This is the 11th year for the very successful North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival. In 2011 the festival's split into two parts: from 29th April to 3rd May it will focus on North Devon, then from May 4th to 8th it covers Exmoor and the Quantocks.
I'm going to concentrate here on the second half of the festival, as it covers our home turf. The nearest walks to Exmoor House start from Webbers Post (Walk 5B High Beacons and Cairns; Walk 7D Flora and Fauna Discovery); Carhampton (Walk 6C: Dunster Breakfast Walk); Dunster (Walk 7A Vistas of Dunster and Dunkery; Walk 8A All Things Bright and Beautiful) and Allerford (Walk 5E Beacons, Look-outs and Coastal Combes).
In fact, though, we're more or less in the centre of the National Park here at Wheddon Cross, so the whole of Exmoor is within easy reach.
Wimbleball Lake is about 8 miles from Wheddon Cross and the Festival includes a Wimbleball Nature Discovery (Walk 7C). The nine-mile trail around the lake, part of which is included on this walk, is one of the few flat(ish) walks on Exmoor!
Wherever you walk on Exmoor, though, you really can't go wrong. There's wonderful scenery - and a huge range of it at that, from coast, to hills, to woodland, to farmland. Walking can be as challenging as you like, and with luck you might even see Exmoor ponies or red deer.
The Walking Festival gives a great flavour of the whole area, from meandering along the Barle to striding along the South West Coastal Path, from high open moorland to deep combes, from searching for deer to visiting ancient monuments and discovering the smallest church in England. Come along and see for yourself!
You can book walks, and find out lots more information, at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
With the extra bank holiday falling during the Walking Festival, you might find it easier to take a longer break, and explore this beautiful area further. See you soon maybe?
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Spring is on the way on Exmoor
After a long cold winter, it seems spring is definitely on the way (or maybe I'm tempting fate by writing that!). These last few days have been much milder, and the daffodils are coming along well in our garden. The herbs are starting to wake up from their hibernation too, and soon we'll have beautiful fresh lovage, marjoram, chives and fennel (to name a few).
The snowdrops in Snowdrop Valley are still looking wonderful. Park & ride buses from Wheddon Cross continue for the rest of this week; the last day is this Sunday, February 27th. Do remember though that the road down to the valley will remain closed to traffic until March 6th - so between Feb 27th and Mar 6th, the only way to the valley will be on foot. Our dining room at Exmoor House will be open as a tearoom on most days until March 6th, serving cream teas (of course!), homemade rolls with a choice of fillings, hot soup, a selection of cakes, and more. Everything's homemade, including our delicious teacakes. Do remember too that you can book lunch at Exmoor House at any time of year (subject to availability) for groups of 4 or more people; we'll plan the menu to suit you.
In my last post I mentioned the Exmoor 4 x 4 Jaunt and Challenge, which is centred on Wheddon Cross during the weekend of March 19th and 20th. This popular event raises funds for the rugby charity Wooden Spoon. The off-road vehicles follow carefully planned routes, where the landowners have given them permission to go. You can see more detail about the event at http://www.4x4onexmoor.co.uk/
Also on March 19th and 20th, as well as March 24th - 27th, is the West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala. This year the Gala celebrates 35 years of the West Somerset Railway running along the former Taunton to Minehead Branch of British Rail. There'll be many visiting locomotives (including new types not seen before on this line), and plenty of attraction around railway to visit, including sheds and workshops. You'll find updates about the gala at http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/ssg.html
Whether you're a rail enthusiast or not, a trip on the railway is highly recommended. It's a scenic, tranquil journey between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Each station has something interesting to look at, and there are some good walks from the stations also.
At Exmoor House we have a special offer during the rest of February, and March: weekend dinner, bed & breakfast breaks are the same price as midweek breaks. Currently there are some rooms available for most dates, including during the events mentioned here. There's more detail on our website. Why not treat yourselves to a spring getaway? To make a booking, just give us a call!
The snowdrops in Snowdrop Valley are still looking wonderful. Park & ride buses from Wheddon Cross continue for the rest of this week; the last day is this Sunday, February 27th. Do remember though that the road down to the valley will remain closed to traffic until March 6th - so between Feb 27th and Mar 6th, the only way to the valley will be on foot. Our dining room at Exmoor House will be open as a tearoom on most days until March 6th, serving cream teas (of course!), homemade rolls with a choice of fillings, hot soup, a selection of cakes, and more. Everything's homemade, including our delicious teacakes. Do remember too that you can book lunch at Exmoor House at any time of year (subject to availability) for groups of 4 or more people; we'll plan the menu to suit you.
