Two Dogs and an Awning

Category: Somerset

  • Bye Common and Room Hill

    Bye Common and Room Hill

    After yesterday’s abbreviated walk, due to feeling unwell, I had an early night and today feel a lot brighter.  Still not 100% but well enough to venture out for a ten mile walk.  My aim today is to visit one of the Exmoor trigs missing from my list of trigs bagged.  I also hope to do a walk I planned a few years ago with Dexter and Crosby, but had to re-route due to frisky cattle.

    The starting point is the Exmoor National car park in the centre of Exford.  At the moment the parking is free but there is a notice saying parking charges will apply when meters have been installed. I leave the car park via the footpath at the far end of the parking area and head in a south-easterly direction along the edge of a field following the route of the River Exe.

    At a junction of paths I turn left on a path signposted to Higher Combe.

    I am now heading east along a track and keep going in that direction when the path enters a field of pasture.  

    The path leads to a metal gate on the edge of the field.  

    Going through the gate there is a short steep descent to a footbridge over a stream.

    On the far side of the stream I head uphill across a field to join a track close to Higher Combe. I turn left and continue uphill on a concrete driveway.

    At a junction with a minor road, Staddonhill Road, I turn right and walk along this lane, soon reaching a cattle grid with gate beside.

    The map shows this lane as a minor road, in reality it is a dead end lane which leads to Staddon Farm.  It was along this track that I encountered the frisky cattle a couple of years ago.  There is evidence they’ve been here in the recent past but it looks like they have been moved elsewhere.  In any case without the dogs a herd of cattle is easier to deal with.

    Staying with the tarmac driveway I pass a section of hedgerow that has recently been cleared.  This looks drastic, but it is the traditional way of coppicing a hedge in this part of the country and it will soon regenerate.

    At a junction of tracks I continue through a gate on a restricted byway waymarked to Larcombe Foot.

    At a junction of tracks the restricted byway turns right and starts to descend gradually, there is no public access on the path that goes straight.

    Turning left the track keeps going downhill, it is now shown on the map as Kemps Lane.  After going through a gate the path continues to descend towards Kemps Farm.

    It is a cracking day and as I walk down the track there are  fine views of the other side of the valley and the hill I will be heading up before too long.

    After passing through Kemps Farm I reach a minor road.  Instead of joining it I turn right and take a bridge over the River Exe.

    After approximately 100 metres the track forks and I go to the left and head through a gate onto a track heading towards Bye Hill.

    The track leads to another gate after which the path goes diagonally across Bye Common to the top of Bye Hill.

    Heading up there are cracking views back across the valley over the area I walked earlier around Kemps Farm.

    It is a stiff walk up this hill but the views make the effort well worth it.  At the top of the hill the footpath divides and I take a grassy track on the right which starts a steady descent across Bye Common towards the River Exe.

    When the track reaches a junction of paths at a gate I do not go through but instead keep heading west staying close to the fence line.  Soon it becomes a sunken track and keeps going downhill towards the river.

    At a junction of tracks near the river I turn left towards Nethercote and almost immediately reach a bridge over the river.  I don’t cross, but take a path on the left way-marked to Ash Lane and Room Hill.

    Initially the path goes besides the river, but at a fork in the track I go left and head uphill away from the riverbank.

    At first the path goes through trees and then crosses a couple of fields to reach a very boggy area.  The map shows there is a spring here, but today the water running over the bank is like a torrent.

    After going through a gate I turn right along the fence line onto a footpath which joins a grassy track going steadily downhill.

    The path descends through an area of woodland and then across a field to reach the side of the River Exe by a footbridge and ford.

    I turn left on the path as it hugs the river to my right and about one hundred metres after cross a stream and turn to the left to head uphill on a clear path that ascends steadily towards Room Hill.

    At a junction of paths I turn left following the way-markers for Room Hill, this path ascends steeply.  As the path emerges from woodland there are stunning views back into the valley.

    I am now on open access land but follow a well walked path across the summit of Room Hill heading towards Room Hill Road.  At a gate near the road I make a diversion from my route and leave the access land and turn right to walk along the road for a few hundred metres to reach a gateway on the right leading into a field.  Here I pop over a couple of gates and cross the field to reach the Chibbet Cross Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  This is the 421st trig I have bagged. 

    From the trig I retrace my steps back along the road to the access land on Room Hill and head along the edge of the access land with the hedge line on my left.  I am now on route  of the Exe Valley Way, this is a long distance 52-mile path from Exford to Starcross where the River Exe reaches the sea.

    I am heading towards a line of Beech trees and after passing the trees go through a gate and head downhill to reach a gate on the left.  I go through and then cross a field whilst battling with a strong headwind.

    On the far side I enter Court Copse and follow the Exe Valley Way as it goes through the trees and then beside fields.

    The track leads to Court Farm where I have an option of routes, but decide to keep on the Exe Valley Way which goes to the left up a tarmac lane.

    At a road junction at Monk Cross I turn right and then descend along the road into Exford where I turn right to cross the bridge over the River Exe and pass the Exmoor White Horse pub.

    I now follow the road the short distance back to the car park.  It has been a cracking nine mile route with some stunning views.

    You can view this 9 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    9th December 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Robber’s Bridge and Culbone Hill

    Robber’s Bridge and Culbone Hill

    Yesterday I woke to the sound of heavy rain on the roof of the caravan and the forecast showed it was set in for most of the day so I hunkered down in the van until midafternoon and then went for a wander around Minehead.  The day ended with a fish and chip supper.  I rarely eat fish and chips because it usually leads to a bad bout of indigestion.  But unfortunately, I could not resist the temptation and today I feel decidedly under the weather.  Hopefully some fresh air will improve things.

    For a number of years I have had a trig point on Culbone Hill in my sights, but it involves hopping over a gate into a field which usually houses sheep so it has been off limits when Crosby has been with me, however, today I am walking solo so plan to see if I can bag it as part of my walk.

    I start from the car park on Porlock Common (OS Grid Ref: SS845461).  This is an exposed spot and there is a chill to the strong wind blowing across the moor as I lace up my boots and then head off west beside the A39 towards Pittcombe Head.

