Exmoor National Park Partnership

You probably know that we’ve always tried to be as green as we can, and we are really proud of the fact that Exmoor House is in the middle of the National Park. 

When Dan James (the Exmoor Sustainable Economy Officer) asked for businesses to be part of a pilot group to help develop a scheme which would recognise those who work to help keep the area special, and who act as ambassadors for Exmoor, we jumped at the opportunity.

After several meetings, much research by Dan, and pilot group members trying out various application formats to see what would work best for all the different types of organisations that might want to join, the new scheme is now up and running. Exmoor House was among the five first businesses to gain an Exmoor National Park Partner certificate, showing that we comply with all the criteria. 

Here is a link to all the details: Park Partners

The video makes an interesting watch and, for businesses thinking about applying, sets out some of the benefits of joining.

Exmoor Walking Festival 2015

The Incline, Old Mineral Line

In 2015 the Exmoor Walking Festival will run (or should that be walk?) from Saturday 2^nd to Saturday 9^th May. The popular format of the past few years is continuing: the initial walks take place on the Devon side of Exmoor and the later ones on the Somerset side. There are no walks on the Thursday, so if you’re visiting the area for the festival, this could be a rest day or a chance to do a self-guided walk.

As usual there is a great range of walks. Some are themed around Exmoor wildlife: searching

The beach near Blue Anchor

for red deer, listening for birdsong, discovering rare lichens. You can also walk alongside the West Somerset steam railway (and one itinerary starts with a rail trip from Dunster to Washford). There is the opportunity to learn about the area’s history, with walks that take in, for example, part of the old Mineral Line, or places linked to the work of the Knight family. Also you could visit Lundy Island; join a literary discussion with the Walking Book Club; learn some more about orienteering…

For more information and to book places, visit the website at www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or call 01271 883131.

Want a lovely place to stay while you’re here for the Walking Festival? Book a dinner bed and breakfast break (with picnic lunches too if you like) at Exmoor House. We are in a great location in the heart of the National Park and we have very good facilities for walkers: www.exmoorhotel.co.uk