SNOWDROP VALLEY information 2011

Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride scheme will be once again run by Cutcombe Parish Council with support from Exmoor National Park Authority, Badgworthy Land Company and Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions.

For years this remote valley was a secret known only to locals. As visitors increased, so did congestion on the single track sunken road, obstruction of access to local houses and farms, and damage to roadside verges. Exmoor National Park Authority ran a park and ride scheme and in 2008 Cutcombe Parish Council took it over. Access to this privately owned valley is kindly granted by Badgworthy Land Company.

Visitors walking the circular route in the valley will pass the site of a sawmill, once powered by the river Avill. The course of the water channel (or ‘leat’) can still be seen. A steam engine provided power in dry summers. The top path from the bridge runs along the bank of another leat.  Larch and oak were used to construct gates and railway wagons.  For years the Holland family, and later the Schofield family, sold snowdrops in Minehead, however it is now illegal to pick them and visitors are requested not to stand on them.

The scheme will run from Saturday 5 until Sunday 27 February 2011 inclusive, when Drapers Way and Steart Lane will be closed to all motor traffic except residents, emergency services, postal and other deliveries, and disabled drivers.  The closure is a legal order and any vehicles breaking this may be reported to the police.

Buses will run from the Rest and Be Thankful Inn car park regularly from 10:30am to 3:50pm with the last bus back from the valley at 4:35pm.  The fare is for the round trip or part of the trip and payment will be made to the bus driver – correct change would be appreciated.  The bus journey costs £4 for adults; £3 for OAPs; £2 for children 5 – 15; and children under 5 go free.  Unfortunately the Senior Citizens Travel Pass cannot be used.  Dogs will be carried at the discretion of the driver.

On Thursday 10^th and Wednesday 16^th February there will be livestock markets in the village so parking will be restricted.  At all other times the Rest and Be Thankful car park will be used as a short stay car park.  Long stay car parking can be found at the livestock market 150 yards from the cross roads heading towards Dunkery Beacon.

The walking route into the valley will be specially waymarked and visitors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for winter walking.

Disabled drivers (blue badge holders) and minibus drivers with passengers unable to use the bus service should drive to Wheddon Cross where they will be given a special pass, verbal directions and instructions for parking.  A donation towards the running of the scheme would be appreciated.  Coach companies can contact 07531 680445 to make arrangements.

Scheme coordinator Sally Parish said “The recent cold weather has slowed the flowers down so fingers crossed they should be on track for the first weekend of the scheme providing we don’t get snow!”

Sally added “Weekends and half term are likely to be very busy and we are encouraging visitors to travel by public transport, such as the 399 Dulverton to Minehead route, where possible to reduce congestion and parking problems”.

 

The ExploreMoor website provides information regarding public transport links at www.exploremoor.co.uk/interactive-map.htm and suggestions for other things to do when you visit Wheddon Cross can be found at www.exploremoor.co.uk/destination-wheddon-cross.htm.

Souvenirs will be available – greetings cards, postcards and jute shopping bags – as well as potted snowdrops which have been grown by Cutcombe First School’s Garden Club.

Various organisations and charities will be opening the Snowdrop Cafe in the Moorland Hall during the park and ride scheme – see the website for futher details.  The Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Exmoor House Hotel Tea Room and Livestock Market Café will be open on various days providing much needed refreshments.

Any alterations to the scheme (for example in the event of bad weather); details of extra events being held in the area; and community fundraising will be notified on www.wheddoncross.org.uk or by telephoning 07531 680445.

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North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival Extends into Quantocks

Friday 29^th April – Sunday 8^th May

The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, Friday 29^th April – Sunday 8^th May, is being extended further into the Quantock Hills for the first time this year; it’s also longer than ever before with an extra weekend and features over 50 guided walks.

To help walkers plan their outings, the festival is being split into two. From Friday 29^th April to Tuesday, 3^rd May walks will be centred on North Devon, while from Wednesday 4^th they will move to Exmoor and the Quantocks.  Many of the outings are set within National Trust landscapes or the protected North Devon and Quantock Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

All walks are graded according to their pace and level of difficulty ranging from an easy three miles suitable for families up to a full day’s outing with challenging ascents and descents, so there is something for most abilities from amateur amblers to hardened hikers. Some walks include a breakfast, lunch or cream tea stop with a chance to sample local produce, while a packed lunch should be taken on others; well behaved dogs are also welcome on many.

New Walks for 2011

Amongst this year’s new walks is Chichester’s Haunt, an 8.5mile circular walk on Tuesday, 3^rd May following the river Yeo upstream to Shirwell in North Devon where Sir Francis Chichester is buried. On Wednesday, 4^th May there’s a 7 mile circular walk led by a National Park Ranger and archaeologist looking at the early history of Exmoor descending to Culbone Church, the smallest in England, while keeping a look out for red deer in the woods.

New outings in the Quantocks include Quantocks Combes, also on 4^th May, which brings together the geography, murders and wildlife of the hills; Hill Defence and Stone Age Ways on Friday, 6^th May and A Ruffle around Wills Neck on Saturday, 7^th May. This moderately difficult 6.1m circular walk offers magnificent country views and includes lunch at a local inn before ascending to the highest point on the Quantocks at Wills Neck (1,260ft).

An illustrated talk on North Devon wildlife is also being included for the first time presented by well-known local flora and fauna specialist, Mary Breeds at the Braunton Countryside Centre on Saturday evening, 30^th April.

How to Book

Prices range from £2.50 per person for the illustrated talk and £5 to £16 for the walks (some prices include meals) with discounts for five walks or more booked in one transaction and larger groups. For more details and to book visit www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk or call 01271 863001. A festival brochure is available by emailing bryan@activeexmoor.co.uk giving your name and address or call 01271 883131.

Accommodation

Two to ten night holidays are on offer during the walking festival at the Yarn Market Hotel, Dunster including the guided walks and minibus transport to and from the start/finish point. The hotel is also offering a five night dinner B&B South West Coast Path guided walking holiday from 2^nd – 7^th May from £370 per person. Book direct on Tel: 01643 821425, www.exmoor-walking-holidays.co.uk.

Other accommodation suggestions can be found in the 2011 Exmoor guide; for a free copy call Minehead Tourist Information Centre on 0845 166 1001; information can also be found on www.exmoor.com and www.visit-exmoor.co.uk.

The 2011 North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival will take place between 30^th September and 3^rd October, which coincides with the start of the Exmoor Food Festival (1^st – 9^th October) – some great foodie walks are being planned amongst others.

The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival is sponsored by Farm and Cottage Holidays with support from Exmoor National Park, Exmoor Tourist Association, Quantock Hills AONB Service and the South West Coast Path national trail; the event is organised by West Country Walks and Active Exmoor.

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