Diary - please scroll down to see summaries of the many walks arranged for this area

A nordic walking lesson can be booked at any time for any day to suit you, just call 01398 341281

North Devon Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Support -

Nightwalk - ladies only

North Devon Hospice says "Enjoy a night out ladies! It is a walk in the dark of night safely down the Tarka trail. It's a women only sponsored event & over 1,500 joined in last year! Can you imagine the chatter? It really is fun all the way! Everyone 16 years+ welcome."

Download an application form from the North Devon Journal  www.northdevonjournal.co.uk

North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival
1st - 9th May 2008 - all walks must be booked in advance with the Festival office and tickets sell out well in advance. Some walks are already full.

http://www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk

Tasters from the offerings are below: please refer to the proper festival website for full details.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Festival Office in advance.

1. Dunster - Grabbist Hill - Whits Wood - Broadwood Farm - Bats Castle - Dunster A walk with panoramic views over Dunster Castle and Park as well as over the Bristol Channel and into Wales. The walk passes through oak and mixed woodland and across old settlements and bridges, as well as old Dunster village itself. The guide for this walk is Antony Brunt, the proprietor of the Yarn Market Hotel at Dunster (see links page).

2 Docton Mill - Stoke - Hartland Quay - Spekes Mill - Elmscott - Docton Mill Starting at the delightful Docton Mill gardens in a remote valley the walk visits the abbey church at Stoke, looks across to Hartland Abbey before reaching the coast. The rugged section of coast is most impressive with twisted rocks and outcrops ready to catch unwary shipping. The path passes some unusual geographical features and one of the highest waterfalls on the coast before heading back inland for a chance of a cream tea.

3. Chambercombe Manor - Sterridge Valley - Berrynarbor - South West Coast Path - Chambercombe Manor Try and spot the cheeky flowerpot men working for their masters. Discover 2000 years of history along the South West Coast Path. Explore the dramatic coastline passing quiet secluded coves and enjoy a cream tea at Chambercombe's haunted manor and gardens (not included).

4. Malmsmead - Lankcombe Ford - Badgeworthy Water - Cloud Farm - Oare Church - Malmsmead See the countryside that inspired Richard Dodderidge Blackmore when he wrote the wonderful story of Lorna Doone. During the walk you will pass the ruins of a medieval village, close to the Badgeworthy Water, pass the waterslide on the Lankcombe brook, visit Cloud Farm for a cream tea and see Oare church where Carver shot Lorna on her wedding day.

5. Around the perimeter of Wimbleball Lake A delightful walk around the perimeter of this man-made lake with the local ranger. A chance to watch the wildlife and sailing boats as one passes through open country and woodland.

6. Marsh Bridge - Mounsey Hill Gate - Tarr steps - Hawkridge - Barle Valley - Marsh Bridge
This varied walk takes in open moorland near Winsford Hill, the ancient clapper bridge of Tarr Steps, passing through Hawkridge before returning through the wooded combe of the River Barle downstream towards Dulverton.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Festival Office in advance.

1. Rosemoor - Rolle Canal - Torrington Commons - Rosemoor
A free walk as part of our Celebration Day at RHS Rosemoor. This walk will investigate the terminus of the old Rolle Canal, the lime kilns and parts of the Torrington Common.

2. Hillsford Bridge - Hoar Oak valley - Lyn Down - Cheriton Ridge - Farley Water - Hillsford Bridge This walk takes in two rivers which feed into the East Lyn River that flows to Lynmouth. The walk follows the Hoar Oak Water upstream climbing out of the valley to benefit from glorious moorland views recrossing the stream higher up the valley to cross the ridge to the Farley Water. This river is then followed downstream through a brilliant little hidden gorge before returning to the start.

3. Croyde - Baggy Point - Middleborough Hill - Saunton Down - Croyde This spectacular walk is a figure of eight centred on Croyde. It will take you out to the impressive rocky outcrop of Baggy Point and across a beautiful sandy beach along the South West Coast Path to round Saunton Down before climbing on to the top of the down for some impressive panoramic views. The walk then descends back to the village where you can find refreshments.

