Walk 16/2009 – Exford, Exmoor

Saturday 13th June 2009

On the Saturady we split into three groups. Two of them followed similar routes starting from the hostel and exploring the area to the south. The slower group came across the log bridge crossing as depicted in the photographs below. The faster group who were doing a longer route eventually caught up with the slower group and overtook like a Ferrari overtaking a Morris Minor. In the wake of the Ferrari was Simon, half running, half walking, trying to keep up with the supercharged Geoff-mobile. Every now and again he would hop a couple of steps as he pulled his socks up, not daring to break his stride should he fall further behind.

The third group went over to the Doone Valley where they reportedly did a walk involving some tricky navigation before they located the tea shop for a cream tea.

Each days walk usually ended up at the pub in Exford. Since it was so close to the youth hostel, we were able to send people back in batches to get showered thus ensuring we maiximised the availble drinking time.

Report – Alan

Pictures – Alan

Walk rating – Excellent

Some of the luscious green valleys that we walked through.

Wild Iris?

Owen demonstrates how to tackle this bridge. What happened to health and safety?

Moira can’t wait to get at it. Jackie tests the depth only to find it’s higher then her boots.

Chris takes the high road, Jackie and Rosemarie take to the water. Cathy looks on weighing up the odds.

More green valleys.

Not exactly Exmoor ponies, but cute all the same.

Fallen trees get covered with moss and ferns.

And interesting funghi.

We stop for lunch on the banks of the river.

Moira demonstrates the Western Roll technique when tackling high styles.