Another successful guided walking holiday by ‘Walk Exmoor’ with Simonsbath House, exploring the stunning Exmoor National Park. ☀️

Our adult walking holiday lasted from Sunday 25th July 2021- Friday 30th July 2021.

It was a great evening on the Sunday getting to know everyone over a drink… or two 🙂 It was lovely to meet the group. No-one knew each other and they came from all over the UK such as Yorkshire, Wales, Kent and many more places. We were a group of 11 adults with our three leaders, Andrew, Tom and Amelia (who normally work on the centre site of the business).

Day 1: After a delicious breakfast (or may I say after two brekkies), we got on our way in the minibus to our first walking destination. Our first walk started at Holdstone Hill, heading to Heddon Mouth via the South West Coastal Path. It was a stunning day where the sun was shining and the sky was turquoise blue. Even though there was a slight incline walking up the Holdstone Hill, the rest of our walk was downhill which we all enjoyed. We as leaders enjoyed getting to know everyone from the group and listening to all their exciting stories. Lots of laughs and smiles were shared along our 6.8 mile route. Halfway along our walk, we stopped off for a lunch break overlooking the sea. The view was utterly outstanding. Once we enjoyed our sandwiches, we got on our way to Heddons valley and walked down to Heddons Mouth to dip our toes in the sea after a hot walk. After a short relaxing break on the beach, we headed to our finish point, the Hunters Inn. We all enjoyed a chilled drink and of course an ice cream. A lovely treat to finish off a wonderful day.

Day 2: Our second walk started at Countisbury where we were dropped off in the minibus and then started our walk. Our walk was lusciously green where we first walked through Brendon and may have purchased a slice of cake for the rest of our journey. Luckily we dodged the rain and continued our walk this time heading into the woodland. We walked on a path parallel to the East Lyn River. We walked past Rockford, heading to Watersmeet. We loved admiring the river and taking lots of beautiful photos. Unfortunately, we could not stop off for a cream tea at Watersmeet as the tearoom was closed so onwards we walked. We continued to walk along the East Lyn River until we reached Lynmouth, the destination of our 7.5 mile walk where we were greeted with the sun. Some of us enjoyed a cream tea, a coffee or an ice cream at this lovely seaside Town until the minibus arrived. Another great way to end another great day.

Day 3: Day three involved two different walks. Our first walk was from Poole Bridge to Horner Tea Rooms totaling 3 miles. In order to escape the rain, we thought a woodland walk would be best and it was the right decision as we dodged many downpours!!! This walk finished with a cream tea at the beautiful Horner Tea Rooms where the sun came out for us. Happy Days! Once we finished our teas and coffees we got back into the minibus and drove to Lilycombe Estate which was the start of our next 3.17 mile walk to Porlock Weir. For our lunch stop, we went to Culbone church. Did you know that it is the smallest Church in England? Everyday is a school day! We enjoyed looking around Culbone church and sitting in the sun for our lunch. Once finished, we carried on our walk to Porlock Weir. The path overlooked the sea and we could see Wales in the distance. Again the sea was crystal clear. When we arrived in Porlock Weir, what time do you think it was? Of course, it was coffee, tea and ice cream time. Happy, happy days!

Day 4: Our last walk of the holiday was from Timberscombe to Dunster. Our walk started with a tiring walk up the hill but we all managed to get to the top to be greeted by the fantastic view. Along our walk, we walked through the Tall Trees Trail near Nutcombe Bottom and admired the nature around us. We saw the tallest tree in England which is over 60m tall. After walking through the Tall Trees Trail, we continued our walk heading to the historic Medieval town of Dunster. This walk was 5.7 miles long. When we arrived in Dunster, of course we all went and enjoyed a cream tea, especially walk leaders Amelia and Tom 🙂

It was a great week walking. Lots of lovely people, lots of cream teas consumed 🍰 and a good time was had by all😁. We look forward to having you all back soon.