4. Scobhill Gate - Malmsmead - Badgeworthy Water - Lankcombe - Scobhill Gate
This walk starts high on open moorland, keeping its height for much of the way before dropping down into the Badgeworthy Water valley, known for its connections to Lorna Doone. The walk then regains height gently upstream beside the river before leaving it behind to cross the ford over the Lank Combe, crossing open moor back to the start.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. Woody Bay Station - Parracombe - Heddon Hall - Woody Bay Station
A fun outing for the family. Here is a chance to have a ride on the narrow gauge restored railway line of the Barnstaple to Lynton Railway. Starting at Woody Bay station the train will take you to Parracombe to look around the village and a beautiful walled garden (Heddon Hall, NGS) before returning on the train to Woody Bay station.

2. Ash Mill - Poadmarsh - Overcott - Bigbrook - Rose Ash - Ash Mill
A delightful country walk through the patchwork fields and river valleys on Devon, passing through small hamlets and old farmsteads along the way.

3.Braunton - Great Field - Braunton Burrows - Velator Quay - Braunton This walk will take you through the back lanes of England's largest village crossing the medieval strips of Braunton Great Field to Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO world biosphere, with its multitude of wild flowers. The walk then follows the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail beside the Rivers Taw and Caen to picturesque Velator Quay before returning to Braunton.

4. Holnicote - Allerford - Bossington - St Agnes Fountain - Holnicote
Join an HF Holiday guide on a free walk from the HF Holidays Centre at Holnicote House, passing through some pretty villages and out to the coast before returning over Bossington Hill and passing St Agnes Fountain on the way.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. Selworthy - Selworthy Beacon - Bury Castle - Bossington Hill - Allerford - Selworthy - Sir Thomas Acland was a politician who owned much of the lands around Selworthy and the Holnicote Estate. This walk takes in memorials and the picturesque village restored by him as well as paths giving marvellous views across Porlock Bay before returning through attractive mixed woodland.

2. Webbers Post - Horner Woods - Cloutsham - Dunkery Beacon - Brockwell - Webbers Post - This walk passes through a National Nature Reserve, showing you some lovely woodland before climbing up to open moorland, crossing the highest point on Exmoor. Wonderful panoramic views across Exmoor and out to sea can be enjoyed before descending into the Vale of Porlock and returning to Webbers Post.

3.Ilfracombe - Lee - Borough Woods - Ilfracombe Cycleway - Ilfracombe

Explore the breathtaking countryside around Ilfracombe. By taking the South West Coast Path, Tarka Trail, public footpaths and part of the National Cycle Network, this walk explores some of the fine countryside, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast.

4.Barna Barrow - Rockford - Brendon - County Gate - South West Coast Path - Barna Barrow - This varied walk heads inland to follow the beautiful wooded valley of the East Lyn before gently gaining height to County Gate where one returns to the coast to follow the impressive South West Coast Path through many combes with strange names before returning over Countisbury Common to the start.

5. Winsford - The Punchbowl - Tarr Steps - Yellowcombe - Winsford - This is a variation on last years walk, especially for those who would like a brisk walk with or without Nordic walking poles. Led by the teacher of Nordic walking (Angela) and open to everyone. Come and see the benefits of using poles to power your way up hills.

My first guided walk of the festival - come and join me! We will go at a pace at which everyone is comfortable, and take breaks to make time to look at the scenery and wildlife. I don't believe in rushed route marches with no time to look at the scenery, but I hope it won't be too much of a dawdle either. Bring your binoculars if you wish.

6. Hatherleigh - Hatherleigh Moor - Arnold's Fishleigh - Iddesleigh - Fishleigh Castle - Hatherleigh - Did you watch Springwatch on the BBC? This walk passes right by the Fishleigh Estate and crosses the River Torridge to reach a charming village for a pub lunch or sandwiches. It returns through hamlets close to and overlooking the estate made famous by Bill Oddy.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. International Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows
For those who love our wild flowers and birds, here is a chance to enjoy the wonders of our unique International Biosphere Reserve at Braunton Burrows, seeing many rare plants, led at a gentle pace by one of the Burrows experts.

2.Webbers Post - Dicky's Path - Dunkery Beacon - Dunster Path - Webbers Post - Climb to the highest point on Exmoor, on the way passing through beautiful scenery with wide views across the Vale of Porlock, across to Wales and the rest of Exmoor. This walk also gives a good chance of seeing red deer, if not close, then through binoculars.

