Wimbleball Lake Walk & Sunset Picnic | Exmoor National Park

Walk description:

Beginning at Haddon Hill car park, we will pick up a path that takes us over Hadborough Hill (355m), offering stunning 360 views over the National Park and towards Wimbleball Lake, our next destination.

Our path will then take us north and downhill through ancient sessile forests to the 49m high dam on the lake, built in 1979. Crossing over, the path offers a mixture of environments through which we will travel as we work our way around the lake, stopping often to enjoy the local birdlife (bring binoculars!) and forested slopes of the hills around us.

We will pass the Coffee Contour cafe for a quick loo stop if needed (and maybe a cheeky coffee), before pressing on and around the northern point of the lake. At times the path will be broad and paved; others narrow and bumpy underfoot. Through forests the singletrack trail will be flagged by bilberry bushes (now out of season) and shaded by towering oak and birch, and the open spaces along the shoreline provide the chance to discuss the use of the land and learn new things.

The final leg of our walk will see us climb steadily back up to the car park, passing a spot notorious for Exmoor ponies. 

Once back at the car anyone who wants to head off will be able to do so, but for the rest of us we will tackle the short walk back up to the top of Hadborough Hill and settle in to watch the setting sun. Abbie will bring a flask of hot water, so if you’d like a hot drink to stay warm, bring a mug and your chosen beverage. Bringing yummy snacks is also highly recommended. 

Please note that if the weather is not on our side we will endeavour to find a cafe/pub to hang out for an hour to finish the event.

As with all WILD events, this walk needs a minimum of 5 bookings to take place. 

Walk length: 

9 Miles (4-5 hours)

Date and time: 

Saturday 22nd October 2022

Meet at 11:45, begin walk at 12 Midday. 

Start/finish location: 

Haddon Hill Car Park, Haddon Lane, Dulverton, TA4 2DS

Getting to the car park: 

Best to use GoogleMaps for access. This will take you directly to the car park.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Toilet stops: 

There are toilets are the car park and if they are open, some abot 3 miles into the walk, although they might not be open! Otherwise, it's wild wees!

Weather:

All of our walks are weather dependant. 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 days before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. We will have always created a risk assessment before your event takes place to mitigate any issues that might arise. 

Honesty is essential to staying safe. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything sich as previous medical issues or injuries that may affect your experience. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Mountain Leader.

By joining this event you understand that:  walking in nature in an outdoor area brings with it 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. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by Abbie and her team 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.

By joining this walk you are also acknowledging that you have read our Safeguarding Policy and agree to it.

Any queries please get in touch.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome on this event but they must be kept on a lead at all times and able to work well with other dogs. Please email at time of booking to confirm that you are bringing a dog: admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has 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 an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via the 'contact' page. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.