4-Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday
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4-Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: Exmoor & England Trip code: SLBOB-4 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW The sweeping hills, wooded combes and glorious seascapes of the Exmoor National Park reward every footstep with an astonishing range of landscapes and moods to enjoy. Vibrant yellow gorse, purple heather, wild ponies and red deer meet a backdrop of huge blue skies and seas, adding a colourful variety to our Guided Walks. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 3 days guided walking • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Head out on guided walks to discover the varied beauty of Exmoor on foot • Admire panoramic moorland views and expansive seascapes • Let an experienced leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life • Visit some of Somerset's most beautiful picture postcard villages • Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the history of the moors and coastline • Discover the clarity of the night sky in this International Dark Sky Reserve • A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England’s most beautiful walking areas • Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures ITINERARY Version 1 Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Valley And Hills To Dunster Castle Option 1 - Tivington Hill & Dunster Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 1200 feet (360m) In Summary: Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we will see the pretty colours of the hamlet of Tivington Heights. We then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before descending Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster. Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season. Option 2 - Over The Hills To Dunster Distance: 9 miles (15km) Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m) In Summary: Walk from Holnicote House to historic Dunster. Our route takes us through the woods to the viewpoint at Webber's Post, then enjoy the fine views as we follow the ridge over Wootton Common. Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 3 - Dunkery Beacon Distance: 12½ miles (20km) Ascent: 2,500 feet (760m) In Summary: Walk from Holnicote House up onto Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. After descending across the moor to Wootton Courtenay, we'll continue over the hills to Dunster. Highlight: Our walk concludes by descending Grabbist Hill - a spot said to have inspired the hymn All things bright and beautiful. Day 3: The Doone Valley To Watersmeet Option 1 - Doone Valley Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km) Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) In Summary: Starting high on Exmoor we'll visit the valleys of Oare Water and Badgworthy Water, then take the charming riverside path beside the East Lyn river to Watersmeet. Highlight: Our walks end at the National Trust's tearoom at Watersmeet. This is the confluence of the East Lyn and Farley Water; a delightful spot in a beautiful wooded valley. Option 2 - Badgworthy Water Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m) In Summary: We'll head to Oare church then follow Badgworthy Water into a remote corner of Exmoor. Our walk concludes beside the cascading waters of the East Lyn river to Watersmeet. Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Lorna Doone, the heroine of RD Blackmore's novel. We'll stop at Oare church, the scene of the wedding between Lorna and John Ridd. Option 3 - Wild Exmoor West Distance: 11 miles (18km) Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) In Summary: Walk in Lorna Doone country and along Badgworthy Water before crossing wild moorland to join the Two Moors Way on Cheriton Ridge. We descend along Hoaroak Water to arrive at Watersmeet via some impressive waterfalls. Highlight: An opportunity to step off the beaten track and discover the wild corners of Exmoor. Enjoy great views as you cross the high moors. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 4: Selworthy And Lucott Option 1 - East Of Holnicote Distance: 6 1⁄2 miles (10.5km) Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) In Summary: An interesting circular walk exploring the countryside to the east of Holnicote House. Our route takes us through the pretty village of Luccombe, along the foot of Dunkery Hill and returning via the charming Selworthy village. Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. Option 2 - Lucott Farm Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m) In summary: A circuit visiting Horner packhorse bridge and oak woodlands en route to Lucott Farm and continuing above Hawk Combe to West Luccombe and then to Holnicote. Highlight: The Horner packhorse bridge is the oldest in Somerset. Beautiful native woodland and moorland views. Option 3 - Lucott Farm Via Tarr Bull Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) Ascent: 2,400 feet (740m) In Summary: After passing through Horner Wood and following the upper reaches of Horner Water we will emerge onto Tarr Ball Hill with extensive views over Nutscale reservoir and open moorland. We then pass Lucott Farm and return above Hawk Combe. Highlight: Horner Wood National Nature Reserve and fantastic views across wide open Exmoor moorland. Day 5: Departure Day Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. Version 2 Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 2: Dunkery Beacon And Horner Water Option 1 - Dunkery Beacon Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In Summary: Our coach takes us to Exford Common, high on Exmoor. From here we'll head to the top of Dunkery Beacon, then descend through the wooded Horner valley back to Holnicote House. Highlight: Dunkery Beacon, is the highest point on Exmoor. From the summit you can enjoy panoramic views over the moors and wooded valleys of the national park. Option 2 - Over The Beacon Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m) In Summary: Ascend from Wheddon Cross through the Raleigh Manor Estate onto Dunkery Beacon. Our descent takes us over the moors, then through Horner Wood Nature Reserve. Highlight: This walk is another good opportunity to spot red deer. Take your binoculars for the best chance of seeing these beautiful creatures. Option 3 - Roof Of Exmoor Distance: 12 miles (19km) Ascent: 2,000 feet (600m) In Summary: Walk over the moors from Exford to the summit of Dunkery Beacon. Continuing across the moor we descend to Stoke Pero church, then head through Horner Woods back to Holnicote House. Highlight: Choose a clear day and your efforts will be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches to Dartmoor, and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. Day 3: Porlock Hill To Holnicote House Option 1 - Exploring Porlock Vale Distance: 6 miles (10km) Ascent: 850 feet (260m) In Summary: A short walk out to the pretty village of Bossington, on to Porlock and back to the house along field paths. Highlight: The pretty 'chocolate box' thatched cottages of Bossington village. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Option 2 - Hawkcombe & Porlock Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) Descent: 2,300 feet (700m) In Summary: From high up on Pittcombe hill we descend to Porlock before returning to the house. Highlight: The descent through Hawkcombe with the rushing of the stream always present as you wander through the trees and glades. Option 3 - Hills & Wooded Valleys Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) In Summary: Follow a meandering route from Porlock Hill to Holnicote House. We'll take in the beautiful wooded valleys of Shillett Combe and Horner Water, as well the heather-clad moorland above. Highlight: Walking across a bright carpet of purple heather on the moors. Day 4: Selworthy And Hills To The East Option 1 - Exploring Horner Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and woodland around Holnicote House. Our route takes us through the village of Horner up through the wooded slopes of Horner Wood before reaching the Jubilee Hut. We then descend along the quiet lanes before arriving back at the charming village of Selworthy. Highlight: Amble through ancient oak trees and arrive at wonderful views of the Porlock vale and maybe even the Welsh Coastline. Option 2 - Explore North Hill Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km) Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) In Summary: A circular walk exploring the eastern end of North Hill. We ascend gradually to the top of North Hill, where we have the opportunity to explore the remains of WWII tank training grounds before descending to return to the house via Lady Acland’s hut.