Tag Archive: exmoor

November 20, 2024

Travelling corner: Returning to Exmoor (Autumn 2024)

I last wrote here in July and it feels exciting to be back with a travel story after a while. We first visited Exmoor 10 years ago in early autumn, then we returned to this region five years ago and that was in winter. This year, we went back in the autumn. The weather was nice: some sunshine, mostly cloudy (but it didn’t rain!).

Slowing down

We didn’t plan much for our stay in Exmoor. I think it can be difficult to slow down when travelling or on holiday, and I try to do my best to actually relax. To be able to enjoy my morning (barley!) coffee without any rush, chatting about everything with my family or reading for pleasure. Exmoor is surrounded by beautiful nature, hills, sea and ancient forests, so even having a walk is a treat in itself.

Walking

Walking in Exmoor is a different level of experiencing nature. When we went in the autumn, we felt the smells of the mushrooms and damp soil, the colours were beautiful and falling leaves made the walking experience more magical.

Minehead

We enjoyed starting our time in Exmoor by climbing the North Hill which begins in Minehead. We didn’t manage to reach the peak this year, but walking was fulfilling our need to just be in nature. While in Exmoor, we also went to visit the tiny museum in Minehead; it’s opposite the steam train station (oh yes, you can go on a stream train ride from Minehead!). I enjoyed reading about Punch and Judy, who were local marionettes giving shows in Minehead – it’s a shame that this puppetry tradition belongs to the past now. We also visited our favourite place, The Toucan Café, which serves delicious dark hot chocolate (of course, it needs to be dark!).

What are your memories from visiting Exmoor? Please let me know in the comments below.

November 4, 2020

Travelling corner: I fell in love with Exmoor

Why? Because, it has so much to offer! I re-discovered this beautiful region last winter and want to share with you why I find it so special. Below you’ll find my favourites of Exmoor:

Green

Exmoor is green. Even in winter, lower parts of the forests still remain green. It’s (almost) covered in trees and consequently, the air is very fresh (yes, you can feel the difference immediately). What I found really fascinating is that we weren’t so weather-dependant, even if it’s cloudy/rainy, it doesn’t impact our desire to go for a forest walk. Perfect solution!

Quietness

I love the business of everyday life, but I also like to be away, in nature, somewhere quiet. And I definitely slowed down in Exmoor. This region is not so commercial, so not too many tourists. It feels remote, yet local; a good combination.

Landscape

Beautiful. I found it so diverse, from stony beaches and paved walking paths to wild & muddy forests and windy sea shores. Its diversity makes it so unique and it gives you an appetite to explore further.

There is so much more to discover and I plan to return to Exmoor at different seasons to have a fuller picture of this beautiful region. Do let me know if you recommend any books on Exmoor or authors who explore this region. Let me know in the comments below.

Kinga Macalla

February 19, 2020

Travelling corner: Winter in Exmoor

This winter I re-discovered Exmoor. The last time I went to this beautiful part of England was when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, around 5 years ago! I remember being 7 months pregnant and climbing North Hill and, by mistake, taking the steep route up the hill… Oh yes, it was proper exercise and this winter, surprisingly (!), we avoided this steeper path 🙂 Below, you’ll find my favourite walks from Exmoor. BTW, if you can, please recommend some books/blogs on Exmoor, as I’m curious to learn more about this undiscovered (by me) land.

North Hill

Yes, we did it again, but this time we chose a more humane path. It was beautiful to walk among green ferns at the lowest point, among clouds in the middle and above the clouds and bathed in sunlight at the highest point. We had such amazing weather that day, which turned the whole walk into a magical experience.

Lynton

I had been planning to visit Lynton for a while and somehow it didn’t happen, but this winter I was determined to go there and explore its uniqueness. Lynton is located on a hill with a Cliff Railway train going down to Lynmouth, a picturesque sea village (unfortunately, the train doesn’t operate in winter). We went for a walk to Lee Bay following the coast. Even though we were wet as we walked in the clouds, the views of the rocks on the left and the sea on the right and the copper hills around the valley created a beautiful scenery.

Porlock Weir

I like analysing maps to see where it would be interesting to go and I had a feeling that this little harbour just outside Porlock might be an intriguing spot to visit and I was right! I also read a brochure that said that in the 18th and 19th centuries the place was famous for oysters and recently a community project was established and oyster farming returned to Porlock Weir! Truly intrigued, we went to explore it. We found a long stony beach, a small harbour, a tiny oyster warehouse (!), and a petite gallery with a café (it was true bliss to have a mug of tea there!). We took a long walk along the stony beach and beyond, to the marshland. It was quiet and peaceful, yet so uniquely beautiful.

We so enjoyed our short winter trip to Exmoor that we’d love to return there in Spring/Summer, to see it in its full colours and flavours. Have you been to Exmoor recently? Let me know in the comments below.

Kinga Macalla