    Close to a junction for the Porlock Hill Toll Road on the opposite side of the road sits an AA sentry box.  These boxes were first installed by the Automobile Association (AA) in 1912 and were installed to be used by patrolmen as places for shelter.  Later they were fitted with telephones and AA members were issued with a key so they could open the box and make a call in the event of a breakdown.  When I started driving in the 1970’s I was an AA member and was issued with a key.  

    There were over 1,000 of these boxes installed around the country, but by 1968 the AA had started phasing them out.  The once familiar roadside landmarks are now extremely rare with only nineteen remaining in their original locations.

    Opposite the sentry box is a junction of bridleways, one heads north, but the one I take is a permitted bridleway heading towards Culbone Hill which runs parallel with the A39.

    Despite being close to the road this bridleway is protected from the traffic by a hedge so it is a pleasant route.

    On reaching a gate in the bridleway I go through and then make a detour from my route by hopping over the gate on my right and heading up onto Culbone Hill to bag the trig pillar.  This is the 420th trig I have bagged.

    From the trig I return to the bridleway and then cross the A39.  I am now at Oare Post and here I take the minor road that heads steadily downhill towards Oareford.  Out to my left there are far reaching views across Exmoor.

    This is a very quiet lane and it is cracking to walk down.  Soon I reach an area where there is a magnificent old beech tree hedge.  

    Then as I keep going down a stunning view opens up in front of me.

    Gradually the road levels out and reaches a parking and picnic area near Robber’s Bridge.  In the height of the summer this would be a popular spot but today there is no one else here.  I pause to look at the old stone bridge dating to before1842, because it was shown on tithe maps of that time.  It gets its name because this area was once known as bandit country and travel along this route would have been fraught with danger.

    Just before reaching Oareford I turn right to follow a bridleway heading towards North Common which goes over the river on a wooden bridge.

    This path heads steeply uphill and I am feeling decidedly under the weather and beginning to fear that I might have more than a bout of bad indigestion. So I am grateful for the excuse to stop and take in the views.

    It is a stiff ascent to reach the more level ground of North Common and once out in the open a strong wind is blowing.  I head north towards a copse on the horizon, I am certainly getting some fresh air but I’m not sure it is doing me any good.  

    On reaching the trees I turn to the right to join the Coleridge Way.  I know that tucked on the western side of the trees is a bench with a cracking view, I sat here in July whilst on a ten day long distance walk.  It is the ideal spot to sit and get my flask of tea out of the rucksack.

    Resuming my walk I follow the Coleridge Way as it goes between the trees and a fence line.

    Leaving the trees behind me I continue along the path still along the fence line before turning left towards the A39.

    At the main road it had been my intention to cross and follow the Coleridge Way before heading back to my starting point via Pitt Combe, however, I am not feeling up to a couple of hours more walking.  So unusually for me I look at options for shortening my route and decide to walk east along the wide grass verge beside the A39 which is the quickest route back to the car.

    The side verge makes it safe enough to walk besides the road and there is not much traffic at this time of year.  I stay with the road to reach the Culbone Stables Inn.  This was once the point where stage coaches stopped on the route between Lynton, Porlock and Minehead.  In 1962 it became a private members club then appears to have been run as pub for a while.  It is now used as a shooting lodge for people visiting the Lillycombe Estate.

    After passing the Stables Inn I cross the road to take a permitted bridleway on the right which runs parallel to the A39.

    I follow this permitted bridleway with the hedge protecting me from the A39.  To my left is woodland.  

    The bridleway leads me to the point where earlier I hopped over the gate to bag Culbone trig pillar.  I now retrace my steps to return to the car.

    My walk has covered just over 5 miles which is much shorter than originally planned. I am looking forward to getting back to the caravan and resting up for the remainder of the day.

    You can view this 5.25 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    8th December 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Brendon Common from County Gate

    Brendon Common from County Gate

    A couple of years ago I achieved the gold award in the National Navigation Award Scheme.  Learning navigation skills was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I wish I had done it much earlier.  I am sure if I had I would have avoided a couple of mishaps whilst out walking in remote areas.  I undertook my training with Nigel at New Forest Navigation, since doing the course Nigel (aka Navigation Nigel) has been a regular walking companion.  So alongside the skills I developed on the course I also benefited from gaining a new walking companion.

    I find walking in remote places, whilst relying on a map and compass and using pacing and timing, exhilarating.  It definitely makes me far more aware of my surroundings, constantly looking at contours and features both on the map and on the ground.  Like all skills there is a need to regularly use the knowledge to ensure it is firmly embedded.  So today I have planned a walk which will take me out on Brendon Common where I can test my navigation in some unfamiliar places.

    I start my walk at the County Gate car park beside the A39 between Porlock and Lynton. The car  park is easy to locate and has a number of paths leading from it so is a great spot for walkers.  I leave through a gate and take the path heading south towards Malmsmead.

    Initially the path goes along the top of the hill but soon descends sharply towards Malmsmead.  At a junction of paths I turn right towards Oare Water and cross the river on a footbridge.

    Over the river I follow the footpath up to a minor road where I turn right and wander down into Malmsmead and the 17th century Malmsmead Bridge that crosses Badgworthy Water.

    After crossing the bridge I pass the shop and cafe and then turn left along the minor road signposted to Fellingscott, Slocombeslade and Tippacott.  

    As the road sweeps to the right I follow a footpath sign through a gate to join a track signposted to Badgworthy Valley.  After crossing a ford the path goes through a series of gates and then becomes a sunken track beside pasture fields.  

    The track leads to a gate which I go through to continue alongside the river.

    Continuing along the path I reach a plaque to Richard Doddridge Blackmore the author of Lorna Doone.  This book, first published in 1869, was one of Lynnie’s mother’s favourite books. The story was set in this valley in the 17th century and tells the tale of the love between John Ridd and Lorna Doone and culminates with the villainous Carver Doone sinking into a bog.

    The path now follows the river through Badgworthy Wood.

    It is a cracking day for walking and apart from two runners I haven’t seen anyone else since I set off.  

    Staying with the path beside the river I cross a footbridge and now the path is high above the river.

    At a junction of paths I go right towards Brendon Common.  As I head up onto the moor the clouds clear and there is cracking blue sky.

