Exmoor Beast – Last chance to book!

Exmoor Beast

With approaching 1700 places already filled, the Exmoor Beast, which takes place on 1 November with a choice of 100km and 100 mile rides, is now close to capacity and on-line registration will close at midnight on Oct. 24th.

However, places will be available at the event’s headquarters on Oct 31st, between 14:00hrs and 18:00hrs, for the first 50 riders who report in person. For those taking advantage of this last minute facility, a £10 surcharge will be added to the standard entry fee and the organisers stress that no further bookings will be taken after this final window of opportunity to take part in the traditional closer to the UK sportive season.

Under no circumstances can entries be accepted on the morning of the ride.

www.exmoorbeast.org

Moonraker entries open

Moonraker

HUNDREDS of walkers are expected to take part in the annual overnight Moonraker Challenge on Exmoor later this month.

Organisers from Taunton Vale Rotary Club are hoping to beat last year’s entry total of more than 400 participants at the event on Saturday, October 24.

It is part of the 2009 Exmoor National ParkDark Skies initiative, which encourages people to visit the area after dark as it is one of the few places in Southern England that is relatively free of artificial light pollution.

Teams of four to eight participants will walk a 15 to 18-mile course, with shorter challenges of six and 12 miles, raising sponsorship for nominated charities.

The main beneficiary will be Taunton Opportunity Group, a pre-school for young children with special needs.

Moonraker is based at Wheddon Cross this year, with the first walkers setting out at 5pm and expected to finish by midnight, while later starters will carry on into the early hours of Sunday.

Walkers will be provided with hot refreshments at the halfway stage by Taunton Vale Inner Wheel Club, with support from the British Red Cross and Raynet radio communications team at each checkpoint.

Application and sponsorship forms can be downloaded by clicking on the Moonraker related link on this page.

Further information is available from Jas Shorney on 01823-451532, with entries being taken up until Friday, October 23.

South Coast Rowing Regatta to attract thousands to Wimbleball Lake

Wimbleball Lake

Wimbleball Rowing Club, hosts of the 2010 South Coast Championships on Wimbleball Lake high up on Exmoor, have confirmed that a straight 2000 metre, 6 lane course for the event has now been agreed with South West Lakes Trust who manage the facilities at the Lake.

Stephen Worley who is both the Chairman of the Wimbleball Club and a senior member of the South Coast organising Committee has confirmed that this new course will be used for the first time at this year’s West of England Championship Regatta, which will be held on Saturday 18 July.The existing 1200 metre course from the bridge end up to the launching area will be replaced by the longer course which will now start right at the other end of the lake by the dam and will run to within 500 metres of the bridge.

All races at their domestic regatta will be over the 2000 metres except for the junior events which will be rowed over the second half of the course. The Regatta field is at the 1500m point where the boats and trailers are parked and where crews boat and also provides a good view of the racing.

There is a warm up area near to the Regatta field on the other side of the course and crews will be marshalled at set crossing points to the start and from the finish. This year’s regatta will provide a rare opportunity for multi-lane 2000m racing at comparatively low cost and Stephen has confirmed that all events with two or more entries will be raced and refreshments will be available for competitors and spectators.

For further information on Wimbleball Regatta contact Stephen Worley

The new 2000 metre course also provides a useful training resource for rowers and coaches as it offers training on still waters and enables target times to be set and times to be compared. An increasing number of clubs, universities and schools now visit the site on a regular basis and include the likes of Oxford Brookes and the Oxford University lightweight squad. Wimbleball Lake also offers coaching launches and on-site facilities for indoor training on Concept2 ergometers, camping, showering and changing as well as wireless internet connection and video playback.

It is an excellent venue for clubs or squads for concentrated coaching and training in an environment away from the normal distractions of everyday life.  For further information on the use of the lake for training camps contact Darryl Birch

Accommodation near by to Wimbleball

Activities near to Wimbleball

Events near to Wimbleball

Autumn Events on Exmoor

A range of interesting and varied events are on offer in the coming weeks, with everything from the Exmoor Wood Fair to star gazing, to make the most of autumn on Exmoor .

