EXMOOR EXPLORER – SEA CLIFFS & THE COASTAL PATH A 7 night self-guided route through Devon and Exmoor, as you rise up onto giant headlands and plunge into seaside villages, with daily luggage transfers
www.colletts.co.uk [email protected] 01799 513331 At a glance A 7 night self guided walk, see the highlights of the South West Coastal Path from the sweeping beaches at Croyde and Woolacombe to the undulations alongside the Bristol Channel as you venture into Exmoor. The route plunges into seaside villages, before rising onto coastal cliffs, jaw dropping scenery is around every corner as you tackle one of the most dramatic coastlines in Britain. You will journey through the heart of Exmoor on your way to Lynmouth and take one of the steepest railways in the world up to Lynton to see the valley of the rocks.
Dates & Prices Walking season is from 1st April to 31st October – Standard accommodation £695 per person, accommodation upgrade from £850 per person, these are based on two people sharing a room. Single occupancy rates available from £895.
If you wish to book out of season, please contact us to discuss potential options (prices may vary)
Arrive any day of the week in Mortehoe. Prices are per person and based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please note that all bookings are subject to availability in the accommodation. Please do not make any travel arrangements until we have confirmed your accommodation dates. The minimum party size is two (for reasons of safety no single travellers are permitted).
Grade : Moderate/Hard Ascents: 180m to 850m each day Descents : 100m to 830m each day Walking Time : 6 to 8 hours each day Terrain : This route primarily follows tracks and well-trodden footpaths which are good underfoot. Some forest paths may be slippery when wet. The route is generally well waymarked and easy to navigate. If you are in any doubt whether this holiday is suitable for you, please call the office on 01799 513331 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss the route in more detail with you.
Included in the price • 7 nights B&B accommodation in handpicked 3* hotels or bed and breakfasts. • Luggage transfers each day from hotel to hotel as well as transfers to the start of walks on two of the days • Detailed route cards (including maps, route descriptions, places to visit, important telephone numbers) • Telephone support throughout your holiday (provided by CMH)
Not included in the price • Travel to Mortehoe & Travel Insurance • Onward transport from Porlock at the end of the holiday, a taxi back to Mortehoe can be arranged for an additional £75 (up to 4 people) • Any public transport during your trip • Packed Lunches, Dinners (budget £15-35 pp per day) • Drinks, and all extras
Exmoor Explorer – Sea Cliffs & The Coastal Path The Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Mortehoe and settle in Located on in a stunning position above Woolacombe Bay, Mortehoe is a quaint village within touching distance of one of Devon’s premier beaches. Parking is available in the Mortehoe car park, details can be found on how to book a space via our website. Overnight in Mortehoe
Day 2 - Mortehoe – Lee Bay – Morte Point – Mortehoe 11.5km, 3 - 5 hours walking, 325m ascent / 325m descent Heading out on this circular route from Mortehoe, the path drops to the ancient woodland through the Borough Valley as the route follows the stream towards the coast. Emerging from the woodland at Lee Bay, the path follows the coastal path to the west undulating towards Morte Point. There are views here towards Lundy Island and across Woolacombe Bay on the return to Mortehoe. Overnight in Mortehoe
Day 3 – Croyde – Woolacombe Bay – Mortehoe 12.2km, 3 – 4 hours walking, 180m ascent / 100m descent After a short taxi journey to the village of Croyde, the path makes its' way through the sand dunes at Croyde Bay, to reach the beach and the coastal path; the sandy bays here are a favourite spot for surfers and kite boarders hoping to catch the perfect wave. As the path rounds the National Trust site at Baggy Point, the wide expanse of Woolacombe Bay comes into view. One of the country’s finest beaches, you can choose to stay along the coastal path or take the higher path atop the hillside for a fine vista of this impressive bay. Return to Mortehoe via Woolacombe, the lively village beside the bay. Overnight in Mortehoe
