Explore the wonders of South West England this spring with the 10th North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, which runs from April 29 – May 7, 2010.
Festival organisers Active Exmoor have teamed up with the North Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, to provide 84 exceptional walks.
A map of some of the activities is available for download here (pdf).
There are outings to suit everyone, from hardened hikers looking for all day adventures through to shorter walks for sometime strollers looking to discover a little local magic.
Bryan Cath, festival organiser, said: “Exmoor and North Devon have some of the west’s most stunning scenery and wildlife, and this is our biggest and best festival yet.
“It features up to eight guided walks a day with challenging hikes across the moors or round the spectacular cliffs that make our coast among the most magnificent in the country.”
“History, nature and literature buffs can indulge in special themed walks while gourmets can enjoy great local produce on the food walks with the bonus of walking off any extra pounds gained on route!”
Several of the 50th anniversary walks of the North Devon Coast AONB, which extends from the Exmoor boundary at Combe Martin down to the Cornish border at Welcombe, will be guided by a member of the AONB team whose specialist knowledge will help explain more about the area and the work they carry out.
Exmoor Land Rover safaris are included for the first time with experienced drivers who know the best places to look for the rare breed Exmoor pony and red deer and other wildlife.
Festival favourites such as the Tarka Trail and day trips to discover the unique island of Lundy make a welcome return to the action-packed agenda, along with the popular photographic walks led by two professional photographers.
These walks provide a great chance to experience how the professionals capture coastal scenes at Hartland Quay and the landscapes at Exmoor’s highest point near Dunkery Beacon.
Some of this year’s outings link in with public transport timetables, so visitors can come to the area without cars and enjoy some linear and circular walks.
Mike Bishop from Active Exmoor said: “The festival will attract hundreds of visitors and we’ve already have bookings from Germany and Belgium. Without the support from local business like Bideford’s Farm & Cottage Holidays the festival would just not be possible. We estimate that it will bring in over £150,000 to the local economy this year.”
To find out more and to book your walks for the spring walking festival, visit www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk.
A festival brochure is available for download here (pdf).