|
Riding - Sailing & Water Sports - Cycling
& Mountain Biking
Hunting - Hand-gliding - Fishing
Riding
Exmoor is a great place to come and ride and what better way to explore
the 267 square miles of National Park than from the back of a horse.
Within the National Park boundaries are some 400 miles (600kms) of
bridleways. The National Park Authority has a special responsibility
to ensure that all bridleways within its boundary are open and useable
and that every path is signed where it leaves or joins a public highway.
The more popular bridleways are waymarked using the national colour
code of blue. Many riders are now bringing their own horses on holiday
with them and some farms and riding stables can provide suitable accommodation
for both horse and rider. Visitors can then explore at leisure the
variety of scenery that Exmoor offers, from open heather moorland
to the steeply wooded valleys.
To help you plan your routes it is wise to
buy the Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1:25000 map which covers the
whole of Exmoor and shows all the bridleways in great detail. National
Park Rangers and Visitor Centre staff with their local knowledge are
always willing to advise visiting riders on suitable bridleways, and
where they might see the famous wild Red deer or a native herd of
Exmoor Ponies whilst out on their rides.
Horses and ponies can of course be readily
hired, by the hour or longer, from one of the many riding schools
or trekking centres. Some centres arrange special picnic or pub day
rides, or week-long holidays which are particularly suitable for children.
Most centres offer some kind of tuition, this can vary from very basic
to more advanced lessons depending on the rider's needs and ability.
All breeds and sizes of horse and pony are normally available to cater
for every type of rider from the beginner to the more accomplished
rider. Whether you just want a quiet hack through woodlands hoping
for a glimpse of the wild deer, or an exhilarating canter over the
heather-clad open moorland with far reaching views to Wales or Dartmoor,
the choice is yours. You can be certain of one thing, Exmoor is a
special place for riding.
Sailing and Water Sports
Sailing and board sailing on Wimbleball lake are controlled by the
club there. Some winter canoeing takes place on the rivers Exe and
Barle.
The fascinating and dramatic coastline of Exmoor
National Park can be best observed by taking a boat trip. Trips operate
regularly throughout the season from Ilfracombe and Lynmouth, some
with the benefit of a commentary given by a National Park Ranger.
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Much of Exmoor may be discovered on bicycle. Quiet country lanes leading
to tiny hamlets and villages and a network of bridleways or special
trails offer differing experiences for the cyclist and mountain biker.
Attend a Bike Hike over moorland or through the Valley of Rocks with
a National Park Ranger !
Hunting
Hunting with hounds has taken place on Exmoor for hundreds of years
and during the hunting season (approximately mid August until the
end of April) you may come across a hunt or, more likely, its followers
and their vehicles.
Exmoor is the only area of the United Kingdom
where red deer are hunted on horseback with packs of hounds. Three
stag hunts meet regularly on Exmoor and nearby areas in pursuit of
red deer, and eight other packs meet in the Exmoor area to pursue
fox and hare.
If you would like to either see a hunt - or
avoid one - details of forthcoming meets are published in local newspapers.
Hang-gliding
Although there are several possible sites for hang-gliding it is only
permitted under the control of Somerset Condors Hang-gliding Club
on Bossington and North Hill.
Fishing
A combination of beauty scenery and clean fresh air makes fishing
the rivers and streams on Exmoor a special pleasure. Most still water
fisheries require a licence, but owners permits may also be necessary
- including some reservoirs owned by water companies.
The Wimbleball Fly Fishing Club have a boat equipped for wheelchair
users which is maintained by South West Water. Anyone interested should
book in advance (01837 871565) and take an able bodied helper with
them.
Excellent sea fishing is also available for free (except for lost
tackle!) along much of the coast with catches of bass, cod, whiting,
conger and skate all reported. Some of the stony beaches and rocky
headlands are limited by the state of the tide and is often hard on
tackle. Joining an escorted boat fishing trip can be a more reliable
way to catch sea fish and there are many trips to choose from at very
reasonable prices. Boats run from Minehead, Combe Martin, Porlock
Weir, Watchet and Ilfracombe.
Where to obtain your licence or permit
South West Water (permit only):- Leisure Services, Higher Coombepark,
Lewdown, Okehampton, EX20 4QT: TEL:01837 871 565
Brendon:- Brendon House Hotel: 01598 741206
Brushford:- Carnarvon Arms Hotel: 01398 323302
Dulverton:- Lance Nicholson, Gun Shop, High Street,: 01398 323409
Ilfracombe:- Variety Sports, 23 Broad Street: 01271 862039
Lynton:- Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Lee Road: 01598 752225
Environment Agency Hot Line 0800 807060
This is a 24 hour emergency telephone line for reporting all environmental
incidents such as pollution, flooding, poaching, fly tipping or any
signs of damage or danger to rivers, lakes or coastal waters. Your
prompt action will help the Environment Agency protect water, wildlife,
people and property. |