    The path goes through the site of a medieval village.  It is here that the Doone’s were said to have lived.  Whilst Blackmore’s story is fiction it is based on historical characters.  An exiled Scottish clan, the Doones, were known to live on this part of Exmoor in the 1600’s.

    My route heads up onto the moor where there are fine views.  This is a clear path that crosses a ford at Badgworthy Lees.

    The path takes me towards a gate on the horizon.

    Once through the gate I follow the clear track across Brendon Common.  Parts of the track are boggy, but nothing too serious and it is relatively easy going.

    The track descends to cross a stream a Lankcombe Ford and then I take a track to the left heading uphill to join a broad track leading across the moor. 

    Proceeding along the track I can see low cloud approaching across the moor.  One of the features of walking on Exmoor is how quickly the weather can change.  It is why I would never head out here without a map and compass.

    At a fork in the track I go to the right and follow a narrower path through the heather to reach Dry Bridge where I take an uphill path in a northerly direction.

    This path leads to Shilstone Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  I have bagged this trig a number of times.

    There are a range of options from the trig point.  I continue north heading towards Shilstone.

    At a crossing of paths I turn to the right going south-easterly, I have not previously walked on this part of the moor so decide to do a bit of map and compass work with some pacing and timing.

    I am soon heading east across Tippacott Ridge, this is remote part of the moor.  The visibility is good and by regularly checking the map I am confident of my location.  

    At a fork in the track I go to the left and head north crossing a ford and heading towards trees.

    Now on a clear track I continue north towards Easter Lane.

    I cross the minor road to go through a gate onto the access land of Southern Ball.

    As I follow the track across the access land there are fine views.

    The path descends to a gate on the edge of Southern Wood.  I go through and follow a path towards Malmsmead.  This path descends through the trees to a minor road.

    At the road I turn right and then almost immediately take a track on the right way-marked to Malmsmead.  This track soon heads up through the trees and then turns to the south to reach another gate.

    Through the gate I follow a track downhill into Malmsmead where I once again cross Badgworthy Water on the packhorse bridge.

    I now retrace my steps to the footbridge over Oare Water.  After crossing the bridge I have the option of going straight up to the car park, instead I turn left and walk beside the river.

    I last walked this path in July whilst on a ten day long distance walk.  Then the water level was low but following the recent rain it is a fast flowing torrent.

    The path leaves the river and steadily ascends through trees,  Emerging from the tree line I continue to a junction of paths near Ashton Farm.  I stop and look back over the route I have just walked.

    I keep the fence line to my left and ignore a path on my right.  This route goes close to the A39, but just before the road I turn right on a bridleway back towards County Gate. The bridleway returns me to my starting point in the County Gate car park, where I enjoy a cup of tea whilst admiring the view.

    It has been a cracking walk covering over eleven miles and I have only seen two other people all the way round.  It always amazes me how quiet it is here outside of the main holiday season.

    You can view this 11.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    6th December 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • A Circuit to Long Combe

    A Circuit to Long Combe

    It is the time of year when I always like to get away for a few days walking on Exmoor.  There is something exhilarating about being out in the sort of weather that keeps most people tucked up inside.  So when the opportunity arises to hitch up the caravan and head to Minehead for a week I jump at it.  

    Lynnie is not so keen on winter walking and has opted to stay at home.  Unfortunately Crosby is getting old and the walking I have planned is beyond his old joints so he is staying at home too.

    I am a frequent visitor to Minehead CAMC site so it doesn’t take long to set up and then I am lacing my boots up and heading out for a walk before it gets too dark.  Leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement beside the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching The Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and then reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods. 

    I take the track to the left of the information board and continue uphill to what is usually a parking area but it is currently closed because of forestry work going on in the woods.

    I keep with this track as it turns left and starts to descend into Long Combe.  When I last walked here the track was surrounded by trees but now there are far reaching views.

    Ignoring a footpath to the right I continue heading downhill on this steep track and I’m soon in an area where the trees have not been cleared.

    At a five way junction of tracks and paths I take the first footpath on the right and head downhill to the bottom of the combe and then turn left and pass a metal gate.

    I now cross the stream running through the combe and follow a track heading towards Alcombe.

    From here the route is very straightforward.  The track soon becomes Manor Road and enters the outskirts of Alcombe.  On reaching the Britannia Inn I turn left into Church Street.

    Church Street leads to the A39 where I turn left and walk the short distance back to the caravan site.   This little circuit has covered just over three and a half miles and has been a good stretch of the legs after my earlier journey.  It is now time to plan my walking for the next couple of days.

    You can view this 3 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    5th December 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

    A Chance Encounter on Brendon Common 

    My short trip to Minehead is almost over, I head home tomorrow so today is my last chance to get out on Exmoor for a while.  It is another bright morning when I take Crosby out for his early morning walk and the forecast is set fair so ideal for a walk on the moor.

    I have decided to head west along the A39 towards Lynmouth to start my walk at the County Gate car park.  I have a rough idea of a route in mind, but plan to just wander where the mood takes me rather than sticking religiously to a pre-planned route.  I refer to days like this as jamming about and it is my favourite way of walking.

    It is the first time I have used the County Gate car park.  It sits beside the A39 so is very easy to locate and it has a number of paths leading from it so is a great spot for walkers.  I start my walk by going through a gate and taking the path that heads south towards Malmsmead.

    Initially the path goes along the top of the hill offering fine views to the west as I look down towards Brendon.

    This is open access land but the steep sides of the valley mean that access would be pretty limited. The path soon starts its sharp descent towards Malmsmead.

    At a junction of paths I turn right towards Oare Water and then cross the river on a footbridge.

    After crossing the river I follow the footpath up to the minor road where I turn right and wander back down into Malmsmead and the 17th century Malmsmead Bridge that crosses Badgworthy Water.

    After crossing the bridge I pass the shop and cafe, which is currently closed whilst being refurbished and then turn left along the minor road signposted to Fellingscott, Slocombeslade and Tippacott.  As the road sweeps to the right I follow a footpath sign through a gate to join a track signposted to Badgworthy Valley.

    After crossing a ford the path goes through a series of gates and then becomes a sunken track beside pasture fields.  Since I was last here a fence has been erected along the edge of the field so it is now possible to walk along the track without encountering cattle.

    The track leads to a gate which I go through and continue along the side of the river.

