PILGRIM’S WAY 8th – 11th June 2023
This was a three-day base camp with two day’s walking.
The scheduled club event (eight camping) was to stay at Pool Bridge Camp site just south of Porlock. This was in a delightful valley accessed along narrow and steep lanes. It was one of the prettiest camp sites we have been to for a long time and is one that I could easily go back to. The facilities were basic, but there was a reasonable shower.
The local pubs are in Porlock, about 2 miles away by car (recommended) or an 800 feet ascent from Porlock over the top and down to the camp site (in the heat, this is not recommended). We had a meal at The Castle, a basic pub with good beer and cheap meals for the area.
David and Martin completed the Pilgrim’s Trail. This route takes you to some of the remotest small churches in Exmoor, all of which are very old and are all in themselves worth a visit even if you are not walking between them. There are plenty of other options as well, but at these you can collect a stamp to confirm your visit.
In summary, we had two very good days to complete the trail. The walking was long with lots of ascent mainly along very old green lanes, woodland trails, across open land, fields and minor roads. The whole place is seeped with history going back thousands of years.
Day 1 The route took us direct from the camp site to Stoke Pero church,
Luccombe Tivington Selworthy (and a visit to the NT tea rooms)
West Lynch Bossington (not in the list) and finally to Porlock
With a detour, 14.25 miles and 2775 feet ascent
Day 2 Starting from County Gare car park (free) to
Oare Porlock Weir Culbone
There was then a long walk back to County Gate and the newly opened café.
12.5 miles 3300 feet ascent.
At the end of the walk we returned to Porlock to enter our names in the register of the Parish church having completed this pilgrimage.