Bristish Summertime Arrived...

We had a really busy weekend, with lots of guests arriving at our bed and breakfast accommodation - luckily we all remembered to put our clocks forward (even Derek)! Although it was quite hard getting up an hour earlier, the benefit was an extended walk into the evening as Bristish summertime arrived with warm sunshine and clear blue skies.

We drove across Exmoor, through the lovely villages of Exford and Withypool and onto the hamlet of Hawkridge. We parked next to the church with its views across West Anstey Common and started walking along Row Lane dropping down into West Hollowcombe Wood to follow the Danesbrook River to Castle Bridge where the Danesbrook meets the River Barle. The rivers were beautiful with the sunshining through the oak woods and the water was crystal clear. We saw a herd of 17 stags relaxing in the sunshine, 12 of which had already cast their antlers. The birdsong we heard ranged from Skylarks out on the moor to Blackbirds, Thrush, Robin and Woodpeckers. We also saw a pair of Treecreepers running up and down the trees - Spring really is in the air!

The dogs made full use of the river especially Soda who loves to swim for a stick. Wist experienced her first swim and as a true Springer Spaniel - just loved it! Just up from Castle Bridge beside the track that leads back up to Hawkridge, we sat in a lovely spot where we could look down and watch a river either side of us - a wonderful place for a picnic.

We meandered back to the truck along Hawkridge ridge where the views down towards Dulverton were stunning - a 360 degree vantage point. Then back to Withypool for Styles icecream and to sit in the sun by the river before driving back over Exmoor to The Dunkery Beacon and our bed and breakfast guests. It was the perfect end to a lovely weekend.

West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala

This weekend, Exmoor is busy hosting 2 major events. Firstly there is the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala with a major line-up of loccomotives, many hired espeically for the weekend. Musems along the line will be open together with headquarters of the Taunton Model Railway group. There will be a launch of a new book and DVD about West Somerset in the 'Past and Present' series and a display of photgraphs by Don Bishop. Even if you aren't a steam railway enthusiast, a trip along The Steam Railway line from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard is a great way to spend to see some beautiful countryside through a different way of transport.

Exmoor is also hosting the annual off-road 4x4 event in aid of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon. Now in its 12th year, the Exmmor 4x4 Jaunt and Challenge is non-competitive and involves participants taking part in teams of 3 vehicles. The Jaunt features a range of off -road sections and is suitable for all skills and most types of 4x4. The Challenge is more demanding and requires reasonable skills and a suitable vehicle. All money will go to the Wooden Spoon which helps physically, mentally and socially disadvantaged shildren. For more information visit http://www.4x4onexmoor.co.uk/

Whatever reason brings you to Exmoor - walking,riding, sight seeing or to visit local events, our lovely bed and breakfast accommodation will provide the perfect location for your stay.