Views from the top of Exmoor

Such a perfect day that we tempted Graham away from his desk to join us in a walk to Dunkery Beacon which is the highest point on Exmoor and the second highest in southern England behind High Willhays on Dartmoor.  

There was a fair bit of discussion as the correct route as we left the car park, however, our final destination was clearly visible ahead of us.  The views became ever more expansive as we climbed and made our way across the moors, mostly along open track and occasionally through wooded pathways.  We lingered a while watching grazing Exmoor ponies in the hope they may show their faces, but they largely ignored us.  

On reaching the summit of Dunkery Hill, we could see across the moorland to the Bristol Channel as well as the surrounding hills.  On a clear day you can see as far as Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons but it was too hazy.  The stone cairn was a popular spot, with walkers converging on it from all directions.  

We made our way down the other side, past more grazing ponies, and along wooded valleys, known as cleaves.   We found a sheltered spot for lunch and rested a while in the sun before following part of the Priests Way to Jubilee Hut with its views of Horner Wood and back to Dunkery Beacon.  The hut was originally thought to have been built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.  It has since been rebuilt, following the original design and facing four directions so that it always provides shelter from wind and rain.

Georgie was keen to show us more of the local sights and we detoured via Porlock Weir, a lovely harbour village on the edge of Exmoor. For more than a thousand years, the port has provided a safe harbour for small boats, that were clearly on display in the low tide.

We had just enough time for a quick change before heading to Tedburn St Mary’s to meet an old friend, Jemma, for dinner.  It was lovely to catch up on all the family news and reminisce about previous travels, including our trip to Turkey, which Jemma had documented in an album with hilarious photo captions.

Prev entry - Home - Next entry