    I have walked along this path a number of times and it always surprises me how quiet it is.  I expect in the holiday season it is packed, but today I appear to be the only person out.

    Continuing along the path I reach a plaque to Richard Doddridge Blackmore the author of Lorna Doone.  This book, first published in 1869, was one of Lynnie’s mother’s favourite books. The story was set in this valley in the 17th century and tells the tale of the love between John Ridd and Lorna Doone and culminates with the villainous Carver Doone sinking into a bog.

    The path now follows the river through Badgworthy Wood.

    The sun is out and in the shelter of the combe it is pleasantly warm and perfect conditions for walking.

    At a junction of paths I decide to stop and appreciate the tranquility.  I can hear nothing but birdsong and it is a wonderful spot to just sit and enjoy the pleasure of being out on such a cracking day.

    Resuming my walk I follow a path going west towards Badgworthy Lees and walk through the site of a medieval village.

    It is here that the Doone’s were said to have lived.  Whilst Blackmore’s story is fiction it is based on historical characters.  An exiled Scottish clan, the Doones, were known to live on this part of Exmoor in the 1600’s.

    The route now heads up onto the moor.  This is a clear path that crosses a ford at Badgworthy Lees.

    On the horizon I see sheep running about and a figure walking along the fence line.  The path takes me towards a gate and as I get closer I recognise the dog running to me as Jack, known on social media as Exmoor Jack.  His owner Sarah spotted me coming over the moor and has stopped to greet me.

    Sarah and I have followed each other on social media for a number of years and back in October 2020 met over a cup of tea at Periwinkle Cottage Tea Rooms in Selworthy.  

    Today’s meeting is a chance encounter, it is just by luck we both happened to be walking in this part of Exmoor at the same time.  Seeing me in the distance Sarah zoomed in with her camera and recognised Crosby so decided to wait for us.

    We now walk together on the track heading west over Brendon Common.

    Although Sarah and I have only met face to face once before we know a lot about each other’s activities through social media.  Walking along it is like chatting to an old friend.  

    Just before we start to descend to Lankcombe Ford our ways part.  But first we stop and chat in the sunshine in the middle of the moor.  Sarah’s knowledge of the moor is extensive and when I tell her where I am heading she suggests a slight change which will take me on a path I have not previously walked.

    We agree that the next time I am in these parts we should arrange to get out for a few hours walking together.  Social media gets a lot of bad press, but I have to say the handful of people I have met through it have all been really nice.

    Heading off again I descend to cross a steam a Lankcombe Ford and then take a track to the left  heading uphill to join a broad track leading across the moor. 

    At a fork in the track I go to the right and follow a narrower path through the heather to reach Dry Bridge where I take an uphill path in a northerly direction.

    This path leads me to Shilstone Hill Ordnance Survey trig pillar.  I have bagged this trig a number of times, but Crosby still grabs the opportunity to have his picture taken.

    At this point I had intended to go left towards Farley Water Farm.  However Sarah has suggested I take the path to the north which leads to Shilstone and then down to Rockford.  It is not a route I have walked so I follow Sarah’s advice and follow the path descending towards Shilstone.

    The final section is a steep descent into Shilstone.

    At the bottom of the valley I ford a stream and then follow the way-markers through the collection of homes in this small hamlet.  After the cottage on the left I leave the farm driveway and take a footpath on the left into a field.

    After passing a fence line the path descends to a stile.  It is relatively low on the field side but it is a big drop down the far side.  I encourage Crosby to wait but he jumps over and is surprised by how far he has leapt down.

    I have now joined a road, Gratton Lane, I go left and descend to cross a stream and then take a path on the right to Rockford.  This path soon descends steeply besides a stream.

    It has been a pretty dry week so there is not a lot of water flowing down through the rocks.  I imagine after a prolonged period of rain it would be spectacular walking down this path with waterfalls to the side.

    I pass a water mill, searching on the internet later I could find no history of this mill which is surprising because things like this are usually recorded.

    On reaching a road I turn left to follow it towards Rockford.  Just as I enter the village I take a footpath on the right which crosses the East Lyn River at Rockford Bridge.

    On the opposite bank I turn right on a footpath forming part of the Coleridge Way.  This fifty-one mile trail goes from Nether Stowey to Lynmouth.

    After climbing above the river the route descends to join an ancient track.

    The track leads down to a cobbled path beside the river.  When the water level is low this is not an issue, but after a period of heavy rain I imagine it might be a bit tricky keeping your feet dry.

    The footpath soon goes by Countisbury Mill; this old watermill has been restored for bed and breakfast accommodation.  The driveway leads to a minor road soon passing an old packhorse bridge and continuing on the road bridge over the river.  I don’t cross the bridge but instead keep with the Coleridge Way on the road towards Porlock.

    The road climbs gradually passing Hall Farm and then I take a footpath on the right leading steeply uphill.

    I have walked along this path a few times and on each occasion it has been a cracking day.  

    As I stroll along admiring the view I realise I have now walked close to nine miles and I haven’t seen another person apart from Sarah in the middle of the moor.  

    Nearing Ashton Farm I go through gates and over a footbridge and then at a fork in the path I leave the Coleridge Way to follow a path going uphill by the fence line.

    This path leads me close to the A39, but just before reaching the road I turn right on a bridleway heading back towards County Gate.  From here there are great views across to South Wales and also back over much of the route I have walked.  The bridleway takes me back to my starting point in the County Gate car park.

    This has been a wonderful walk to round off a cracking few days.  Now it’s time to head back and start my preparations for my return home tomorrow.  

    You can view this 10.7 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    9th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Barrows and Combes On Dunkery Hill

    Barrows and Combes On Dunkery Hill

    After a couple of days walking from the caravan site I have decided it is time to get in the car to venture to a slightly different area.  Today I plan to walk up to Dunkery Beacon, a hill I have walked many times.  However, today I am going to ascend it on a path I have never walked.

    The starting place for my walk is the National Trust car park in Horner (Grid Ref SS898455).  I leave the car park by the path besides the pay and display machine and then join a minor road where I turn left soon passing Horner Mill, built around 1839.  After passing the mill I take a footpath on the right which goes through tall deer gates.