West Somerset Mineral Railway, Friday 9 October:
A fascinating insight into one of West Somerset’s finest feats of Victorian engineering in this free, three hour walk from 10am to 1pm which takes in parts of the West Somerset Mineral Railway including the famous Incline. Toilets and car park available at Ralegh’s Cross Inn, Brendon Hill. Only a few places left, booking is essential – please call the National Park Centre at Dulverton on 01398 323841, no dogs allowed.

Exmoor Wood Fair, Saturday 10 October
Freefun for all the family, part of the Dartmoor and Exmoor Low Carbon Festival, the Exmoor Wood Fair opens at 10am until 4pm on the Exmoor House Lawns in Dulverton. Demonstrations of charcoal making, wood turning, wood framing, pole lathing, forestry processes and willow weaving. Free guided woodland walk in Burridge Woods. There will be experts on hand to give advice on sustainable woodland management, local wood products and wood fuel burners.

Deer Stroll, Sunday 11 October
Join a National Park Ranger on an early morning stroll around Webbers Post. Hopefully stags will be bellowing across the valley at each other a thrilling experience not to be missed. The route will be on the easy access trail, so pushchairs and wheelchair users are welcome. Binoculars advisable, meet at Webbers Post SS903438, at 8am for approx 30 mins to 1 hour walk.

Where am I? Sunday 11 October
Improve your confidence in exploring the countryside by gaining basic map reading and compass skills and discovering what you can do where. The day includes practical sessions. Meet at the Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Education (on The Chains) 10am – 3pm, price £10. Walking clothing/boots essential. No dogs. Booking is essential on 01398 322292.

Exmoor Deer Rutting Weekend Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October
A unique opportunity to enjoy the red deer rutting in the company of Exmoor National Park Authority and National Trust experts. The weekend includes two night’s accommodation on Exmoor, dinner, wildlife jeep safari and two excursions to view the deer and a falconry visit. The use of facilities at Village Hall Porlock is also included. £225 all inclusive price, booking is essential on 01643 863150. No Dogs.

The Orionids Shower – Wednesday 21 October
An amazing sight, with no more than our own eyes needed, Meteors, often known as shooting stars, can be seen to periodically streak across the sky. Try your luck at spotting bright and spectacular meteors within Exmoor National Park which offers some of the darkest sky area in England, a great opportunity to visit the National Park and to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. If it’s cloudy, there will be plenty to see during a presentation by a Tiverton & Mid Devon Astronomy Society astronomer in comfort at a cosy pub. Families welcome. Call the Blue Ball Inn on 01598 741263 to book your place. Location; Blue Ball Inn, Countisbury, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6NE.

NOVEMBER
Help a Ranger for a Day on Sunday 15 November
A chance to help carry out practical conservation work with an Exmoor National Park Ranger. Minibus pickup is available from Minehead, Dulverton and Lynmouth areas by arrangement. Call 07973 727469 for more details and booking. All tools and instruction on their safe use will be provided. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring a packed lunch. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. FREE event.

Porlock’s Rutting Weekend

Porlock’s Rutting Weekend, Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, which gives visitors an opportunity to get close to the

POrlock rutting weekend

magnificent Exmoor red deer in their natural surroundings, has now been reduced to £195 per person for double or single room occupancy.

The package includes early morning and late afternoon/evening expeditions to view the rut at dawn and dusk led by ranger Richard Eales from Exmoor National Park and Nigel Hester and Charles Harding from the local National Trust Holnicote Estate. It is a magical experience watching and listening to the wild deer as the stars fade and the sun rises over Exmoor, and vice versa late afternoon. There will also be a Discovery Safari wildlife jeep excursion and a visit to Exmoor Falconry (own transport).

Local B&B accommodation is within easy walking distance of the Village Hall where there will be a jazz supper on the Friday and a dinner with wine and a talk on the Saturday night; both meals will feature local Exmoor produce.

For details and to make a booking contact the Porlock Visitor Centre via email to porlockci@somerset.gov.uk.

Further information about places to visit on Exmoor can be found at exmoor.com.

