7-Night Exmoor Tread Lightly Guided Walking Holiday
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7-Night Exmoor Tread Lightly Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Tread Lightly Destinations: Exmoor & England Trip code: SLSUS-7 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW We are all well-versed in ‘leaving no trace’ but now we invite you to join us in taking it to the next level with our new Tread Lightly walks. We have pulled together a series of spectacular walks which do not use transport, reducing our carbon footprint while still exploring the best landscapes that Exmoor have to offer. You will still enjoy the choice of three top-quality walks of different grades as well as the warm welcome of a HF country house, all with the added peace of mind that you are doing your part in protecting our incredible British countryside. 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 www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • 5 days guided walking; 1 free day • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy breath taking walks from the doors of our country house • Discover the 'model village' of Selworthy, with its collection of 'chocolate box' thatched cottages • Enjoy the views from the top of Dunkery Beacon - they make the ascent well worth it! • Explore beautiful native woodland and moorland views ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Selworthy Village Option 1 - Hurlstone Point, Bossington And Selworthy Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 800 feet (240m) In Summary: Walk to the charming villages of Allerford and Bossington, before continuing to the coast at Hurlstone Point. Our return route traverses the wooded slopes to Selworthy village, with time to explore. Highlight: Wander through the once extensive Holnicote Estate to the 'model village' of Selworthy, with its collection of 'chocolate box' thatched cottages. Option 2 - The Beacon & Bratton Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,750 feet (560m) In Summary: Our circuit from Holnicote House ascends through the woods to the top of Selworthy Beacon. Having followed the hill-top path we'll return through the fields to Selworthy village. Highlight: Discover St Agnes Fountain, a small spring dating from 1820, hidden in the beautiful wooded slopes of Selworthy Beacon. Option 3 - Somerset Coast Path Distance: 10 miles (16km) Ascent: 1,300 feet (380m) In Summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We'll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real 'away from it all' feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea. Day 3: East Of Holnicote, Porlock & Dunkery Beacon 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 - Porlock And The Coast Distance: 7.5 miles (12km) Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m) In Summary: A varied circuit from the house taking in the historic village of Porlock on the way to the coast. Then a modest climb to Hurlstone Point before returning through picture post-card villages to the house. Highlight: Coastal views and shingle beach at Bossington and the old Coastguard Station viewpoint at Hurlstone Point. Option 3 - Dunkery Beacon & Great Rowbarrow Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) Ascent: 2,000 feet (620m) In Summary: A strenuous circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The descent takes us past the tiny Stoke Pero Church, the highest church on Exmoor, and back through Horner Woods alongside Horner Water. Highlight: There are great views from the top of Dunkery Beacon making the ascent well worth the effort! Day 4: Free Day Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit. Day 5: Pretty Somerset Villages 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 www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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 - 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 - Periton Hill Distance: 11 miles (16km) Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m) In summary: After climbing to Webber’s Post, we will traverse the lower slopes of Dunkery Hill before passing through Wootton Courtenay and crossing over the wooded slopes above the village. We skirt Minehead before returning to Selworthy. Highlight: The beaver enclosure on the Holnicote Estate at the start of the walk. Fantastic views and a possible tea stop on Selworthy Green. Day 6: Porlock & Horner Wood Option 1 - Pop Into Porlock Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km) Ascent: 540 feet (160m) In Summary: This is a relaxed circular walk across fields and minor roads to visit Porlock and then back along the coast and through the charming villages of Bossington and Allerford. Highlight: The village of Porlock is a great place to visit with it's church, museum, shops and cafes. On the way back we visit the much photographed packhorse bridge at Allerford. 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. Highlight: The whole of North Hill was requisitioned by the military during WWII to train British, Canadian and American troops in operating tanks. Traces of where they lived and trained still remain, if you know where to look! www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 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 7: Beacons & Beaches Option 1 - Selworthy And Its Beacon Distance: 5 miles (8km) Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m) In summary: We pass through Allerford, famous for it’s picturesque pack horse bridge then continue to Lynch and the old Chapel. We then start our ascent to Selworthy Beacon through woodland, finally emerging to cross moorland to the trig point at the Beacon. After taking in the views across to the Welsh coast line, we descend via Selworthy village where we can explore the white-washed church and thatched cottages huddled around the green. Then it’s time to make our way back to the House via an old cobbled track. Highlight: Spectacular views from Selworthy Beacon, to Nash Point Lighthouse, the Quantocks and beyond on a clear day. Option 2 - Dunkery Beacon Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m) In Summary: This is a circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The walk takes us through woodland and then moorland to Dunkery Beacon and returns on a meandering path alongside the delightful river Horner. Highlight: The views from the top of Dunkery Beacon are fabulous. The tea room at Horner is also a welcome stopping off point. Option 3 - Selworthy Circuit Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m) In Summary: A longer circuit through the Holnicote Estate takes us to the coast at Hurlstone Point, then along the ridge over Selworthy Beacon. Eventually we descend from North Hill and return via Selworthy village. Highlight: Enjoy the great views from the top of Selworthy Beacon - on a clear day you can see across the Bristol Channel to the Brecon Beacons.