In my last post I mentioned the Exmoor 4 x 4 Jaunt and Challenge, which is centred on Wheddon Cross during the weekend of March 19th and 20th. This popular event raises funds for the rugby charity Wooden Spoon. The off-road vehicles follow carefully planned routes, where the landowners have given them permission to go. You can see more detail about the event at http://www.4x4onexmoor.co.uk/
Also on March 19th and 20th, as well as March 24th - 27th, is the West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala. This year the Gala celebrates 35 years of the West Somerset Railway running along the former Taunton to Minehead Branch of British Rail. There'll be many visiting locomotives (including new types not seen before on this line), and plenty of attraction around railway to visit, including sheds and workshops. You'll find updates about the gala at http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/ssg.html
Whether you're a rail enthusiast or not, a trip on the railway is highly recommended. It's a scenic, tranquil journey between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Each station has something interesting to look at, and there are some good walks from the stations also.
At Exmoor House we have a special offer during the rest of February, and March: weekend dinner, bed & breakfast breaks are the same price as midweek breaks. Currently there are some rooms available for most dates, including during the events mentioned here. There's more detail on our website. Why not treat yourselves to a spring getaway? To make a booking, just give us a call!
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Exmoor: have your cake and eat it
We love living on Exmoor. Beautiful scenery, friendly communities, great local food...
Exmoor is truly a place where you can escape and get away from everything. The countryside is very unspoilt, with some extremely wildernessy areas; the roads are uncrowded and the pace of life is relaxed.
Yet, we seem to have it both ways (or have our cake and eat it too) because there's always something going on. Just to give you a few examples of things happening in the next few months:
Right now, it's snowdrop time, and each year there's an amazing spring display of these fabulous flowers, almost on our doorstep. Snowdrop Valley is just a mile or so from our village, Wheddon Cross. It's a pretty (but steep & sometimes muddy - appropriate footwear advised) walk down to the valley and back, or there are park & ride buses from the village car park.
And speaking of cake again: at Exmoor House we open our dining room as a tearoom during the day during Snowdrop Valley time, serving snacks, light lunches, hot & cold drinks and more. The park & ride, which runs until 27th February, is run by our local parish council, with support from the Exmoor National Park Authority and the Badgeworthy Land Company. Exmoor House tearoom will be open until 6th March (although after then we can still do prebooked lunches or meetings for groups of 4 or more people: just contact us if you'd like more details).
Later in March (19th & 20th) is Exmoor 4 x 4 Jaunt and Challenge, which raises money for charity. The West Somerset Railway's very popular Spring Steam Gala is on the 19th & 20th also, and then from the 24th - 27th.
April 29th sees the start of the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival. It continues until May 8th, and includes a fantastic variety of walks that cover most of Exmoor. The extra public holiday, which will mean many people can extend their Easter break, fits in nicely with the Walking Festival.
More in May: the famous Golden Horseshoe ride, an endurance ride across Exmoor National Park, is an exciting spectacle. Many people come back year after year to watch or to take part. It's centred on Exford (5 miles from Exmoor House), is on May 15th - 17th and also includes social events, trade stands, demonstrations and a sponsored pleasure ride.
There are links to these events (and more besides) from our website http://www.exmoorhouse.com/
You'll also find lots of information about our award-winning guest house accommodation - including current special offers - and pictures of the snowdrops too.
Exmoor is truly a place where you can escape and get away from everything. The countryside is very unspoilt, with some extremely wildernessy areas; the roads are uncrowded and the pace of life is relaxed.
Yet, we seem to have it both ways (or have our cake and eat it too) because there's always something going on. Just to give you a few examples of things happening in the next few months:
Right now, it's snowdrop time, and each year there's an amazing spring display of these fabulous flowers, almost on our doorstep. Snowdrop Valley is just a mile or so from our village, Wheddon Cross. It's a pretty (but steep & sometimes muddy - appropriate footwear advised) walk down to the valley and back, or there are park & ride buses from the village car park.
And speaking of cake again: at Exmoor House we open our dining room as a tearoom during the day during Snowdrop Valley time, serving snacks, light lunches, hot & cold drinks and more. The park & ride, which runs until 27th February, is run by our local parish council, with support from the Exmoor National Park Authority and the Badgeworthy Land Company. Exmoor House tearoom will be open until 6th March (although after then we can still do prebooked lunches or meetings for groups of 4 or more people: just contact us if you'd like more details).
Later in March (19th & 20th) is Exmoor 4 x 4 Jaunt and Challenge, which raises money for charity. The West Somerset Railway's very popular Spring Steam Gala is on the 19th & 20th also, and then from the 24th - 27th.
April 29th sees the start of the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival. It continues until May 8th, and includes a fantastic variety of walks that cover most of Exmoor. The extra public holiday, which will mean many people can extend their Easter break, fits in nicely with the Walking Festival.
