300 Bus

300 Bus

Lots of Walking

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Jennette

Is it just me or is there something even more refreshing about the Exmoor scenery at the moment? After the somewhat hectic Christmas shopping, neon lights and gaudy decorations, the panoramic views of greens and browns, and the hills, hedges, fields and trees stretching to the sky are just calming. I could feel my eyes saying thank you.

My legs weren’t quite as grateful as we walked miles this weekend. We spied lots of Exmoor ponies grazing near Countisbury, but we were a little too late to see any red deer on this occasion. The Rangers say that there are plenty around however, including a few fine stags. Apparently early morning is a good time to spot red deer at this time of year.  Alarm clock set for early next time!

We enjoyed the walk though, and especially the cosy lunch in the pub afterwards. We overheard someone say that after the warm November, the tips of the snowdrops are already showing through in Snowdrop Valley. But a sharp frost or two will slow them down a bit. If you haven’t booked already make sure you don’t miss Exmoor’s famous Snowdrop Valley at Wheddon Cross 4 – 26 Feb 2012, it’s a really spectacular sight, and a sign that spring is on its way.

 

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New Brochure Arrives

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Jennette

The brand new 2012 Exmoor, Coast & Quantock Hills brochure arrived through my post box this weekend looking all shiny and fresh. Apparently, the Exmoor pony who was happily grazing wild at Landacre Bridge with a small harem and foals was very proud to have his face on the front cover this year too!

The brochure is an interesting read for someone like me still learning about all the great things to see and do in the area (coasteering and geocaching are two things I would like to try at some point next year)  and the what’s on guide is ideal for planning an Exmoor holiday. There are lots of fascinating facts too. Did you know we had England’s tallest tree in the area (Dunster) or that our coast has the second highest and lowest tides in the world? Request our brochure here, or download here – it comes complete with a great range of places to stay.

Driving back across the moor from Dulverton via Simonsbath last week I was struck by how beautiful the landscape still is even in winter. The fading light was catching the last of the golden beech leaves hanging on tightly to the hedges in the wind, and the threateningly dark clouds quickly approaching made the view even more dramatic.  I think this time last year we were knee deep in snow.

 

 

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More Festive Spirit on Exmoor

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Jennette

Well, even a little drizzle didn’t spoil the sparkly festivities that kicked off December for us here in Exmoor. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t forget to put the date in your diary for 2012 (the first weekend in December): guaranteed to make even the most cynical feel that seasonal magic!

If you haven’t quite got up-to-speed with your Christmas cards yet, the Christmas Crafts weekend at Alta Lyn Barns (9 – 12 December) offers a great opportunity to discover your inner Kirsty. With tips and demonstrations of how to make gifts, cards and decorations all from alpaca fleece, we guarantee a self-satisfied glow (and that’s not from the brandy!)

Collecting their own natural materials is all part of the fun for children (4 – 12 years) at Wistlandpound on 10 December. Using pine cones, sticks and leaves, this crafty afternoon gives kids the chance to make their own decorations and an artful mess at the same time! (info@discoverwistlandpound.org.uk)

Santa loves a steam train and we are so lucky to have two heritage steam railways here on Exmoor. Hopping between the West Somerset Line (Minehead to Bishops Lydeard) and the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay is keeping Father Christmas busy this December. Luckily he has lots of helpers.  Wish I did!

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Christmassy Goings-On in and around Exmoor this Weekend

Posted on November 29, 2011 by admin

The BBC weather website has promised calmer weather for the rest of the week and, whilst these wild and windy conditions lend Exmoor a raw, dramatic appeal, this is good news for all of us hoping to enjoy some of the Christmassy goings-on this weekend without getting completely blown away!

We have the much anticipated Dunster by Candlelight festivities kicking off with the Lantern Lighting Procession on Friday 2nd and continuing on Saturday 3rd. I really enjoyed the event on my first visit to this historic village last year, and can definitely recommend it as a lovely evening for all the family. The village is car free this weekend so travel in by Park & Ride or on the evocative West Somerset Railway and enjoy the food, entertainment, shopping and sheer joyful holiday atmosphere! All mentioned in the December issue of Countryfile Magazine too.

Over on the other side of Exmoor National Park, South Molton has a snow-making machine, amongst a host of other attractions, hoping to get Christmas shoppers in the mood for some late night retail therapy this Friday. And back on the coast, in Minehead, there are choirs and even real reindeers as well as a whole host of local food and drink providers at the Saturday Christmas Market.

