A weekend away
Exmoor is one of my favourite places to spend time. I love the openness of the moors, especially around Dunkery Beacon; being so high up in such an open area, just brings about the most overwhelming sense of freedom ever. The endless views in which ever direction you look will never grow old.
Early morning view from Dunkery Beacon
Burrowhayes Farm
I came across this campsite a few years back by accident, whilst walking in Horner woods with a friend. I say accident as Horner woods was not the planned place to walk! I fell instantly in love with Horner and knew I would return, however at the time I hadn't even entertained the idea of camping.
Burrowhayes Farm is the perfect spot for a relaxing, quiet stay and is dog friendly (I wouldn't entertain the idea of going to stay anywhere without Maisie). The stream running along the bottom of the campsite is perfect for dogs to play in, and in places deep enough for them to swim in too! Maisie LOVED it! The facilities are spotlessly clean and easy to access, with the bonus of a small shop on site too. For those of you that love horse riding, they also have a selection of horses and ponies too! For more information click here.
Lynmouth
The first night we headed into Lynmouth for something to eat. Esplanade Fish far is always my first choice when I am in Lynmouth, of course I had a chip butty; and in true Emma style I sat on the sea wall to eat it whilst people watching, and keeping a mindful eye on the seagulls! Maisie was surveying her kingdom, eyeing up any potential victims to throw seaweed for her on the beach afterwards, if you look carefully in the photo below on the right, you can see her playing with the seaweed. After our tea, it was lovely to just watch the world go by, quietly wandering around the harbour area.
Horner woods
Horner woods is just the most beautiful place to walk, and a short walk from our campsite. It follows the route of the stream, although there are quite a few paths off it for more exploring, you can even reach Dunkery Beacon too. However the weather kind of kept us near to the stream, I was worried Maisie would overheat; she was delighted just to play about in the stream, and it gave me excellent photo opportunities too. Okay so from the images below, I do seem to have a fetish for bridges, but that is just the history geek in me coming out! We walked (or swam) along here most mornings before breakfast, a great way to start the day.
Dunkery Beacon
I have already mentioned; I love this part of Exmoor. The massive open space, the endless views; and in July, the most amazing mixture of colours across the moor, is a feast for the senses. Do be mindful though, if you have a dog with you; there are a lot of grazing animals out on the moor, please please be a responsible owner and keep your dog under close control at all times.
Robber's Bridge
Set in the Doone Valley, and is thought to be the work place of choice for highway men, owing to it's easy pickings, with horse and carriages trying to traverse the narrow bridge. This place I have visited since as long as I can remember; and in fact, my dad has visited since as along as he can remember, often camping along the river bank with his family as a small boy. This is one of Exmoor's hidden gems, and I promise once you visit, you will be hooked!
Maisie spent most of her time swimming in the bit just in front of the bridge, she was in her element. The bridge is very narrow, so do be careful driving over it. The line of stones across the top have been hit off quite a few times over the years! Robber's bridge is the perfect picnic spot, as well as being the focal point of the many walks around the area. If you visit, do plan ahead, there are no facilities of any sort except a small car park.
Malmsmead
Again another place I have visited since a small child, as it is en-route from Robber's Bridge, heading back towards Lynton & Lynmouth. Malmsmead really is a picturesque spot, with it's ford and accompanying bridge.
The small tea room nestled within the group of buildings; boasts the most amazing scones. Sat under the huge shady Copper Beech tree in the tea room gardens, looking out across to the picturesque bridge, whilst eating our scones, was just perfect.
Exford
I stupidly did not capture images of Exford, or indeed the pub we ate in. I do entirely blame the massive food baby, after eating at the White Horse Inn. It is worth a trip to Exford just for the food!
However this little village, a stones throw from Tarr Steps, and would make the perfect stop off point for a day trip.
Webbers Post
Heading back towards the campsite, Webbers post is situated on the road between Horner and Dunkery beacon. It is the perfect spot for walking, as well as watching the sunset. The huge car park and expansive views seem to make it the perfect spot for campervans. Although I am not sure you are actually meant to stay over there...
