Friday, 1 July 2022
Start time: 10:00
(Estimated finish time: 17:00)
Moderate 14 miles / 22.5 km
Please note this walk is now fully booked, but to join the waiting list in case of cancellations, please use the Eventbrite link in the Additional Information box below.
The walk
The second of four available days walking in and around the area of Porlock in Somerset. Please see separate Porlock event section of the 4050s walks page for fuller details.
Fitness
All participants are responsible for their own health and fitness to undertake this walk / programme. Our group walks at a fairly brisk pace, so it’s important you are used to walking hilly terrain and over these distances. Please contact us in advance if you have any concerns.
Walk description
This is a circular walk.
We begin in Porlock and climb gradually through lovely deciduous woodland tracing fast-paced streams to a high point known as Hawkcombe Head, where you are well and truly amid the moor’s heathland.
We cross the moor a little way before dropping to a lovely spot at Robber’s Bridge, where we can have lunch. We will then climb steeply back to higher ground, before levelling out and progressing to an ultimately downward stage through woodland, with views to the Bristol Channel and in fact above the route you will have taken on day 1, before dropping to the Top Ship for refreshment, back in Porlock village and close to our start.
If you have any queries please text / contact us on the mobile numbers provided.
If this is your first walk of the weekend, it's a good 2 3/4 hours drive to the start point (based on a central Bournemouth location) so please allow enough time. Mobile signal can be patchy even in Porlock.
Starting point
Meet and walk start point: In Porlock village, by St Dubricius Church on the corner with Parsons Street.
Grid reference: SS886466
Nearest postcode: TA24 8QJ
Start time: 10:00
Additional notes
This is a circular walk
Booking
To book a place/join the waiting list please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-4050-ramblers-porlock-experience-walk-2-tickets-257402296197
If you have a place booked on this walk but for any reason are unable to join us, please cancel your place via Eventbrite.
Anyone turning up without a confirmed booking will not be able to start.
Toilets
There are no public toilets on this route except at the Top Ship public house at the end of the walk.
Parking
Free up Parsons Street by the church (close to start point) but it’s fairly limited. Paid parking elsewhere in the village near the One Stop shop or at Village Hall car park.
Food & drink
Make sure you bring enough snacks and drink to keep you going for the duration of the walk.
Pace
A brisk 2.8 miles per hour.
Attire
Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress appropriately.
Weather
This area is renowned for rapid and unexpected changes in visibility / weather (even at this time of the year), so come prepared.
Dogs
No dogs
Post walk refreshments
At the Top Ship and then later you are welcome to join us at the Bottom Ship for the Weirfest at Porlock Weir. This walk’s finish time should give you plenty of time.
Check
Please check this website beforehand as sometimes walks have to be changed/ cancelled with little notice (albeit rarely).
Give us a try!
This is one of hundreds of Ramblers group walks for all ages and abilities every week - all led by our experienced walk leaders.
You’re welcome to join us on any of our walks to see if the Ramblers is for you. Then, once you’ve enjoyed the views, fun, exhilaration and good company, it’s just a case of becoming a member.
Do make sure you're fit enough and have the right footwear and clothing for the walk you want to do, though. You can contact the group or leader if in doubt.