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Enjoying Exmoor National
Park
History of Exmoor
The very earliest evidence of human settlement
is almost entirely confined to the areas around Exmoor, rather
than on the moor itself. It is likely that Exmoor was not settled
until around 1800-1500 BC. From this period can be seen stone
circles at Porlock Hill, Almsworthy Common and Withypool Hill.
There are also several round barrows and burial mounds belonging
to this period, the latest count being almost 350. Groups of
these barrows occur in several places - Chapman Barrows (SS
695 435) has eleven bowl shaped examples, and just to the east
are Longstone Barrow and Wood Barrow. There are also Standing
Stones from this period, including the Long Stone (SS 705 431).
From the Iron Age (500 BC to 43 AD) there
are surviving monuments in the remains of the hill forts. Road
Castle (SS 863 376), Cow Castle (SS 795 374) and Staddon Hill
Camp (SS 882 377) are good examples, but perhaps the finest
is Shoulsbarrow Castle (SS 706 391)
There is little evidence of occupation
during the Roman period (43 - 410 AD), two fortlets at Old Barrow
(SS 788 494) and the Beacon (SS 664 493) being the only remains
now visible
From the Dark Ages, between 450 and 750
AD, there are several inscribed stones. The best known of these
is the Caratacus Stone (SS 890 335) on Winsford Hill, which
reads "Carataci nepus"
From the Norman and Medieval periods
there are several examples of defensive earthworks, the most
notable being Holwell Castle (SS 670 446) near Parracombe. Here
there is an example of motte and bailey earthwork now covered
with grass; also worth viewing are Bury Castle (SS 938 270)
near Dulverton and Bampton Castle (SS 959 225)
One of the best known monuments on Exmoor
is the Tarr Steps. Several theories claim these to be from the
Bronze Age, although others date them from around 1400 AD.
National Park - Visitor
Centres
These specialise in offering information about the National
Park and the work of the National Park Authority. Informative
displays, maps, publications and specialist knowledge are all
available to assist you to understand and enjoy the area, and
enhance your visit.
Combe Martin Visitor Centre
Cross Street,
Combe Martin,
Devon EX34 0DH
Telephone/Fax: 01271 883319
This centre is also a networked Tourist Information Centre and
offers the additional services of ticket and accommodation booking.
It has displays about the coast and the village, and is situated
adjacent to the South West Coast Path.
Lynmouth Visitor Centre
The Esplanade,
Lynmouth,
Devon EX35 6EQ
Telephone:01598 752509
Located next to the old lime kiln and the famous cliff railway
on the sea front at Lynmouth this centre houses a replica of
the lifeboat Louisa, used in the 'overland launch of 1899, and
is sited close to a photographic exhibition of the Lynmouth
disaster of 1952. Ideal for those walking the South West Coast
Path or the Two Moors way - walkers of the latter can 'sign
in' upon completion of the walk.
County Gate Visitor Centre
County Gate,
Countisbury,
Lynton,
Devon EX35 6NY
Telephone:01598 741321
Along with the visitor centre, the County Gate site has a large
free car park (wonderful views) with dedicated spaces for orange
badge holders overlooking Doone Country. It is an ideal location
to start many walks, and is located on the South West Coast
Path. A walker's shelter and toilet facilities are also available.
Dunster Visitor Centre
Dunster Steep,
Dunster,
Minehead,
Somerset TA24 6SG
Telephone: 01643 821835
The centre has a display about the woollen trade in Dunster
during the medieval times. The castle and the yarn market are
close by. The centre also has facilities for group visits.
Dulverton Visitor Centre
Fore Street,
Dulverton,
Somerset TA22 9EX
Telephone: 01398 323841
Located in the main square of Dulverton, the centre is part
of a large partnership complex housing exhibitions about the
heritage of Dulverton, the importance of the surrounding woodlands
and an art gallery and library.
Walking on Exmoor
Whether you are an experienced
walker or someone who prefers a short stroll, Exmoor National
Park is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With
over 1000 km of Rights of Way footpaths and bridleways, through
woodlands, by tumbling rivers and on open heather covered moorland,
the variety is infinite. Affording wonderful views, the South
West Coast Path runs along the the 54km of Exmoor's coastline
and, along with a Regional Trail the Two Moors Way, is a popular
way to experience the best of Exmoor.
Many visitors to Exmoor enjoy a walk
and the network of narrow roads, bridleways (for use by riders
as well as walkers) and footpaths that cross the moor provide
splendid opportunities for all sorts of walks. These have been
signposted by the NPA where they join roads and many are signposted
and waymarked with coloured squares or arrows to help visitors
find their way around and stop them straying on to private land.
There are few signs on open moorland where they would spoil
its wild character.
The NPA and other organisations have
set up trails with themes such as nature, local history and
woodland management. Some have their own special waymarks and
signposts. Some of the many booklets and leaflets describing
walks on Exmoor are on sale in the National Park Visitor Centres.
Guided Walks
Many people prefer to walk with a guided group so that they
do not have to worry about the route, can enjoy the company
of like-minded people and learn from a knowledgeable local guide
about the area they are visiting. Each year the NPA joins with
other local organisations to provide a programme of guided walks
designed to introduce the visitor to the many areas and aspects
of Exmoor. The programme includes village trails, farm visits
and specialised walks for studying aspects of natural history
such as fungi, woodlands and wild flowers.
Trails
The NPA and other organisations have set up trails with themes
such as nature, local history and woodland management. Some
have their own special waymarks and signposts. Some of the many
booklets and leaflets describing walks on Exmoor are on sale
in the National Park Visitor Centres.
Long Distance Walks
For the serious walker there are several long distance walks
including part of the South West Coast Path, The Two Moors Way
between Exmoor and Dartmoor and the Tarka Trail (full details
of these walks can be obtained from National Park Visitor Centres).
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