3. Bossington - Porlock Marsh - Porlock Weir - Porlock - Bossington
This walk shows a section of the coast that is being reclaimed by the sea having breached the shingle ridge a few years ago. This has created a changing saltmarsh area with some rare plant species being found. The walk returns along the inland coast path passing through ancient woodland, on the way visiting a local garden (Greencombe, NGS) and passing through Porlock village.

4. Withypool - River Barle - Tarr Steps - Knaplock - Withypool - This walk follows the River Barle from Withypool downstream towards Tarr Steps. On the way it crosses the new clapper bridge part funded by our 2006 festival and the remains of a Victorian water gardens. It then climbs on to open moorland with wide views across Exmoor before dropping back down to the start.

5. Ashreigney - Bridge Reeve - Hollocombe - Ashreigney - This walk takes in the rolling hills of Devon, passing along tributaries of the River Taw as well as part of the main river itself. It goes through some of the Eggesford forest and follows a beautiful wooded valley upstream to reach the small hamlet of Hollocombe before returning to the start.

6. Dry Bridge - Brendon - Rockford - Shilstone - Dry Bridge - A delightful walk giving a good mix of moorland with wide-ranging views and wooded river valley following close to a fast-running rocky river, passing small hamlets along the way.

7. Hartland - Stoke - South West Coast Path - Elmscott - Hartland - A walk full of interest, an abbey, the abbey church, an old quay, impresive waterfall, beautiful gardens, breathtaking coast. A scrumptious lunch is included half way. The walk finishes with a tasty Devon cream tea. What a day out!

After Dinner Talk at Dunster - In support of the Festival, the Yarn Market Hotel is hosting an evening dinner at the hotel in Dunster, on Wednesday 7th May. Angela will be giving an after-dinner talk about the nordic walking technique. Both residents and non residents are invited to the dinner and talk. The cost of the three course meal and coffee is £25 and must be booked 24 hours in advance (01643 821425). (Please also refer to the Yarn Market Hotel's special offer of future discounted accommodation linked with a nordic walking activity, at the bottom of the Links page of this website.)

Festival walks: You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. International Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows and Horsey Island - Discover the varied wildlife and landscape history of this tidal island and reclaimed marshland, in the buffer zone of the International Biosphere Reserve, taken at a gentle pace with our local expert.

2.Combe Martin - Great Hangman - Little Hangman - Combe Martin -
Join a National Park Ranger for a walk along ancient routes, exploring old lore and enjoying fine views of the Welsh coastline from the South West Coast Path on Exmoor. Some hill climbs rewarded by changing views.

3. Northam Burrows Country Park - This easy walk takes in the Northam Burrows Country Park which backs on to the Westward Ho! beach and shingle ridge. Learn more about this unique habitat and its fragile sea defence with the Park Ranger.

4. South End - Castle - Old Light - Jenny's - Marisco and Lower East Side Path - Terraces - Tibbets - Jenny's - Marisco - Enjoy a unique Island experience on a marvellous boat trip across to Lundy Island. There you will be taken on a fascinating walk around the island with a chance to go to the top of the Old Light where there are amazing views around the whole island and beyond. The walk continues with the opportunity for refreshments at the Marisco Tavern before returning to Bideford.

5. Damage Barton - Mortehoe - Morte Point - Rockham Bay - Bull Point - Lee - Damage Barton - This superb walk will take you to the rugged, beautiful and treacherous coastline around Rockham Bay and Bull Point lighthouse. The walk continues along this outstanding section of the South West Coast Path to Lee before returning inland to the 15th Century Damage Barton.

6. Eggesford church - Chenson - Chawleigh - Homeland Bridge - Eggesford church - This walk takes in an attractive part of the River Taw valley, the other larger river of North Devon. The walk takes in both sides of this river valley, passing through open country and forestry woodland. Chawleigh village is visited about halfway.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. Pickwell Manor - Woolacombe Down - Woolacombe Warren - Putsborough Sands - Pickwell Manor - Wide open vistas over Woolacombe Bay to Lundy will be enjoyed on this walk. With a local expert, find out more about the wildlife that inhabits these coastal areas as you pass through the different vegetation and habitat.

