Exmoor Itinerary
GET READY FOR THE TRAIL RUNNING WEEKEND IN EXMOOR THAT YOU WILL LOVE!
This is the itinerary we have worked so very hard to put together, due to the nature of these type of events the itinerary is subject to short notice change. If this happens we will always make sure your runs are well supported, are enjoyable and give you a really good experience of the trails in Exmoor.
Day 1 -Friday
Check in at the bunkhouse is from 4pm.
We will then head out on a short 3 mile run, through the picturesque Watersmeet with its dramatic river gorge, down to the seaside village of Lynmouth. During the run we will get to familiarise ourselves with the different terrains and begin to discover some of the National Park’s hidden gems, as well as getting to know each other.
This run will then end with fish and chips on the harbour front, before a short (but fairly steep) walk back up to the bunkhouse on the winding SW Coast path
Day 2 - Saturday
On Saturday, we will make an early start (after a hearty breakfast) for a trail run of two halves: the first 10 miles will see us make our way along the undulating SW Coast path, under shaded woods, towards Porlock Weir, where we will have time to refresh, refill water and enjoy an ice cream on the sea front. (Option to end your run at this point if you wish)
A steep ascent will follow, offering glimpses of Porlock Bay through the ancient woodland, before we join the Coleridge Way and start the 11 miles back through the Doone Valley to County Gate, where Exmoor ponies can often be seen grazing on the moors.
Finally, our run will end at Watersmeet House, where you are welcome to celebrate with a drink or cake in the tea garden. This will be a fairly challenging 21 mile run with approx 4700ft of elevation, but we will walk the hills, stay together as a group and stop for many photos along the way.
Day 3 - Sunday
On Sunday, we have an 8 mile run (approx. 2000ft of elevation) along the Tarka Trail, taking in the magnificent views of the national park, before dropping down into the historic harbour town of Lynton.
We will then head out towards the Valley of Rocks, a dramatic section of coastline with its steep craggy cliffs rising either side of the deep valley floor. Here, you might decide to climb the cliff tops and breathe in the fresh salty air, or just amble around admiring the spectacular views of the seascape, whilst avoiding the feral goats.
The last part of our run will take us along the cliff walls back in to Lynmouth, where you can choose to stay and have lunch, ride the unique Cliffside railway, and peruse the many quaintly packed shops on the narrow streets.
Day 4 - Monday
Sadly, on Monday, we have to check out, but not before a run up Butter Hill to Foreland Point, in order to watch the sunrise over the Bristol Channel.
All in all, it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend aimed at anyone who enjoys running on the trails in breath-taking locations.
The terrain will be a mixture of rocky coastal path, winding forest tracks and grassy moors with some steep hills, but we will support each other and complete all runs together.
This will be a fantastic experience
The four runs over the weekend will be social paced; we are there to have fun, admire the views, make friends and take photos. This is not a race so please expect to stop and wait for others. However, you must have a good level of fitness, be capable of covering the distances at a pace of 12 – 13 min/miles and should have previous experience of trail running with elevation in order to enjoy and successfully complete all runs over the weekend.
- Bunkhouse accommodation consisting of 3 bedrooms with bunkbeds.
- Breakfast each day. Enough to make yourself a lunch snack also.
- Two dinners.
- Guided trail runs by qualified run leaders.
- Advice and guidance throughout the weekend on how to tackle trails, nutrition, fuelling etc.
- Snacks and water.
- Video and photos.