Discover Exmoor WILD Walking Weekend

Join us for a WILD Walking Weekend on Exmoor National Park, perfect for anyone looking to take a breathe of fresh air (quite literally) away from the hustle and bustle of every-day life, whilst connecting with like-minded individuals. As stress-free days, we'll take you deeper into the astonishing array of flora and fauna, archeology and geology in the area, help you explore new skills to aid with the management of your mental and physical wellbeing, and of course, have a rather grand adventure along the way! We will be undertaking two walks across the weekend and an overnight camp at Cloud Farm Campsite.

NB: places are limited on this event.

Saturday 13th July:

Walk length: Approx. 8.5miles

Date and time: Saturday 13th July 2019 | Start at 10:30am - meet around 10:15am

Start/finish location: OS Explorer OL9 845 354 (nearest postcode: TA24 7QP)

Getting to Withypool car park:

Withypool Village car park is adjacent to the bridge and is owned by West Somerset Council. The car park is free of charge all year round, although there are very limited spaces, so please aim to arrive as early as you can.

Walk description:

Following our important health and safety talk we will begin our walk by making our way out of Withypool and up onto Withypool Hill. The first stretch is along a quiet road, but soon we will be marching across high ground to the cairn at the top of the hill at 398m above sea level. Providing the weather has been reasonably dry and the ground not become saturated, we will descend the hill via the ancient stone circle that sits on its south-western edge.

Back on Worth Lane, which also happens to be a stretch of of the Exe Valley Way, we will descend until reaching Westwater Farm and cutting into arable land. The route gently undulates as we pass through fields, with wide-open views to the north across Exmoor National Park. This is a very rewarding stretch of the walk. Eventually though, we will reach Parsonage Farm and drop down to the famous Tarr Steps clapper bridge. Occasionally this site can be busy, but hopefully we will hit it at a quiet time offering ample photographic opportunities in this blissful spot. Providing they are serving, there will be the option to enjoy a tea/coffee at Tarr Farm Inn - a friendly and characteristic place well worth checking out.

Having rested our feet, we will head north along the River Barle along the Two Moors Way, a 117mile long-distance trail that runs from Wembury in the south of Devon, across the county to Lynton and Lynmouth on the north coast. The route is an absolute delight. There may even be the opportunity to stop for a quick paddle!

All too soon the river brings us back to Withypool and the car, as we cross over the 19th century bridge that runs through the centre of the village. Upon reaching the cars we will head out to the campsite, a 15 minute drive away.

NB: there is very little mobile signal for most providers in Withypool or along the length of this walk.

Toilet Stops:

There are toilets at the start of the walk in Withypool and at Tarr Steps Inn, providing they are open.

Cloud Farm Campsite:

Following the completion of our walk on Saturday, we will head over to Cloud Farm campsite, situated a 40 minute drive away from Withypool. The campsite sits within a beautiful, secluded valley right in the centre of Doone Country in Exmoor National Park. It is a basic campsite next to the Bagworthy River, and whilst not wild camping, should give participants a wilder feel to the evening.

Your camping pitch is secured as part of your weekend ticket. However, ensure you bring your own cooking equipment and meals as we will not be supplying food on this weekend event. See below for more details.

Please also note that we have a strict no-alcohol policy. See below for more details.

Sunday 14th July:

Walk length: Approx. 13miles

Date and time: Sunday 14th July 2019 | Start at 10:30am - meet around 10:15am

Start/finish location: OS Explorer OL9 794 486 (nearest postcode: EX35 6NQ)

Getting to County Gate car park:

The car park is a 5 minute drive from the campsite, so we will endeavour to have camp packed up and be on the road just after 10am - starting our walk by 10:30am.

Walk description:

Following some refresher safety talks we will begin our walk by walking through The Combe past the Sisters Fountain Spring to pick up the South West Coastal Path National Trail. We follow the undulating coastal path west through the Glenthrone plantations and Chubhill and Gurney's Woods, before reaching The Foreland and Foreland Point lighthouse. After a quick break we will continue to make our way along the coastal path, now out of the woods so able to enjoy far-reaching views out to sea and west towards our destination at Lynton and Lynmouth. Please be aware that in poor weather this stretch can be very exposed. Upon descending into the village there will be the option to stop for a cream tea/lunch and time to enjoy the local sights and sounds, including the flood memorial museum and Cliff Valley Railway.

The next stretch of our walk takes on a very different feel to the miles traversed earlier, as we will be following the roaring East Lyn River. Look out for herons and dippers hunting in the swirling pools and enjoy the feel of the ancient woodlands all around alive with birdsong. Arriving at Watersmeet house, once a fishing lodge, now used as a National Trust cafe and shop, we will stop for another break, before continuing to climb alongside the river. This stretch of path also follows the Coleridge Way, a long-distance footpath of 51miles, starting at Nether Stowey on the Quantock Hills, and finishing at Lynton and Lynmouth.

Eventually we will leave the river behind having passed through the petite and characteristic village of Brendon, waving goodbye as we begin our final steep climb up to Ashton Cleave and the car park. Once back at the car we will conclude the weekend, each heading home having enjoyed two days of inspiring landscapes and company.

NB: there is very little mobile signal for most providers along much of this walk, especially when following the East Lyn River.

Please note that the walks are weather dependant. Should the forecast present any danger, we will endeavour to review our plans and offer alternative routes.

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share it too!

Accidents and Incidents:

All of our team are qualified first aiders and will carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify our staff as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let a member of staff know.

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by our staff and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at owners own risk.

Weather:

The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking, and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please do check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! If you need a kit list or gear advice, please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this weekend package other than a few spare snacks and water if needed in an emergency. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for:

- Saturday lunch, snacks and evening meals

- Sunday breakfast, snacks and lunch.

You are welcome to buy food and top up on water in the villages we pass through so long as everyone is happy to stop. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD and Song Thrush Productions have been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 14 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 50% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 14 days to 48 hrs before your scheduled arrival.

-100% of of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 48 hrs.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page.