2. Lee Bay - Valley of Rocks - Lynton - Hollerday Hill - Southcliffe - Lee Bay - A walk with some amazing scenery. Glimpses of rocky bays and cliffs and the unique Valley of Rocks which is circumnavigated before passing through some delightful woods and dropping back to Lee Bay.

3. Bucks Mill - Peppercombe - Babbacombe Cliff - Abbotsham -Explore the geology, flora and fauna of this impressive and rugged section of the coast. The is a linear walk, needing transport to enable this. Please go to Abbotsham to catch the bus through to Bucks Mill.

4. Comers Gate - Winsford Hill - Caractacus Stone - Tarr Steps - River Barle - Comers Gate
This is another chance to take a brisk walk with or without Nordic walking poles. Everyone welcome, but especially for those who have some Nordic walking experience or who simply like to step out on a walk.

My second guided walk - come and join me! We will go at a pace at which everyone is comfortable, and take breaks to make time to look at the scenery and wildlife. . I don't believe in rushed route marches, but I hope it won't be a dawdle either. Bring your binoculars if you wish.

5. Brownsham - Exmansworthy - Hartland Point - SW Coast Path - Brownsham - Join a knowledgeable guide from the Hartland Peninsula Association whose enthusiasm for this area will enhance the walk with local information. The walk also includes a truely scrumptious farmhouse lunch and an impressive section of the South West Coast Path. The walk finishes with a tasty Devon cream tea.

6. Bishop's Tawton - Codden Hill - Landkey - Goodleigh - Westacott - Bishop's Tawton - An energetic walk taking in some attractive countryside and old farmsteads on the outskirts of Barnstaple. The walk follows parts of the Tarka Trial passing a local quarry and goes to the top of Codden Hill giving panoramic views across the River Taw valley and the town.

You must book your walk with the North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Office in advance.

1. Woody Bay - South West Coast Path - Heddon Valley - Hunters Inn - Woody Bay - This beautiful coastal walk includes some of the best coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path. The walk will pass one of the highest waterfalls along this coast, view a rock arch and take in stunning views along to Foreland Point in one direction and Watermouth in the other. There will be a lunch stop (not included) at Hunter's Inn during this walk.

2. Robbers Bridge - Culbone Hill - South West Coast Path - Broomstreet - Oareford - Robbers Bridge - This walk starts at the delightful spot called Robbers Bridge in Doone Country. It then gains height to reach the South West Coast Path. This section of the coast path is high giving good open views and passing old farmsteads. The walk then heads back inland to pass around the head of Deddy Combe before dropping into the Oare Water valley and the start.

3.Robbers Bridge - Culbone Hill - South West Coast Path - Broomstreet - Oareford - Robbers Bridge - This walk starts at the delightful spot called Robbers Bridge in Doone Country. It then gains height to reach the South West Coast Path. This section of the coast path is high giving good open views and passing old farmsteads. The walk then heads back inland to pass around the head of Deddy Combe before dropping into the Oare Water valley and the start.

4. Dolton - Dowland - Halsdon Woods - Iddlecott - Dolton -
This walk starts in the pretty village of Dolton and then follows rolling countryside before reaching the Halsdon Woods Nature Reserve. This is a Devon Wildlife Trust Reserve with a wonderful diversity of wildlife. The walk skirts the River Taw with evidence of otters along the banks

5. Porlock Hill - Lucott Farm - Hawkcombe - Porlock Hill - This walk starts high on Porlock Hill with wonderful coastal views, crossing open moorland with a good chance of seeing red deer or Exmoor ponies. The walk then slowly loses height into the wooded Hawk Combe, following the river upstream, gradually regaining height back to the start

6. Hatherleigh - Hatherleigh Moor - Lewer - Downy Moor - Hatherleigh -
This figure-of-eight walk gives some wonderful views across to Dartmoor, visits an old tower, passes through the delightful village of hatherleigh before following a Ruby Trail crossing the River Lew and overlooking the River Torridge.

7. South Molton - Mole valley - North Molton - South Molton - This walk follows the River Mole along its valley between the market town of South Molton and the old mining village of North Molton on the southern edge of Exmoor.