    This path follows a wide track uphill through Horner Plantation.  I am on the route of the Coleridge Way, this long distance trail covers the fifty miles from Nether Stowey, on the east side of the Quantocks, to Lynmouth linking locations associated with the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  

    At a junction of paths I turn right in the direction of Webber’s Post following the Coleridge Way markers, annotated with a writing quill. 

    Ignoring paths to the right and left I gradually ascend Horner Hill keeping with the route of the Coleridge Way.  It is a cracking day and I soon get good views of Ley Hill on the opposite side of the combe.

    This area is part of the Holnicote Estate, the Acland family seat for the best part of 300 years before Sir Richard Dyke Acland, 15th Baronet, donated both this and the Killerton Estate to the National Trust.  The land covered 16,000 acres and was the largest donation received by the National Trust.

    On top of Horner Hill there is a weather hut, thought to have been originally built by the Acland’s to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, it became known as the Jubilee Hut.  During World War II it was used as a look out post, but then fell into disrepair and collapsed in the winter of 1946.  The National Trust have rebuilt it following the original design, facing four directions it always provides shelter from wind and rain.

    I now continue along the Coleridge Way to reach Webber’s Post car park.  Here the route goes in a south easterly direction to cross a minor road and then after going through a thicket reaches another minor road which I cross and go into another parking area. This is a bit of a sun trap and the Exmoor ponies appear to have chosen the spot for some winter warmth.

    From the car park I follow the Coleridge Way as it goes uphill still heading south east.

    At a junction of paths I turn left on the Coleridge Way heading towards Wooton Courtney.  I have passed a couple of warning signs indicating there is gorse clearing work going on in the area.  In front of me I can see smoke rising from the controlled fires.

    The path goes close to the area being burnt, but the chaps supervising the fires make sure I can pass safely.  One of them has a chat with me about the methods by which gorse is controlled in this area of the moor.  It needs to be kept back otherwise it would smother everything and apparently an added bonus of fires is it regenerates the growth of heather.

    The challenge for these chaps is knowing which way the wind will take the fire, apparently it has changed direction three times in the last forty minutes.  Currently it is blowing from the east so as I continue along the path I know the smoke is blowing in the opposite direction.

    Nearing woodland I take a path on the right and follow the contour line heading south.  I soon reach the route of the Macmillan Way West.  A right turn here would take me up towards Dunkery Beacon, but instead I turn left and descend a few yards to reach a path on the right.  I have now rejoined the Coleridge Way and head steadily uphill.

    There are a couple of paths leading off the route but I stay with the Coleridge Way and skirt round a field and then start going downhill.

    I know if Lynnie was walking with me she would now be questioning the route and demanding why if we are walking up Dunkery Hill we are going downhill.  Of course the answer to the question is to see where the path leads.  

    This path leads into Hanny Combe and it is a stunning spot.

    I cross a stream and then it is a short steep ascent to reach a junction of paths.  I go to the right to follow the Coleridge Way towards Spangate.

    It is now a steady ascent towards Spangate with some stunning views behind me.

    At a junction of paths at Spangate I leave the Coleridge Way and turn right to head uphill on a broad track which has intermittent boulders along it.

    This is the first time I have approached Dunkery Beacon on this path.  It is a long steady ascent to reach a minor road.  After crossing I join a narrow path which heads west through the heather.  In the distance on the horizon I can see Dunkery Beacon.

    At a junction with a broader path I turn left and follow this route to reach the hill summit.  This is the highest point on Exmoor and also the highest spot in Somerset.  It stands at 1,705 feet and there is no protection from the elements so the wind is always blowing up here.  Today there is a slight breeze but I have been up here when it is difficult to stay on your feet.

    As I stand admiring the view I am approached by a lady who is interested in to know where I have walked from.  She is bewildered by the distance I have walked so far and how much further I am going to travel.  She has walked up from the road and says that was plenty enough for her.  We then spend ten minutes talking about the spots we can see.  She lives relatively nearby in Tiverton, but has never been up here before.

    I have a choice of routes here, but decide to extend my walk by following a clear track heading west towards Little Rowbarrow.

    The track passes by the ancient burial mound of Little Rowbarrow,  On top of the barrow is a cairn which in poor weather would be a welcome site on this section of moor.

    Soon I reach a junction of tracks where I turn right and pass Great Rowbarrow, this burial mound in more prominent and distinctive by the number of stones covering it.

    The track now goes north west and soon starts to descend with Wilmersham Common in the distance.

    At the road I turn right and follow this single track lane through Stoke Pero Common.

    On reaching a small parking area I turn right on a track which follows the fence and tree line downhill into Bagley Combe.

    The track leads down to a ford in Bagley Combe and then rises again and heads east towards Sweetworthy Combe.

    At a fork in the track I go left  and continue straight on at a junction of paths following a route which is shown on the map as Dicky’s Path.  This soon heads through the attractive Aller Combe.

    Now there is an open stretch of moorland before reaching trees to go through Hollow Combe after which the path heads north towards Easter Hill.

    I ignore routes leading off this path and keep going north until I reach the car park at Webber’s Post.   I now retrace my steps along the Coleridge Way until I reach the Memorial Hut where I take a path on the left descending steeply through Horner Side.

    The route zig-zags its way down the hill, I ignore paths from it to reach a footbridge over Horner Water.

    After crossing the footbridge I turn right and follow a wide track with the attractive Horner Water flowing to my right.

    I stay with this path heading towards Horner. After crossing a stone bridge I turn left along the road and walk through the hamlet to reach the entrance to the car park.

    My walk has covered almost 13 miles.  The sun shone for most of the day and it has felt more like a spring day than early February.  I have been very lucky with the weather this week.  Let’s hope it lasts into tomorrow because that will be my last chance to be out on the moor for a while.

    You can view this 12.6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    8th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Dunster and Bat’s Castle

    Dunster and Bat’s Castle

    After a cracking day’s walking yesterday I sat down with the map to plan my route for today.  On recent visits to this site I have squeezed in a walk to include a stop at Dunster for a Cornish Pasty.  I don’t usually buy pasties or pies whilst out walking, but the Lunchbox cafe close to the Dunster Exmoor National Park Centre serves great pasties.