More in May: the famous Golden Horseshoe ride, an endurance ride across Exmoor National Park, is an exciting spectacle. Many people come back year after year to watch or to take part. It's centred on Exford (5 miles from Exmoor House), is on May 15th - 17th and also includes social events, trade stands, demonstrations and a sponsored pleasure ride.
There are links to these events (and more besides) from our website http://www.exmoorhouse.com/
You'll also find lots of information about our award-winning guest house accommodation - including current special offers - and pictures of the snowdrops too.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Walking on Exmoor: some winter walks
We've had some lovely clear, crisp weather on Exmoor this last week or so, and we've taken advantage of it to do some of our favourite walks:
- Down to Snowdrop Valley and back via a circular walk that takes us through farmland as well as woods and lanes. I can report that the snowdrops are coming along; there were a few splashes of white last Sunday, so should be looking good for the park & ride from Wheddon Cross (5th - 27th February).
- To Dunkery Hill, up to the top of Dunkery Beacon via the longer route, then heading continuing on towards the coast for some spectacular views (and often sightings of Exmoor ponies, though there weren't any around the other day)
- Along the shores of Wimbleball Lake. We walked up to the dam and back, from the car park, then the other day towards the nature trail. The full circuit of the lake (about 9 miles) is well worth doing too
- From Exford up to Room Hill and back; again, some amazing countryside views.
Heading into spring and early summer, this year's North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival runs from 29th April to 8th May and includes a range of fantastic walks for all abilities. More about this soon; you also see full details, and book walks, at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
- Down to Snowdrop Valley and back via a circular walk that takes us through farmland as well as woods and lanes. I can report that the snowdrops are coming along; there were a few splashes of white last Sunday, so should be looking good for the park & ride from Wheddon Cross (5th - 27th February).
- To Dunkery Hill, up to the top of Dunkery Beacon via the longer route, then heading continuing on towards the coast for some spectacular views (and often sightings of Exmoor ponies, though there weren't any around the other day)
- Along the shores of Wimbleball Lake. We walked up to the dam and back, from the car park, then the other day towards the nature trail. The full circuit of the lake (about 9 miles) is well worth doing too
- From Exford up to Room Hill and back; again, some amazing countryside views.
Heading into spring and early summer, this year's North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival runs from 29th April to 8th May and includes a range of fantastic walks for all abilities. More about this soon; you also see full details, and book walks, at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
Friday, 14 January 2011
Snowdrop Valley 2011: stay at Exmoor House and see the snowdrops
Snowdrop Valley, near Wheddon Cross, used to be one of Exmoor's best-kept secrets. Now the secret is out, and many people come back year after year to see the spectacular display of snowdrops, normally at its best in February. It's a welcome sign that Spring is on the way...
Here at Exmoor House, right in the centre of Wheddon Cross village, our dining room will be open as a tea room most days during Snowdrop Valley time (5th February to 6th March). We'll be serving hot drinks, cold drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), soup, light lunches, home-made cakes and scones, and more - hope to see you.
If you'd like to make a booking for a group, please contact us to discuss your requirements. Remember, too, that Exmoor House is open most nights for dinner (booking essential).
And why not stay on for a few days to explore this beautiful area further? Check out our website at http://www.exmoorhouse.com/ for details of our accommodation and special dinner, bed & breakfast packages.
The walk down to the valley and back is extremely pretty, but it is steep and can get very muddy. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the return trip and wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear.
There's a park and ride scheme for Snowdrop Valley, run by Cutcombe Parish Council with support from Exmoor National Park, the Badgworthy Land Company and Exmoor Farmers. Buses leave regularly from the village car park (by the Rest & Be Thankful pub); last bus back from the valley is at 4.35pm. This year the park and ride runs every day from Saturday 5th February until Sunday 27th February. Tickets cost £4 for adults, with concessions for senior citizens and children aged from 5 to 15 (under 5s travel free).
The bus route will be closed to all motor traffic except residents, and disabled drivers, who need to obtain a permit before entering the valley. For more details, visit the Wheddon Cross website at http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/ or contact the Snowdrop Valley organiser on snowdropvalley@googlemail.com
Note that the road will stay closed for a week after the park and ride finishes, so from 28th February to 6th March you'll still be able to walk to see the snowdrops but there will be no buses running. Snowdrop Valley is privately owned and access is kindly granted by the Badgworthy Land Company.
Donations are always very welcome to help in the running of Snowdrop Valley, so that the village can continue to operate the park and ride in future years.
Here at Exmoor House, right in the centre of Wheddon Cross village, our dining room will be open as a tea room most days during Snowdrop Valley time (5th February to 6th March). We'll be serving hot drinks, cold drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), soup, light lunches, home-made cakes and scones, and more - hope to see you.
