Astro Campout

Saturday 31 July – Wimbleball Lake

A chance to join local astronomers and enjoy some of the darkest skies in the country is on offer at an ‘Astro Camp Out’ at Wimbleball Lake on Saturday 31 July.

There will be an illustrated talk in the Café from 7.30pm by local astronomer Rick Dooley entitled “The Size of the Universe”, then as darkness falls, experts will be on hand with telescopes to reveal the secrets of the skies. The event will finish late, so camping is recommended. If the weather is not kind then a further talk will be provided under cover.

Ben Totterdell from Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We are working to achieve Dark Sky Reserve status for Exmoor so I hope that people will be able to come and join us on the 31st and see how amazing the universe looks when there is little light pollution.”

Wanting to preserve our dark skies isn’t about banning lights, it’s about having light that shines where it is needed, not into the sky.”

Places can be booked by telephoning Dulverton National Park Centre on 01398 323841

Prices for camping are:
Standard pitch (2 adults) £14.00. Extra adult – £5.00
Extra child £3.50 (4 and under free)
Premium pitch (electric hook-up) + £3.50

For further information on camping and Wimbleball Lake telephone: 01398 371257 or email:wimbleball@swlakestrust.org.uk

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Autumn Walking Festival offers something for all

Now one of the UK’s biggest walking festivals and celebrating its 10th anniversary, the North Devon & Exmoor

Walking Festival is packed full of variety this Autumn.

Among the guided walks you can join Exmoor rangers to find a deer rut or join experts in the North Devon and Quantocks AONB’s. Have fun and join a linear walk that uses the West Somerset Railway during its Autumn Steam Gala to get to Washford and walk back.

Join the Exmoor Natural History Society chairman for a close look at the local flora and fauna. Or join the owners of Hartland Abbey with their specific knowledge of that area. Two walks take in the countryside around the two SW Lakes Trust lakes with their managers.

The walks range from about 4.5 to nearly 11 miles, from half-day to a full days outing. There is a good choice on each of the four days of the festival. This year the walking festival has joined with the Exmoor Food Festival.

There are six walks that include some delicious local produce in glorious surroundings. These walks include the guided walk and stops at lunch or for a cream tea in the ticket price. You can enjoy the gorgeous food as you will walk it off!

You can book online or call 01271 863 001, Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre to book by phone.

We look forward to seeing you.

Bryan Cath
Festival Coordinator
Active Exmoor

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Fishing on Exmoor

Part of what makes Exmoor such a stunning place is the presence of water throughout the region. Spectacular valleys are often brought together by beautiful rivers; the coastline is constantly chewed by never ending waves while here and there a lake puts in an appearance, a natural mirror quietly hiding amongst sprawling meadows.

For the Exmoor fly fisher it is what lives within these watery realms that provides the real interest. This short article is a guide to what you will need to tackle river species such as Wild Brown Trout, Grayling and Salmon. There is also general advice regarding the equipment and flies required to target the abundant Rainbow Trout present in the regions stillwaters. Finally the adventurous fly angler may like to head to the coast to catch a Bass.

There are many river venues to choose from including the rivers Exe, Barle and Lyn while stillwater anglers are well catered for by small lakes such as Exe Valley Fishery or its big brother Wimbleball Reservoir high up on Haddon Hill. Day tickets are freely available from various outlets including hotels, local farmers, tourist offices and specialist fishing agents. Coarse and Sea Anglers will also find abundant angling opportunities. Pack some basic float fishing kit, maybe a spinning rod and a beach caster. Freshwater species include Carp, Roach, Perch and Pike. Sea Fisherman can expect to tangle with Bass and Mullet from the shore on a regular basis, although take a charter boat trip for the chance of Rays or even a Conger Eel!

For a complete guide to the South West region and the venues, which it offers, pick up a copy of the “Get Hooked” guide. This little booklet represents excellent value and is available in most tackle shops and some newsagents throughout the area. For a more technical guide to fly fishing on Exmoor see our website.

www.activeexmoor.com

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Red Devils join Red Arrows at Minehead Summer Festival

The Red Devils, the famous official team of the Parachute Regiment and the British Army, is joining the renowned Red Arrows aerial display team in a spectacular event organised by Butlins and supported by West Somerset Council.

The two world-class teams are headlining the new Minehead Summer Festival on Wednesday, August 11.  It is the first time either team has visited the town.

Julian Highfield, Resort Director at Butlins Minehead, said: “I’m thrilled that Butlins has been able to bring two display teams of international calibre to Minehead.  Our aim is to give families a great day to enjoy and remember for years to come.”

West Somerset Council is organising entertainment along the seafront at Warren Road, which will be closed to traffic for the day.  As well as a wide variety of stalls and street entertainment, there will be a bouncy castle, trampolines and plenty of things to see and do.  There will also be entertainment and activities at key places along The Avenue.

On the seafront, the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be demonstrating how they help tackle the aftermath of traffic accidents.  The team is staging an exciting display that shows how they use heavy-duty equipment to take apart a car to free people from vehicles in emergency situations.

The line up for the day is:

• 12 noon – Entertainment throughout the town
• 1.30pm – The Red Devils make a fabulous entrance, dropping from the skies
• 2.15pm –  On the seafront the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service demonstrate how they rescue people trapped in vehicles after road traffic accidents
• 3pm – The Red Arrows provide a spectacular aerial display

Cllr David Sanders, Lead Member for Economic Development and Tourism, said:  “Butlins is staging such an excellent event for visitors and local people to enjoy.  To bring two internationally renowned teams to Minehead is a real coup.”

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Get in the saddle – horse riding on Exmoor

With its stunning and varied terrain, deep wooded combes, sparkling river valleys, meandering streams, open moorland and 482 kilometres of bridleways, you and your horse will have the time of your life.

Awaiting you on Exmoor is a vast array of horse holiday accommodation providers who welcome horses and riders with open arms, stables and paddocks.

You’ll find breathtaking scenery, comfortable cottages and farmhouses, home cooking that hits the right spot, reassuringly large and well-kitted-out boot rooms for gear and plenty of hot water after a day’s riding.

More often than not, the owners, or someone knowledgeable nearby, will be happy to accompany you on rides. Some will even take you further afield for a blast on the beach, a trip to a local competition centre, or a day’s racing.

If you can’t bring your own horse or you want to try riding for the first time, Burrowhayes Farm is a great place to start. Escorted rides are taken in the glorious Horner Valley and on the open moorland of Dunkery, Ley Hill and Selworthy. Small children’s ponies are available for parents to walk and lead. 01643 862 463

While you’re deciding which enticing trail to ride first, you can check out www.activeexmoor.com with listings of Exmoor providers with either stabling for your horse or quality riding schools to get you started.

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Active Exmoor News – July

Get all the latest news for July from our monthly round up…

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