We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
The second 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.
For this walk, we join the 630 mile South West Coast Path at its very start in Minehead. We have a steep climb up onto the moor to then enjoy the high path edging the coast with (usually) fine views across to Wales. There is a lot to look out for as the Exmoor coast provides a rich habitat for many rare species of flora and fauna, including the blackneck moth, red deer, stag beetles and whitebeam trees (relatives of the rowan or mountain ash, unique to Exmoor). And we are likely to see the Exmoor ponies too, of course. The force of the sea is really evident towards the end of our walk as we drop down steeply from Bossington Hill to Porlock Bay. In 1996 the natural 6000 year-old shingle ridge across the bay was breached by a storm, resulting in the dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide. The land is now changing from farmland to saltmarsh and as it does so is creating a very special habitat for marine life and birds. This is the final stretch of our walk across the bay and into picturesque Porlock Weir.
If you would like to join us on this walk, please book a provisional place on Eventbrite via the link in the website box below. 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 Dave (mobile 07766 473720) or Andy (mobile 07786 377101) or email: Dorset4050@hotmail.co.uk
Booking information
Please use the link in the 'website' box, to book a provisional place.These walks can be popular, so when you first notified us of your request to join the walk (typically via Eventbrite or by exception, if sooner) will be taken into consideration when confirming places. As previously, we will give priority Dorset 4050 Walkers members.
Toilets
There are toilets at the latter stage of the walk as we drop off Bossington Hill.
Parking
If you are joining the group in Porlock to take the bus to the start point, there is a pay and display car park by Porlock library (TA24 8NP), which is only few minutes walk up the village’s main street from the meet point by St Dubrucius church.
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 & drink
Make sure you bring your lunch and plenty of drink for the duration of the walk (there are no shops en route).
Pace
Circa 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 permitted.
Post walk refreshments
The walk finishes at the Bottom Ship, venue for the Porlock Weirfest and where refreshments will be taken while enjoying the live music.
Check
Please check this website beforehand as sometimes walks have to be changed/ cancelled with little notice (albeit rarely).
St Dubricius Church, Porlock. Parking – may be possible in village streets, but otherwise (and more reliable) is the pay and display. From here we take the bus to Minehead, details to be confirmed later.
The walk starts from the Esplanade in Minehead, directly opposite the Hobby Horse Hotel. The meet point for those staying in Porlock is St. Dubricius Church, Porlock - see time below. We will then take the bus to Minehead and the start point.
