild flowers.
Trails
The NPA and other organisations have set up trails with themes
such as nature, local history and woodland management. Some
have their own special waymarks and signposts. Some of the
many booklets and leaflets describing walks on Exmoor are
on sale in the National Park Visitor Centres.
Long Distance Walks
For the serious walker there are several long distance walks
including part of the South West Coast Path, The Two Moors
Way between Exmoor and Dartmoor and the Tarka Trail (full
details of these walks can be obtained from National Park
Visitor Centres).
Riding
Exmoor is a great place to come and ride and what better way
to explore the 267 square miles of National Park than from
the back of a horse. Within the National Park boundaries are
some 400 miles (600kms) of bridleways. The National Park Authority
has a special responsibility to ensure that all bridleways
within its boundary are open and useable and that every path
is signed where it leaves or joins a public highway. The more
popular bridleways are waymarked using the national colour
code of blue. Many riders are now bringing their own horses
on holiday with them and some farms and riding stables can
provide suitable accommodation for both horse and rider. Visitors
can then explore at leisure the variety of scenery that Exmoor
offers, from open heather moorland to the steeply wooded valleys.
To help you plan your routes it is
wise to buy the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1:25000 map
which covers the whole of Exmoor and shows all the bridleways
in great detail. National Park Rangers and Visitor Centre
staff with their local knowledge are always willing to advise
visiting riders on suitable bridleways, and where they might
see the famous wild Red deer or a native herd of Exmoor Ponies
whilst out on their rides.
Horses and ponies can of course be
readily hired, by the hour or longer, from one of the many
riding schools or trekking centres. Some centres arrange special
picnic or pub day rides, or week-long holidays which are particularly
suitable for children. Most centres offer some kind of tuition,
this can vary from very basic to more advanced lessons depending
on the rider's needs and ability. All breeds and sizes of
horse and pony are normally available to cater for every type
of rider from the beginner to the more accomplished rider.
Whether you just want a quiet hack through woodlands hoping
for a glimpse of the wild deer, or an exhilarating canter
over the heather-clad open moorland with far reaching views
to Wales or Dartmoor, the choice is yours. You can be certain
of one thing, Exmoor is a special place for riding.
Sailing and Water Sports
Sailing and board sailing on Wimbleball lake are controlled
by the club there. Some winter canoeing takes place on the
rivers Exe and Barle.
The fascinating and dramatic coastline
of Exmoor National Park can be best observed by taking a boat
trip. Trips operate regularly throughout the season from Ilfracombe
and Lynmouth, some with the benefit of a commentary given
by a National Park Ranger.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Much of Exmoor may be discovered on bicycle. Quiet country
lanes leading to tiny hamlets and villages and a network of
bridleways or special trails offer differing experiences for
the cyclist and mountain biker. Attend a Bike Hike over moorland
or through the Valley of Rocks with a National Park Ranger
!
Hunting
Hunting with hounds has taken place on Exmoor for hundreds
of years and during the hunting season (approximately mid
August until the end of April) you may come across a hunt
or, more likely, its followers and their vehicles.
Exmoor is the only area of the United
Kingdom where red deer are hunted on horseback with packs
of hounds. Three stag hunts meet regularly on Exmoor and nearby
areas in pursuit of red deer, and eight other packs meet in
the Exmoor area to pursue fox and hare.
If you would like to either see a hunt
- or avoid one - details of forthcoming meets are published
in local newspapers.
Hang-gliding
Although there are several possible sites for hang-gliding
it is only permitted under the control of Somerset Condors
Hang-gliding Club on Bossington and North Hill.
Fishing
A combination of beauty scenery and clean fresh air makes
fishing the rivers and streams on Exmoor a special pleasure.
Most still water fisheries require a licence, but owners permits
may also be necessary - including some reservoirs owned by
water companies.
The Wimbleball Fly Fishing Club have a boat equipped for wheelchair
users which is maintained by South West Water. Anyone interested
should book in advance (01837 871565) and take an able bodied
helper with them.
Excellent sea fishing is also available for free (except for
lost tackle!) along much of the coast with catches of bass,
cod, whiting, conger and skate all reported. Some of the stony
beaches and rocky headlands are limited by the state of the
tide and is often hard on tackle. Joining an escorted boat
fishing trip can be a more reliable way to catch sea fish
and there are many trips to choose from at very reasonable
prices. Boats run from Minehead, Combe Martin, Porlock Weir,
Watchet and Ilfracombe.
Where to obtain your licence or permit
South West Water (permit only):- Leisure Services, Higher
Coombepark, Lewdown, Okehampton, EX20 4QT: TEL:01837 871 565
Brendon:- Brendon House Hotel: 01598 741206
Brushford:- Carnarvon Arms Hotel: 01398 323302
Dulverton:- Lance Nicholson, Gun Shop, High Street,: 01398
323409
Ilfracombe:- Variety Sports, 23 Broad Street: 01271 862039
Lynton:- Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Lee Road:
01598 752225
Environment Agency Hot Line 0800
807060
This is a 24 hour emergency telephone line for reporting all
environmental incidents such as pollution, flooding, poaching,
fly tipping or any signs of damage or danger to rivers, lakes
or coastal waters. Your prompt action will help the Environment
Agency protect water, wildlife, people and property.
|