We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
The last of four available days walking in and around the area of Porlock in Somerset. Check out the Event pages for more information on the Porlock Walking Weekend 2023.
We start near Porlock in the hamlet of Selworthy, with its ancient church. Following solid paths and field tracks, we cross the A39 to begin our first of two long climbs, wending our way through deep woodland toward Wootton Common at almost 300 metres. We press on through the forest, finally reaching the relentless and narrowing descent on Roadway Lane, a likely ancient path into the village of Wootton Courtenay. From here we pick up the Macmillan Way for a while, then to Dunster Path and the Coleridge Way, with Dunkery Beacon above and beyond, and great views of our start point across the wide valley. Staying level, we drop into Webbers Post for fine views of the narrow valley featuring Horner Wood, before descending quickly to West Luccombe and the Packhorse Bridge. From here we follow flat fields across a lowland sweep toward Porlock Marsh, but turning instead to Bossington Hill. At Lynch we tackle our second long climb, rising steeply toward Selworthy Beacon, gaining superb views of Porlock Bay, and briefly reaching the coast path you'll have encountered on our second day's walk. From high above Selworthy we finally begin our steep downward drop into the village and our start point.
Booking
If you would like to join us on this walk, please book a provisional place on Eventbrite via the link in 'Website' box above. Numbers may be restricted at the discretion of the walk leader and anyone turning up without a confirmed booking risks not being permitted to start. If you have any queries please contact Andy (07786 377101) or Dave (07766 473720) or by email: Dorset4050@hotmail.co.uk
Logistics
Just 10 minutes’ drive out of Porlock. There is plenty of parking, free for NT members.
Toilets
There are no public toilets en route.
Parking
Large car park for NT. There is a small car park across from the nearby church, with a modest honesty box charge, though it could be busy on Sunday.
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
Food and drink
Make sure you bring enough snacks and drink to keep you going for the duration of the walk.
Pace
Circa 2.8 miles per hour.
Clothing
Bring layers and be prepared for anything.
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 permitted.
Post-walk refreshments
None planned as this is the final day and you may be headed home; for those staying over in Porlock the Top Ship is likely to beckon.
Start point: Selworthy Car Park (NT). What Three Words: harder.tested.crackles