If you'd like to make a booking for a group, please contact us to discuss your requirements. Remember, too, that Exmoor House is open most nights for dinner (booking essential).
And why not stay on for a few days to explore this beautiful area further? Check out our website at http://www.exmoorhouse.com/ for details of our accommodation and special dinner, bed & breakfast packages.
The walk down to the valley and back is extremely pretty, but it is steep and can get very muddy. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the return trip and wear appropriate winter clothing and footwear.
There's a park and ride scheme for Snowdrop Valley, run by Cutcombe Parish Council with support from Exmoor National Park, the Badgworthy Land Company and Exmoor Farmers. Buses leave regularly from the village car park (by the Rest & Be Thankful pub); last bus back from the valley is at 4.35pm. This year the park and ride runs every day from Saturday 5th February until Sunday 27th February. Tickets cost £4 for adults, with concessions for senior citizens and children aged from 5 to 15 (under 5s travel free).
The bus route will be closed to all motor traffic except residents, and disabled drivers, who need to obtain a permit before entering the valley. For more details, visit the Wheddon Cross website at http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/ or contact the Snowdrop Valley organiser on snowdropvalley@googlemail.com
Note that the road will stay closed for a week after the park and ride finishes, so from 28th February to 6th March you'll still be able to walk to see the snowdrops but there will be no buses running. Snowdrop Valley is privately owned and access is kindly granted by the Badgworthy Land Company.
Donations are always very welcome to help in the running of Snowdrop Valley, so that the village can continue to operate the park and ride in future years.
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
January special offer on Exmoor dinner, bed and breakfast breaks
Happy new year! We decided to take a break ourselves over the festive season, and went visiting family and friends. Now we're back, refreshed and ready to welcome our guests to Exmoor.
To start off 2011, we've a special offer on dinner, bed & breakfast packages. It runs for stays starting from now until 24th January, and you can save up to £50 on our normal prices.
For example:
The special offer price for a 3-night break, with 3-course dinner, bed & breakfast, is £169.50 per person (normally up to £193.50). For a 4-night break on the same basis, it's £208 per person (normally up to £258).
All prices are based on two people sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
To take advantage of this special deal, you need to book with us direct; the offer's not available to book via our website. Just give us a call...
Look forward to hearing from you!
To start off 2011, we've a special offer on dinner, bed & breakfast packages. It runs for stays starting from now until 24th January, and you can save up to £50 on our normal prices.
For example:
The special offer price for a 3-night break, with 3-course dinner, bed & breakfast, is £169.50 per person (normally up to £193.50). For a 4-night break on the same basis, it's £208 per person (normally up to £258).
All prices are based on two people sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
To take advantage of this special deal, you need to book with us direct; the offer's not available to book via our website. Just give us a call...
Look forward to hearing from you!
Friday, 17 December 2010
We've won a gold green award
Here at Exmoor House we had our latest Green Tourism assessment a couple of months ago, and we got the results the other day. To our delight, we've achieved a gold award. In fact, we are the first accommodation provider on Exmoor, and the first guest house in Somerset, to do this. The only two other places in Somerset to have achieved gold so far are Wimbleball Lake, near Dulverton, and Tordown Bed & Breakfast, in Glastonbury. As well as accommodation and attractions, the awards cover other businesses such as pubs, information centres, tour operators, events venues and language schools.
We've always done our best to run Exmoor House in such a way that we minimise our effect on the environment. To me, as well as being something I really believe in, this is just plain old common sense. At the risk of sounding a bit jargon-y, the Green Tourism accreditation process is a very good way for businesses to benchmark themselves against a comprehensive set of standards.
The assessment visit is thorough, helpful and positive, with credit given where it's due and useful tips provided for how to improve where necessary. Green Tourism assess each business every two years, and since our last inspection in 2008 they had revised their assessment scheme criteria, making the standards even more rigorous. So it's even more pleasing that we've improved on the silver award we gained two years ago. Now we're shouting about it!
There's more information about the scheme at http://www.green-business.co.uk/
We've always done our best to run Exmoor House in such a way that we minimise our effect on the environment. To me, as well as being something I really believe in, this is just plain old common sense. At the risk of sounding a bit jargon-y, the Green Tourism accreditation process is a very good way for businesses to benchmark themselves against a comprehensive set of standards.
The assessment visit is thorough, helpful and positive, with credit given where it's due and useful tips provided for how to improve where necessary. Green Tourism assess each business every two years, and since our last inspection in 2008 they had revised their assessment scheme criteria, making the standards even more rigorous. So it's even more pleasing that we've improved on the silver award we gained two years ago. Now we're shouting about it!
There's more information about the scheme at http://www.green-business.co.uk/
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