    There are numerous ways to walk to Dunster from the site and I have done many but I tried to find a new route.  Eventually I spotted a couple of paths I couldn’t recall walking and I now have the route roughly sorted.  I say roughly sorted because I rarely keep to a set route.  If I see something interesting, or if the mood takes me, I deviate from a plotted circuit.

    Today’s route is not the most direct to Dunster, but adding a couple of miles is no problem especially if it means exploring a new path in Dunster Woods.  So on leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  At the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now I take the path to the left of the information board and keep straight on to pass another parking area.  The path sweeps to the left and starts to descend into Long Combe.

    I have walked around the top of Long Combe but never followed the path leading steadily down into the combe.  It is a cracking spot to walk.  Early in the descent I ignore two paths to the left.  It is another cracking day and the sun is shining through the trees as I head towards a junction of paths.

    At the junction I turn right to descend steeply towards the stream running through the combe.  The path joins another running through the bottom of the combe and I turn left and then after a couple of hundred yards take a footpath on the right going uphill and passing the entrance to the Youth Hostel.  Very quickly I reach a way-marker showing the route of a bridleway to Alcombe Common.  I take this path into woodland.

    The path leads through the trees and shrub to pass the grounds of the Youth Hostel and then reaches a junction of paths where I follow the way-marked route towards Dunster.

    This clear path was apparently the medieval route between Dunster and Alcombe, it goes in a south easterly direction and crosses a couple of other paths to reach a third crossing of paths.  Here I go left on a path through a gate heading towards Dunster.  I like walking tracks that have been used for centuries, it is amazing to imagine the people that have trodden this path in earlier times and the lives they led.

    The path follows the fence line of a field.  As I look back towards Minehead I can see mist rolling in from the sea.

    After going through another gate the path descends through woodland to join a track which soon passes St Leonard’s Well. This medieval Holy Well is now housed in a 16th century well house.   It is thought to have supplied water to a Benedictine priory that was located a bit further down this lane and was dissolved in 1539.

    I now follow this lane downhill towards Dunster with views of the Quantock Hills in the distance.

    On reaching a junction with a minor road I turn left and then within a few yards turn right at the Butter Cross.  This trading post dates from the late 14th century and once stood in the High Street in Dunster.  It was the centre for a market that traded local produce.  It was originally taller and although the exact date of moving to this site is not known it is thought to have been in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s. 

    I follow the path, passing a community orchard.  These local community initiatives are great ideas, not only growing produce, but also providing a community hub, thereby, tackling the issues related to social isolation.

    At a minor road I continue straight on and follow this lane into Dunster arriving in the centre of the village close to the Yarn Market.  My route is to the right, but I turn left and walk the short distance to pick up a pasty at the Lunchbox Cafe by the Exmoor Visitors Centre.  In recent years this has been a regular stop on our walks through Dunster and Crosby makes it abundantly clear that he fully intends sharing my pasty!

    We now head through the village to pass the octagonal Yarn Market Cross. This was originally built around 1609 by the Lutterall family, who were major landowners in the area, including Dunster Castle.  As the name suggests the Yarn Market was predominantly used for trading cloth and wool. At the time Dunster was a major centre in the wool trade.

    Keeping by the road I continue through the village to pass St George’s Church and reach The Foresters Arms where I turn left into Park Street and follow this lane to reach the Gallox Bridge.  This grade 1 listed medieval packhorse bridge crosses the River Avill, at one time this was the main route into Dunster from the south. Its name derived from its proximity to the village gallows, which stood on nearby Gallox Hill.

    After crossing the bridge I follow a path which heads steadily uphill in a south westerly direction.  At a fork in the path I keep left, the path keeps going uphill now in a more southerly direction to reach a gate which I go through and follow a track up to Gallox Hill.

    After going over the hill the path descends to a junction of tracks, here I go straight on to ascend the hill to the Iron Age Hillfort of Bat’s Castle.  The ramparts of this hill fort are well preserved.

    I am now on the route of the Macmillan Way West and I follow this over the hill towards Withycombe Hill Gate.

    On reaching the tall deer proof gate I turn left to join a track, Park Lane, lined with beech trees.

    As I descend towards Carhampton along Park Lane I am walking into the mist and the temperature drops significantly.

    I stay with the lane as it bends to the right to head into the village of Carhampton where I turn left down the High Street to reach the A39. Here I turn right and cross the road at the traffic lights and then opposite the Butchers Arms I take a track on the left which passes the church.

    Continuing down the lane I turn right at a footpath sign to walk along a field edge path. 

    I stay on the footpath across a stream.  On the far side of the stream I cross fields towards the West Somerset Railway line.

    I ago over a stile and then cross the railway line heeding the sign to “Stop, Look and Listen”.

    On the far side of railway I join the coast path and turn left.  This path soon becomes tarmac as it heads towards Dunster Beach.

    After going through a large car parking area at Dunster Beach I keep on the coast path passing chalets.

    This route is part of the West Somerset Coast Path, a twenty-five mile route from Steart to Minehead.

    After passing the chalets the path continues with Minehead Golf Course to the left and the beach to the right.  Once again the tide is out and there is a huge expanse of sand.

    The path is easy to follow going beside the golf course to reach the car park next to the club house.

    I now join the promenade and walk into Minehead.  The earlier mist has cleared and there are stunning cloud formations.

    From here I wander through the residential streets of Minehead to return to the caravan site.  

    You can view this 12.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    7th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Winter Sun on North Hill

    Winter Sun on North Hill

    A regular walk of mine when in Minehead is a circuit visiting Selworthy and North Hill.  The beauty of walking around here is there are so many routes to choose from.  So today’s jaunt is another variation of this cracking walk. 

    On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  At the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  Now I take the path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. 

    I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  On reaching a junction of tracks I turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington across the top of Hopcott Common.  At a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West. 

    I continue to head west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon passing the Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    At the next junction of paths I follow the way-marker towards Headon Cross and soon pass a National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote Estate. Within a short distance the track forks and I go right continuing towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the attractive woodland of Tivington Common.

    The last time I walked through these woods was on a cracking day in December.  I must be extremely lucky because once again the sun is shining and it is one of those days when it great to be outside.

    The path I am on initially descends gradually, but as I near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  Turning right on the road I reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take another minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right I continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch.

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right that runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it passes farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.

    I reach a minor road at Dean’s Cross and turn left following the road downhill towards Selworthy.