Best Foot Forward for New Walking Festival

Autumn Walking Festival

A new Autumn North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, which almost had to hang up its boots before the first stride was taken because of a funding shortage, now has a spring in its step thanks to a last-minute lifeline from the Exmoor Tourism Partnership (ETP).

Based on the successful spring walking festival, which attracts hundreds of walkers every year and is estimated to generate over £130,000 for the local economy, the new autumn festival aims to bring much-needed visitors to the area out of the main holiday season.

Appreciating the benefits to the local economy which depends on tourism, the ETP decided to give the festival the chance to put its best foot forward and claim a place as a favourite in the festival calendar.

It features up to eight guided walks a day with something to please everyone. Hardened hikers can enjoy all-day adventures, while history, nature and literature lovers can indulge in themed walks. There are also short walks for people just wanting to spend a few hours exploring some of the South West’s most stunning scenery.

Mike Bishop, ETP member, said, ‘We’re delighted the partnership has taken the project on under the umbrella of Active Exmoor. The festival is now secure for two more years, thanks to support from Sustainable Development Funds provided by both the North Devon AONB and Exmoor National Park Authority.

“The new autumn festival offers the very best cherry-picked walks in the area so that people can discover our beautiful countryside, with the bonus of learning so much about the landscape and local history from our knowledgeable walking guides.”

The ETP was launched last June to co-ordinate efforts of the Exmoor Tourist Association, the Exmoor National Park Authority, West Somerset Council and Active Exmoor. The partnership aims to bring a united approach to supporting the local tourism industry.

Bryan Cath, festival co-ordinator, said, “This is great news as walking festivals are enjoyed by so many people and demand is still on the increase. It would have been a real shame to let the public down.”

The Autumn Walking Festival runs from September 18 – 21. Information on the walks and tickets can be booked online at www.walkingexmoor.co.uk or by calling Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre on 01271 863001.

Autumn Walking Festival

Book now – www.walkingexmoor.co.uk

The new Autumn walking festival around North Devon and Exmoor is booking well, but don’t worry!  There are stillplenty of places available on many of the walks if you fancy a walk in the country with a friendly guide.

The festival includes a wide range of walks each day, from half-day walks to longer all-day walks, all led by our knowledgeable guides. We are helping the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty celebrate their 50th anniversary and there is a good choice of guided walks covering this beautiful coastal strip of North Devon with Exmoor also offering a good choice of walks including some more challenging ones.

Bring your friends and camera and come on some scenic walks. Discover more about North Devon and Exmoor than you would walking on your own. You will walk with like-minded people, not having to worry about finding the route or wondering what something is that you pass along the way. Many of our regular festival-goers find new friends during the festival walks. Others discover areas that they would otherwise not have found on their own, giving them confidence to go and find more.

You can download a detailed list of all the walks here. Simply choose your walks and then book on-line or call Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre on 01271 863 001 to book by phone.

Come and find some great walks in friendly company. We look forward to welcoming you on your chosen walks.

Happy walking!

Bryan Cath
Festival Co-ordinator
bryan@activeexmoor.co.uk

Festival dates – Friday 18th to Monday 21st September

01271 863001 to book by phone
01271 883131 to talk to Bryan for advice

Book now -www.walkingexmoor.co.uk

Exmoor Beast goes to Dartmoor Classic

Late-season monster gets helpful advice from organiser of Dartmoor event.

Always ready to explore ways in which to improve the Exmoor Beast, its organisers have just taken a most unusual and, some would say, bold step to ensure their event matches the new high standards recently set by one of their sportive neighbours. The end of season Somerset event has just co-opted Ron Keegan, the promoter of the hugely successful Dartmoor Classic, to advise on arrangements for the next staging of ‘The Beast’ on November 1st.

“Since the end of June, we’ve been hearing how well-run the big Devon event was, with people saying it was the best UK sportive ever.” said Marcus Di Vincenzo, C.E.O. of events management company M.I.G., “so we decided to approach the promoter to see if he would oversee that which we are putting in place for our event. Two years ago, at our first attempt, we delivered an event which was exceptionally well received by the 600 who took part. Last year, with over twice that number, the weather and changed headquarters conspired against us but we vowed we would make the event a great deal better this time.”