Day 4 – Simonsbath – Exmoor National Park – Lynmouth 16.2km, 7 - 8 hours walking, ascent 300m / descent 600m A transfer to the tiny village of Simonsbath will begin day 4. The village lies near to the source of the river Exe in the heart of Exmoor National Park, here the route into Lynmouth follows the Two Moors Way across the moors to the coast. There are chances to see the Exmoor ponies that roam freely, as well as red deer and various bird species that call the area home. The path skirts the top of the 'combe' with the River Lyn flowing in the valley bottom before descending into Lynmouth to finish the day in the pretty fishing village. Overnight in Lynmouth
Day 5 – Lynton – Valley of the Rocks – Lynmouth 9.0km, 5 -6 hours walking, 410m ascent / 410m descent Whether you choose to walk or ride the water powered Cliff Railway, the views along the coast from Lynton are fabulous. The path follows the coastal path through the famous 'Valley of the Rocks' noted for its impressive formations and the herd of feral goats grazing amongst the foliage. The route passes Lee Abbey before returning to Lynton and Lynmouth for an afternoon relaxing and the chance to explore the small streets of these close-knit villages. Overnight in Lynmouth Day 6 – Lynmouth – Countisbury – Porlock Weir – Porlock 21.8km, 6 - 8 hours walking, 850m ascent / 830m descent Climbing out of Lynmouth along the coastal path, the route reaches the village of Countisbury and Foreland Point for spectacular widespread views along the coast, a great view back to the villages of Lynmouth and Lynton can be seen from this commanding point on the walk. The scenery changes a little now as the steep sided cliffs give way to woodland as you make your way down to the finishing hamlet of Porlock Weir and the village of Porlock a short distance beyond. For a shorter day out, it can be arranged for a taxi drop off in Countisbury to save 2.5km and 250 of ascent. Overnight in Porlock
Day 7 – Porlock – Bossington Hill – Porlock Bay 13.2km, 4 - 5 hours walking, 375m ascent / 375m descent After crossing farmland on the way to Selworthy, the path starts to climb, passing the remains of the Iron Age fort of Bury Castle. After a short climb the route comes to a superb viewpoint across Porlock Bay at Bossington Hill and the tcoastguard lookout shelter at Hurlstone Point. A return to Porlock along the coastal path through the village of Bossington completes the week of walking through this stunning location. Overnight in Porlock
Day 8 - Departure Enjoy one final breakfast before your departure, independent onward travel or the possibility to extend your stay.
Travel Getting to and from Mortehoe Mortehoe is located on the edge of the Bristol Channel and is most easily reached from Barnstaple by bus, the 303 bus runs from Barnstaple direct to Mortehoe or take a local taxi for the 30 minute journey. For those self driving, take Mortehoe Station Road off the B3343, we recommend you park for the week in Mortehoe and get a taxi back from Porlock at the end of your week. Details on parking permits can be found on the ‘other info’ tab on our website. A parking permit for 7 days is currently £20.80.
For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Likewise for bus timetables and fares, please visit www.nationalexpress.com.
Luggage Transfers We will pick your bags up for you each morning and deliver them to your next overnight stop, this allows your walking days to be easier and lighter.
Accomodation
All of the accommodation that you will stay in has been handpicked and are family run B&B’s or country pubs.
Please let us know the dates you would like to book as soon as possible as we need to contact all the chosen accommodation for availability at each stage of the route. If you require a single or twin room, please also try and book early as these tend to be quite limited and therefore sell out quickly. There is likely to be high demand during summer months, especially on the weekend, it is recommended to book as early as possible.
In the case of unavailability for some of your chosen accommodation we will endeavour to find suitable and an equivalent standard of accommodation.
“Your Own Risk” Your self guided “Exmoor Explorer – Sea Cliffs & The Coastal Path” holiday will be spent entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided “Exmoor Explorer – Sea Cliffs & The Coastal Path” has been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a beautiful walk in a part of this wonderful walking area, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett's Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in coastal walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your holiday with Collett's Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us to help you get the most from the area.