    In Selworthy I stop on one of the many benches in the churchyard and admire the view whilst I have my lunch. Resuming my walk I turn right beside the Way Memorial.  The path heads uphill through a gate to enter the woodland of Selworthy Combe.

    Soon I reach a junction of paths where I turn left and take a path waymarked to Holnicote Combe and Hurlestone.

    This is the first time I have walked along this path following the counter line around the hill.  I am not sure if it is because of the blue skies and sunshine, but it is a grand path to walk along.

    At a junction of paths in Holnicote Combe I continue straight on to still follow the way-markers towards Hurlestone. This path passes Allerford Combe and a wooden shelter.

    At the next junction of paths I veer to the right on a route heading steadily uphill through Allerford Plantation.

    This long steady ascent is one of those where it is easy to stop and take a breather, but I am conscious I have had a few weeks without any strenuous hill walking so I push on without stopping to reach a gate leading to open access land.  Here I go through and continue uphill on the path towards Selworthy Beacon.

    This broad grassy path leads to a car park and viewpoint.  As I skirt the car park a walker lacing her boots enquires about my route.  We spend the next ten minutes sharing tales of walking routes in the local area.  Chance encounters like this add pleasure to a day’s walking.

    My route now follows a broad path heading away from the car park in a northerly direction.

    I  soon have a cracking view across Bossington Beach towards Porlock.  My list of walks this week includes a route around there, but currently I have more walks planned than days available.

    On reaching a junction of paths I turn right to join the route of the South West Coast Path . This is the inland section of this route, the more rugged path goes closer to the coast line.

    At a junction of paths I veer left to stay with the South west Coast Path, leaving the path towards Selworthy Beacon.

    I now stay with this path going easterly towards Minehead.  It is a few years since I walked this route and on a day like today it is a real pleasure.  The gorse is starting to bloom and there are some cracking views across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

    After passing through a gate I continue on the path through an area of pasture.

    Through another gate I stay with the South West Coast Path heading towards Minehead,

    Near a car park the South West Coast Path goes left down Burgundy Chapel Combe.  Here I keep straight on in an easterly direction staying on North Hill heading towards woodland in the distance. On reaching the trees I continue straight on and pass concrete bases that housed Nissen huts during World War II.  Apparently the American Forces had a NAAFI in one of the huts on this hill.

    I continue on this path until it forks, here I go to the left and descend to a gate and then continue on the path going steadily downhill.  There are multiple paths in the trees descending towards the seafront.  

    It is difficult to describe a route due to the multiple options.  However, if you keep heading downhill and turn towards the east at every opportunity you will eventually end up in Minehead.  

    The route I take brings me onto a seafront road, Quay Street and I head towards Minehead harbour.  I have visited Minehead on numerous occasions, but whenever I pass the harbour the tide is out.  Obviously it must come in, but I wonder why it always disappears when I am around.

    From here it is a wander through the streets of Minehead to get back to the caravan site.

    You can view this 13.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    6th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Hopcott Common and Alcombe Common

    Hopcott Common and Alcombe Common

    The start of my 2023 walking year has been slightly hampered due to illness.  Last October I went down with Covid and it laid me low for a couple of days. Then a few weeks later I caught a heavy cold which took a while to shake off.  Given I avoided any colds or flu like bugs for a couple of years I had thought a couple of infections would build up my immunity.  

    However, in early January I picked up a flu like virus that knocked me out for the best part of three weeks.  It was not Covid, but affected me far worse than when I did have it.  Any plans of getting away for a few days walking were put on hold.  Fortunately I am back to full health and consequently have booked a short trip to Minehead CAMC to do some walking on Exmoor.

    Minehead is one of my favourite  winter locations for a trip on my own, Lynnie is not so keen on winter caravanning and is happy for Crosby and I to disappear for a few days together.  

    It doesn’t take long to set up on site and then I am lacing the boots up and heading out.  My stock walk when arriving on this site is a loop around the town to the harbour.  But today the light is good enough for me to do a loop up around Hopcott and Alcombe Commons.

    Leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement beside the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching The Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and then reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods. 

    I take the uphill path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  On reaching a junction of tracks I turn left heading towards Dunster.

    I now stay with this track heading east to reach Holes Corner.  Out to my left are views of Minehead and over the Bristol Channel to the South Wales coast.

    At Holes Corner there is a convergence of tracks and paths.  I take the broad track heading east towards trees in the distance.  This route is signposted towards Dunster.

    I ignore a couple of footpaths leading off to the left and stay with the track I am on until I reach trees, here I turn left to reach a crossing of paths where I turn left again to take a path heading towards Alcombe.

    The path steadily descends through an area of gorse and at every junction I follow the way-markers to Alcombe. 

    At a junction of paths close to the Youth Hostel I turn right on the path which is signed to Alcombe.  This descends steadily to reach a tarmac lane where I turn right and follow it into Alcombe.

    At the junction by the Britannia Inn I turn left into Church Street and then on reaching the main A39 turn left and walk on the pavement back to the caravan site.

    This little circuit has covered just over four and a half miles and has been a good stretch of the legs after my earlier journey.  It is now time to plan my walking for the next couple of days.

    You can view this 4.6 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    5th February 2023

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2023)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

    A Loop to Bossington from Minehead

    No sooner than we arrived home from our Settle trip I am off again.  This time I am heading back to Minehead for a few days walking on Exmoor with Crosby.  Lynnie has declined joining me, I am not sure if it is the prospect of walking on the moor in December or the fact I have started a cold and she thinks it a good idea to keep well away from me.

    I have become a frequent winter visitor to the Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Minehead.  It is perfectly placed for easy access to walking routes and being just on the edge of the town makes it easy to get supplies.  The layout of the site means it never feels busy and with easy access it ticks all the boxes for a solo trip.  By the time I set up yesterday it was well into the afternoon but there was sufficient light for Crosby and I to stretch our legs by wandering down to the harbour.

    Today’s walk is from the site and will be a variation of a walk I have done a few times.  On leaving the site I turn left and walk uphill along the pavement besides the A39, Hopcott Road.  On reaching the Hopcott I turn left to follow the narrow tarmac lane as it heads steadily uphill passing Higher Hopcott and reaching woodland.

