We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
This is a linear walk of a stretching section of the South West Coast Path, which also includes the highest point on the entire path at Great Hangman (318 metres) via Watermouth Castle, Combe Martin Bay and Heddon’s Mouth, before turning briefly inland to our planned end point at the Hunters Inn up the Heddon valley.
Travel Logistics
From Porlock’s meet point we have a 40 min drive (via shared transport) to drop vehicles at Hunters Inn) and then a 30 min drive on to our start point at Hele Bay on the SWCP. We begin our walk just above Hele, returning ultimately to Hunters Inn. Note: there is currently no timely public transport to complete this route – summer timetables may change this but is also likely to change the timings and extend the walk.
We will also explore a minibus option, but if unavailable will need volunteer drivers from Porlock (at an appropriate agreed cost for passengers) to ferry participants to our start point at Hele Bay. Sufficient vehicles drop off first at Hunters Inn (NT Car Park), before the rest take those drivers/passengers on to our start point. After completing the walk some will need to get drivers back to Hele Bay to pick up the remaining vehicles and return to Porlock.
Booking essential, priority given to Dorset 4050 members. Please use the link below to book your provisional place. You’ll receive confirmation of your place from Andy within ten days if not before.
Toilets
There are no public toilets except at Hunters Inn.
Parking
Free at Hunters Inn for NT members, free at Hele Bay
Fitness
All participants are responsible for their own health and fitness to undertake this walk / programme. We’re known for being one of the quicker-walking Dorset groups, our pace is reasonably brisk, with periodic drink stops. In addition, the Exmoor terrain is hilly and moderately challenging – please contact walk leaders if you have any doubts, as on rare occasions it’s been necessary to inform people they should not take part.
Food & drink
Make sure you bring enough snacks and drink to keep you going for the duration of the walk. We will stop en route to eat a packed lunch.
Pace
Circa 2.8 miles per hour.
Clothing
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
If we have time, a welcome stop in at the Hunter’s Inn, our planned endpoint – this will depend on the preferences of drivers to return to base in Porlock.
Porlock Village Hall Car Park 30 metres up the road from the Top Ship pub
Car Park above Hele Bay
