Walk this way
We are delighted to be teaming up with walking guide John Ward. John has put together a selection of guided walks for guests to choose from, or if you prefer, have a chat with John if there’s somewhere specific you have in mind.
John is the founder of Exploring North Devon and Exmoor, offering guided walking days and tours around this beautiful and often wild part of the West Country. Born and bred in the area, John has an intimate and extensive knowledge of North Devon and Exmoor. John works to ensure that all his guests enjoy an authentic and memorable walking experience which they wouldn’t have found if walking alone.
“I live and breathe North Devon and Exmoor - its spectacular coast, the exposed remote moors and wooded valleys of Exmoor, the wildlife constantly on show, and its often colourful local history. To me, it all contributes to making this region unique and I love nothing more than to be able to share its secrets with others.” - John Ward
Sound interesting?
If you’d like to join John for a walking tour, get in touch to discuss any preferences you and your group may have.
You will be expected to use your own transport to meet John at the agreed start point of the walk. Though, if preferred, transport pick up can be arranged from your hotel.
The cost will be £125 per group (of up to 6) for half a day and £200 per group (of up to 6) for a full day.
To book or for further information, get in touch with John by calling 07791 321690 or email him directly at john@exploringnorthdevon.co.uk. Keep on reading to discover more information on some of the walks available.
Walk 1: Exploring Britain's First Designated Biosphere - Braunton Burrows
Duration - approx 3 hours
Distance - 4-5 miles guided walking
Terrain - Easy walking through the sand dune system, no hills or scrambling, occassionally soft sand under foot.
This is an easy ramble through the largest sand dune system in England - with its huge array of flowering plant species, including various rare orchids. This really is a stunning environment, and a real treat for the botanists amongst you.
Learn also about the crucial role the Braunton Burrows and the North Devon coast played during the preparations to the D-Day Normandy landings of the Second World War. Plenty of evidence of thes times is still on show, including mock landing craft, pill boxes, a bazooka firing range, and Matilda the tank.
Walk 2: Experience the wild beauty of the East Lyn Valley
Duration - full day
Distance - 7-8 miles guided walking
Terrain - For the most part, well-maintained footpaths. One steady hill climb to navigate out of the valley... though the views up the top will be rich reward.
The East Lyn Valley (set in wild Doone Country) is a deep, lush, oak-wooded river valley that runs down to the sea at Lynmouth. It is truly stunning. We will make our way along the forested river trail to the picturesque hamlet of Rockford. A steady walk out of the valley to Countisbury will reward you with some truly magnificent views of the Exmoor Coast and the Bristol Channel - of Lynton and Lynmouth to the west, and Foreland Point to the north.
Walk 3: Discovering Traditional Coastal Charm of Ilfracombe and a stunning cliffside walk of the upper torrs
Duration - full day
Distance - 6-7 miles guided walking
Terrain - Undulating South West Coast Path from Ilfracombe to the Upper Torrs, plus easy tarmac sections in Ilfracombe itself.
Sitting snugly within the rugged cliffs of the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe has traditionally offered safe harbour for generations of sea farers. The seaside town is known for its elegant Victorian architecture and picture postcard harbour. But you will also discover some of its often more colourful history, such as the grim mystery of a doomed slave ship at Rapparee Cove, and the local wrecking and smuggling ways of life.
The Torrs walk is a safe cliffside walk on the west side Ilfracombe, and has been described as one of the finest walks in England. It is a must-see for the nature lover and walker.
Walk 4: The wild beauty of the Exmoor coast
Duration - full day
Distance - 6-7 miles guided walking
Terrain - Well-maintained footpaths on good even surface, though some care to be taken on the boulder beach at Heddon’s Mouth. One steady hill climb to navigate out of the valley.
The Heddon Valley is a deep, thickly wooded V-shaped river valley that runs down to the sea at boulder strewn Heddon’s Mouth. It truly is a stunning landscape. Indeed the area was inspiration for the Romantic Poets, including Wordsworth and Coleridge, and you can see why. You'll also find out about a couple of the more colourful characters that have shaped Exmoor over the years.
To summarise, this will be memorable day's walk through the truly awesome Exmoor coast, offering incredible views of some of the most spectacular sea cliff scenery in all of Britain.