    I ignore footpaths leading off from the road until I reach an information board for Dunster Woods.  

    Now I take the path to the right of the information board on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading uphill. I ignore a path on the right soon after leaving the car park and then where the Macmillan Way meets a crossing of tracks I continue straight on, staying on the route of the long distance path.  The path now goes around the head of Long Combe, this is a cracking spot with stunning Beech trees lining the path.

    Leaving the trees the path continues through a section of open land with dead bracken and gorse.  

    On reaching a junction of tracks I turn right still on the route of the Macmillan Way West heading towards Tivington across the top of Hopcott Common.  At a fork in the track I go left to keep with the Macmillan Way West.  There are good views from here back along the coastline towards Blue Anchor.

    I continue to head west to reach another crossing of paths.  Here the Macmillan Way turns left towards Wootton Courtney, however, I keep going straight ahead soon reaching an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked to the left of the track on a high bank. This trig on Periton Hill is one I have bagged a number of times.

    At the next crossing of footpaths I continue straight on.

    At the next junction of paths I follow the way-marker towards Headon Cross and soon pass a National Trust plaque and enter Holnicote Estate. Within a short distance the track forks and I go right continuing towards Headon Cross with the path leading through the attractive woodland of Tivington Common.

    The sun is out and there is a clear sky.  Ideal conditions for a walk in December.  The path I am on initially descends gradually, but as I near Headon Cross there is a short steep descent to reach a minor road.  Turning right on the road I reach Headon Cross and go straight over to take another minor road opposite.  This climbs steadily, as the road sweeps to the right I continue straight on along a track towards East Lynch.

    Approaching East Lynch farm I take a footpath on the right that runs behind a fine old barn.  I stay on the wide grassy track as it passes farm cottages, ignoring a footpath on the left and continuing uphill.

    I reach a minor road at Deans Cross and turn left following the road downhill into Selworthy where I stop on one of the many benches in the churchyard and admire the view whilst I have my lunch.

    Resuming my walk I continue through the village and pass the Tithe Barn which has a plaque commemorating the wanderings of Walter Wilkinson with his peep show.  Many years ago Lynnie gave me a copy of Walter’s “Peep Show” book.  It is a great insight into a way of life long passed.

    I continue through the village and then fork right on a footpath that leads through Selworthy Farm with its range of old barns and then continue along a track.  When I was here in February the hedge besides this path had recently been laid and looked a bit of an eyesore. Now ten months later nature has taken its course and the casual observer would not even know of the work to the hedgerow.

    As I go downhill I pause to take in the view.  There was a time when I constantly glanced at my watch to ensure I was maintaining a decent pace.  These days I like to pause and look occasionally. I still walk pretty fast but I have learnt to stop from time to time and take it all in.

    The track leads to the outskirts of Higher Allerford where I go straight on along a narrow lane leading to Allerford via a packhorse bridge besides a ford.  The bridge is thought to be medieval, though work to enlarge the bridge was undertaken in 1886.

    After crossing the bridge I turn right to walk through this attractive village passing the old Post Office with its King George VI postbox.

    Soon I reach a footpath along a track which passes Stoates Farm and goes through a gate to reach a footbridge over the river.  On the far side of the bridge I turn left and take a footpath towards West Lynch this initially follows the river.

    The path soon starts to ascend into the woods.

    At a crossing of paths I take the route signposted towards Hurlstone Point, the path continues to steadily ascend through trees. The path leads to a wooden gate and a crossing of paths at Lynch Combe.  There is an information board explaining the work that has been done by National Trust volunteers to restore the stone walls in the Selworthy and Cockerhill section of the Holnicote Estate. The walls are at least 200 years old and there are some fine examples in this Combe. 

    On previous visits I have turned right here and walked up the hill, but today I go straight over to follow the path towards Hurlstone Point.  This path leads through stunning section of trees.

    The path follows the contour line around Bossington Hill and opens out to provide cracking views over Bossington and Porlock Beaches.

    The path now opens out as it heads toward Hurlstone Point.

    At a fingerpost I turn right on a path to Minehead.

    This path goes uphill, when I say uphill I mean seriously uphill.  Bossington Hill is a stiff ascent. 

    The first time I walked up here I thought I would do it in one go and today I try to repeat the challenge.  But my cold is taking a toll on my lungs and I decide it is sensible to take a breather and admire the view back towards the coast.

    I am now on the route of the South West Coastal Path and I follow this uphill.  There are a number of options but I choose a broad path heading towards Selwothy Beacon. Close to the path are cattle and I meet a lady walking her dog who is anxious going through the cows.  I offer to walk with her and we spend the next fifteen minutes chatting.  I really enjoy such encounters I always learn something about others’ lives; this person, like me, feels the need to get out every day for a walk to get away from the pressures of modern life.

    We walk together to Selworthy Beacon where we wish each other well and part company.  

    From the Beacon I follow a track heading east across North Hill.  There are a number of paths up here but I know as long as I head east and keep the minor road somewhere to my right I will be fine.

    The track leads towards a parking area and soon after passing through it I take a path on the left.  This heads north and rejoins the South West Coast path where I turn right and soon go through a gate into an area of pasture.

    The path continues close to the road to reach another gate, now I keep going east to reach another parking area and then keep going to pass some Exmoor ponies.

    On reaching another car park close to woodland I have a choice of routes to take to get to Minehead.  I go to the left and then take a path that goes east through the trees and passes concrete bases that housed Nissen huts during World War II.  Apparently the American Forces had a NAAFI in one of the huts on this hill.

    I continue on this path until I reach a fork in the path, here I go to the left and descend towards a gate and then continue on the path going steadily downhill. 

    There are multiple paths in the trees that descend towards the seafront.  I stay with one that goes straight on to reach a tarmac lane where I turn left, soon joining the Zig Zag path going steadily downward.

    At the bottom of the path I turn left and pass cottages to reach the seafront by the sculpture marking the start, or end, of the south west coast path.

    It is a cracking evening and I stop on the seawall to watch the moonrise.

    From here it is a wander through the streets of Minehead to get back to the caravan site for a well-deserved cup of tea and a sit down to plan were I will walk tomorrow.

    You can view this 14.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9 – Exmoor

    12th December 2022

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2022)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.