Ron Keegan is one of the main figures on the Dartmoor Classic’s organising team and he admits that M.I.G’s. approach was unexpected and highly unusual. “I must confess that when they first contacted me I was more than a little surprised. You could say The Beast’ and ‘The Classic’ are competitors in the sportive market and that to respond positively to any request for assistance would be like joining the enemy.” he said.

“However, I took the wider view that, as event providers, we need to be helping each other to improve standards for all those who take part. There are still far too many events taking riders’ money under false pretences but I don’t see ‘The Beast as one of them. Di Vincenzo and his team have a genuine desire to make their event one of the biggest and best sportives in the country and if I can help them achieve their goal then I will” he added.

Keegan will now visit Butlins, Minehead, which hosts the start and finish and where riders, their families and supporters can enjoy a wide range of facilities and activities. He will check over the course details, accuracy of the distances, positioning of key marshals and the locations and provisions of the feed stations before reporting back to M.I.G’s team.

The Exmoor Beast is now open for entries, with nearly 400 places already booked. The organisers will be closing at 2,000 entries this year.

Visit www.exmoorbeast.org now to be sure of a place.

The Tour of Little Britain

In order to build up national publicity for the upcoming 6th Satge of The Tour of Britain, arriving in Bideford on September 17th 2009, a group of the regions business people are having a go themselves. On Sunday 6th September 8 individuals which include Andy Cooper, editor of North Devon Journal, David Wilcock, Western Morning News, Rick Turner of the BIG Sheep will be cycling from Frome to Bideford.

When the participants return they will be able to talk about the time it took them to cycle, the challenges they faced etc. and we will use their stories to talk about the 6th leg of The Tour of Britain.

Anybody who wants to get involved and join the Tour of LITTLE Britain is welcome to come on board and should contact Anne Tattersall or Sarah Steptoe for more information.

For more information about th Tour of Britain cycle race click here

Moor Rover launched

Jonny Kingdom on the Moor Rover

Local celebrity Johnny Kingdom and his wife Julie were some of the first people to enjoy a Moor Rover bus ride on the new flexible public transport service for Exmoor that was launched recently. The service provides access for local residents and visitors alike to areas previously unreachable with public transport.

The Moor Rover is operated by AtWest with funding from the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund and will run daily from 8am to 8pm throughout the summer until the end of September. Passengers can be picked up from any prearranged location in the West Somerset area of Exmoor National Park and dropped off at any location in the National Park not covered by regular public transport services.

Johnny Kingdom said: “When I go away I can’t wait to get back on Exmoor. It’s very important to look after our countryside and we want people to come and visit, but they should respect the place and keep it looking beautiful. One way that can help is if visitors and residents alike make use of public transport sometimes and this new service provides a brilliant way for people to enjoy Exmoor, all for the price of a couple of pints.”

The Moor Rover minibuses can carry individuals or groups of up to 16 people and can take wheelchairs, bikes, dogs and luggage. Fares are just £5 per single trip (£2 for accompanied children under 16) with a small fee for bikes and dogs.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this enhanced service this year, following a smaller pilot a project by Somerset County Council in previous years” said Brain Worrall of AtWest. “Those using the service will be able to access linear walks, cycle routes, all ability trails and a whole range of attractions including natural beauty spots, more remote settlements and activity centres for outdoor sports. We can even carry you and your bike to the top of the moors for an exhilarating ride back down or take your luggage between accommodation providers whilst you walk one of the popular long distance walks in the area such as the Coleridge Way or South West Coast Path.”

Dan James, the National Park Authorities Sustainable Economy Officer, added: “Exmoor has so much to offer, and being able to explore the area without the car opens up many more opportunities as well as bringing environmental benefits. Bus travel can provide better views, a break for the driver and savings on fuel and parking costs, to name just a few benefits. In addition with this flexible service you can develop your own timetable and route.”

To use the service passengers need to contact AtWest in advance (ideally giving at least 24 hours notice) by calling 01643 709701 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday. For further information visit www.atwest.org.uk/moorrover.

Leaflets are available on line as well as from National Park Centres, visitor centres and other outlets. Somerset County Council are supporting some of the promotional costs of the service.