Me on Monday: Exmoor Walking

I am waving to Sian at  "From High in the Sky"and all other bloggers on this misty Monday morning as I recover from my weekend away. I have spent the last three sunny days on Exmoor for a walking weekend with my Walk and Talk group. It has been a weekend of walking, talking, eating, drinking and plenty of laughter! This has become an annual event with this being our fifth break away. We are mainly all ex- colleagues from my paediatric nursing days and a lot of us have known each other for around 28 years. Needless to say we have an easy relaxed relationship between us all.

We returned this year to a wonderful house in deepest Exmoor called Shorland Old Farm in the pretty village of Challacombe. It is run by a delightful couple who serve the most delicious breakfast and dinner. They specialise in Bed and Breakfast for large groups of walkers, artists etc and have their own art studio. It is tucked away in quiet countryside with fabulous views.

There is not time to tell you all about our walks but I shall give you a taster with more to come during the week. We stopped at Tarr Steps on Friday. This is tucked away and to avoid the rather fast flowing ford to get to the car park it is essential to approach from the North. We were caught out last time we visited having to drive through the water. I made sure the experience wasn't repeated this time. The ford in question is just to the right of this footbridge known as Tarr Steps.

We started along by the river where we found a tranquil spot to picnic.

Then we climbed onto open moorland. We came across this sign too late to take its advice.

Our experience with how wet and boggy the moorland was after all the recent rain swayed us to change to a coastal walk on Saturday starting and finishing in the Valley of the Rocks.

The contrasting colours of the sea and cliffs were fabulous. Our steady climb up was rewarded by panoramic views right across to Wales. 

We find by Sunday we are ready for a more gentle walk before we return home so we followed the path from Lynmouth to Watersmeet. A scenic route with plenty of water and woodland.

Reaching Watersmeet had the extra bonus of a National Trust tea rooms to refresh ourselves before our return walk.

I hope to give you more details of our walks as the week goes on. Enjoy your week and let's hope for more of this lovely sunshine.

Just a little post note for those who have been following our little family of late swallow chicks. They have flown this weekend while I have been away so wish them well on their long journey.