Exmoor National Park Authority event: Exploring Exmoor's Beautiful Bogs no more details available at present

Exmoor National Park Authority event: Sunken Lanes & Summits no more details available at present

North Devon Hospice is organising a Walk for Life

They say " Brush off the winter cobwebs and take part in a magical spring walk to discover some of the most beautiful scenery that our North Devon coastline and countryside has to offer. With support from HM Coastguards, North Devon Hospice will be offering 9 simultaneous sponsored walks that will cater for all ages, fitness and abilities. Everyone taking part will receive a 'Walk for Life' T-shirt." http://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/events.shtml

Exmoor National Park Authority event: Hillforts by the Sea W- no more details available at present

The Chains - the Exmoor Society meets at 10.30 am at Dure Down (Prayway Head) GR767410. See where the devastating floods of 1952 started. Walking over moorland to ExeHead, Pinkery Pond, Saddle Stone, Shallowford and Hoaroak Water. Appox 11 miles. Bring a picnic. Enquiries 01398 323335

(last summer I saw 16 stags snoozing near Prayway Head, they were visible from the road and stayed there for at least 2 weeks, so it's worth taking your binoculars on this one - Angela)

Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK, at Severn Brethren Banks Events Area/Tarka Tennis Center, Barnstaple 11.00 and 14.30

Be part of the UK' s largest women-only fundraising event to help beat cancer. Race for Life events are open to women of all levels of fitness. There is no prize for first place and almost half the participants choose to walk the course.  If entering, check with the organisers that you may nordic walk this course.

Last year, 665,000 women took part in 280 venues across the UK between May and July. This year, Cancer Research UK hopes even more women take part.

Severn Brethren say " Our 5km course will take you round Seven Brethren Banks Events Area/Tarka Tennis Centre, and the surrounding areas. It's a fantastic location, and this year we are hoping to see 1600 women run, jog or walk the course to help more people survive cancer."

Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK, at Killerton House (National Trust) start 19.00

Be part of the UK' s largest women-only fundraising event to help beat cancer. Race for Life events are open to women of all levels of fitness. There is no prize for first place and almost half the participants choose to walk the course.  If entering, check with the organisers that you may nordic walk this course.

Last year, 665,000 women took part in 280 venues across the UK between May and July. This year, Cancer Research UK hopes even more women take part.

Killerton says: "We are delighted to be hosting a 2008 Race for Life event at Killerton House. We'd love you to take part and help us smash our fundraising target of £140000 - and have a great time with family and friends too! The event starts at 19:00, but please make sure you arrive an hour before so that you can take part in the warm-up.
Our 5km course will take you round Killerton House, and the surrounding areas. It's a fantastic location, and this year we are hoping to see 2500 women run, jog or walk the course to help more people survive cancer."

The Sun Walk at Bristol in aid of the charity Walk the Walk - research into Breast Cancer. This is primarily a power walking event - but if you ask the organisers, you may be permitted to take your nordic walking poles.

Walk the Walk say "The whole family can get together and take on the challenge of a Half Marathon,10K or 5K distance, and whilst you're all getting fitter and having fun... you will also be raising awareness and money that will be granted to vital breast cancer causes.

This is your chance to make a difference... bring a picnic...bring friends... bring everyone and join us on Sunday 6th July 2008 at Ashton Court Bristol."

Race for Life on behalf of Cancer Research UK at Westpoint Center, Exeter, at 11.00.

Be part of the UK' s largest women-only fundraising event to help beat cancer. Race for Life events are open to women of all levels of fitness. There is no prize for first place and almost half the participants choose to walk the course.  If entering, check with the organisers that you may nordic walk this course.

Westpoint say " We are delighted to be hosting a 2008 Race for Life event at Westpoint Centre. We'd love you to take part and help us smash our fundraising target of £270000 - and have a great time with family and friends too!

The event starts at 11:00, but please make sure you arrive an hour before so that you can take part in the warm-up.

Our 5km course will take you round Westpoint Centre, and the surrounding areas. It's a fantastic location, and this year we are hoping to see 5000 women run, jog or walk the course to help more people survive cancer. "