A Day On Exmoor

Our customary day out to Lynton and Lynmouth via Porlock Hill. We were blessed with lovely sunshine and fluffy clouds and had a stunning clear view across The Bristol Channel  and along the Somerset/Devon Coastline.

We used the funicular railway to get up to Lynton. The Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world and is a must for and visitor. Before boarding we went in the Pavilion Cafe for a coffee which was very nice, the man serving on was very friendly to say the least!

On our way back to base we came across a herd of Exmoor ponies and got some lovely pics of them. In the evening we drove up the Moor Road above Minehead and experience an incredible sunset from the top of Bossington Hill.

What a way to end our holiday!

Porlock Hill

Sal, Porlock Hill

Porlock Hill

Clouds over The Bristol Channel

Clouds over The Bristol Channel

Porlock Hill

Lynmouth

Lynmouth

Lynmouth

Lynmouth

Funicular Railway

Exmoor Ponies

Exmoor Ponies

Sunset from Bossington Hill

Exmoor Ponies

Exmoor Ponies

Exmoor Ponies

Sunset from Bossington Hill

Sunset from Bossington Hill

Sunset from Bossington Hill

Sunset from Bossington Hill

On The Border

 Malmsmeade and Badgworthy Water, the home of Lorna Doone. Situated slap bang on the Somerset and Devon border.

The well known 'Doone village' is set in a valley scattered with patches of scree. There are traces of stone walls thought to be from the 12th century. These were once the homes of a remote farming community living on the edge of Exmoor. Today these medieval houses and field terraces are some of the best preserved of this type in south-west England. The picturesque Packhorse bridge over the river dates from the 17th century and the ford is even older.

A visit to The Buttery Tearoom riverside garden is a must. We went in may when the bluebells and whitebells were out and spent a good while watching the cars gingerly going over the narrow bridge or driving through the ford whilst enjoying excellent cappuccinos.

The footpath through the valley can either be accessed by paying a 50p toll and following the delightful Badgworthy Water or by walking up a steepish lane and joining the riverside path further along the dale. As you can tell from the photos, we paid the toll.

As with most places these days, at busy times of the year it can be overrun with visitors, but our visit coincided with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth so the place was very quiet.

Malmsmeade

Malmsmeade

Malmsmeade

Malmsmeade

Malmsmeade

The Buttery Riverside Garden

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Badgworthy Water

Revelin Moss, Whinlatter Forest

 Many years ago, if you were lucky, you could catch a glance of one of the deer which resided at the head of the valley but I don't think there are any about these days. This is due to the forest now seemingly catering more for cyclist and adventure seekers than for the wildlife that the many people like me, just wanted to enjoy it in peaceful surroundings. Now all you hear is the sound of the people on the Go Ape Adventure Centre up at the Visitor Centre or the many bikers shouting at the tops of their voice to each other as the speed along the plethora of man-made tracks. Maybe its just me who hasn't moved with the times and who is slowly turning in to a grumpy old man, I don't know!

Grizedale Forest has gone the same way as well. The only wooded area which hasn't been developed in some way, shape or form is Dodd Wood, which I think, and hope, is too steep sided for any sort of structure (I'll make an exception for the exquisite cafe).

We still enjoyed our walk but I think that was mainly due to us liking each others company so much. It was certainly not due to the work of the Forestry Commission. Its only saving grace was that all the clearing had been done well away from the road and was hidden from the main Visitor Centre area.