On Sunday it is the turn of Dulverton and I’ll be popping over to sample the mulled wine, stock up on unusual Christmas pressies and watch the fireworks. Join in with the carol singing? Only if no-one can hear me (!)

Ends 29 Nov 2011.

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The Star Attraction

Posted on October 28, 2011 by admin

Exmoor National Park is recognised as one of the finest landscapes in the UK. Its deep valleys, high cliffs, wide open moorlands and clear streams provide inspiration and enjoyment to many. What is less well known is that Exmoor is also an amazing place to marvel at the wonders of the night sky and one of the few places in England where low levels of light pollution allows people to experience night skies that have sadly disappeared from much of the country. Now Exmoor has been recognised by the International Dark-sky Association as the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, and only the second in the world.

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Festival time

Posted on August 31, 2011 by admin

As the heather moors turn purple and the leaves begin to change  colour one things is for sure – autumn is on its way. On Exmoor this means lots more opportunities to get out and enjoy the area with a number of festivals including the autumn Walking Festival and the annual Food Festival featured below:

Exmoor walking festival 30 September – 3 October

The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival has teamed up with the Exmoor Food Festival (see below) to bring 10 forays for foodies to its varied menu of 24 walks from September 30 – October 3.

Hungry Exmoor hikers can tuck into fresh organic produce at Hindon Farm or enjoy cream teas while drinking in beautiful views at Wimbleball Lake. Two walks on the Quantock Hills feature pit stops at local pubs while Exmoor’s ancient burial grounds, known as barrows, can be discovered on the real ale trail to the Poltimore Arms at Brayford.

The festival also includes trips to classic local landmarks, such as the prehistoric stone ‘clapper’ bridge, known as the Tarr Steps, and the romantic turreted castle at the wonderfully preserved medieval village of Dunster. Nature lovers can discover the secrets of the International Biosphere Reserve at Braunton Burrows, and all the walks pass through magnificent scenery at a time when the countryside is at its autumnal best.

Bryan Cath, festival organiser, said:  “As well as food and ale trails, there are walks to discover the area’s history, heritage and rich wildlife.  Many walks are led by local experts or rangers so it’s a great way to learn more about our landscapes. The festival is a chance to enjoy the great outdoors on our doorstep with family and friends.  Nineteen of the walks are also dog friendly, which means man’s best friend isn’t necessarily confined to the kennel. With walks of all sorts, we aim to provide something to please amateur amblers through to enthusiasts looking for all-day adventures.”

To view all the walks and book online on the festival website, visit www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk  or phone to book on 01271 863001.

Exmoor Food Festival 30 September – 9 October

Events this year include:

• Victorian cream teas and Informative farm visits
• Tasting platters and American brunches
• Food fairs and Fun food fetes
• Food walks and Ale & Cider trails
• Refined à la carte suppers and Children’s jelly fights
• Cookery courses and Sausage-making demos
• Tapas with cocktails and Chocolate suppers.

There really is something for everyone! Shopping more your thing? You’ll be spoilt for choice inside the Food Marquee at the Lyn Food Fest & Fete or when strolling through the Exmoor Food Fair in picturesque Porlock. Don’t forget all the local Farmers’ Markets on offer! Perhaps you want to become more hands-on? Then learn new skills on Streamcombe Cookery School’s workshops or watch some of the live demonstrations during the festival.

For full details visit the festival website www.exmoorfoodfestival.co.uk

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Welcome to our new site!

Posted on August 24, 2011 by admin

Welcome to the new Visit-Exmoor.co.uk site. We hope you will find the site useful in planning a trip to Exmoor. There is so much to see and do within the area which includes Exmoor National Park, the coast and the Quantock Hills AONB.

Effort has been made to make it easy to navigate with the majority of information just one click away.

A new local food and drink section has been included to help you enjoy a true taste of the West Country.  Another great addition is our favourites facility, which lets you create your own printable itinerary lisiting full information on your hand picked locations and attractions. 

The towns and villages section has also been updated to ensure many hidden gems are revealed.  Essential travel information including good use of Google maps, along with plenty of green travel options, provide visitors with all they need to know about how to get to, and around, Exmoor.

Enjoy the site, and we look forwards to giving you a warm Exmoor welcome soon.

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