Swallowdale Day

Join us to explore one of the most beautiful parts of England. From the A39 from Minehead follow signs to Luccombe and Horner. We will meet in the car park in the village (Grid reference 898453) at 10.45. There are toilets.

The expedition will start at 11.00

We will be led by our version of Billy, the local Holnicote Estate Manager, Nigel, who will share with us his immense knowledge of the woods, their history and ecology. These woods are very special, as some of the ancient oaks are over a thousand years old and are home to nearly all the native bat species, rare lichens and we may be lucky enough to see a dipper. Nigel will also take us to see some early iron smelting works and we may well find the remains of charcoal burning stands. Dick will certainly need his notebook handy.

The walk will take about two to two and a half hours and will be mostly on the level, up the valley, alongside Horner Water, through the beautiful woods. This is Exmoor however, and inevitably there is some hill climbing involved. Sensible footwear is essential. The walk will be circular and on our return to Horner we will stop for a picnic lunch.

After lunch those who wish may then continue with us on another walk or spend time  exploring the delightful villages nearby of Selworthy, Allerford (with its little museum) and Bossington where there is a Farm Park and Bird of Prey Centre. Horner is home to two charming tea gardens and we expect to finish off our day with a stupendous cream tea to satisfy Roger.

There is no charge for the walk but we will pass round the squashy hat for contributions to the Holnicote Estate.

Please let us know if you are thinking of joining us, and feel free to bring friends, relatives, guests!