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400 Exmoor Explorer
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PLEASE NOTE THIS SERVICE COMMENCES ON SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2008
“Take to the road on this unique journey through Exmoor on a vintage open top bus”
Hop on board, then step back in time, on this unique open top heritage bus, complete with conductor, that takes you on a 30 mile journey through the most beautiful scenery in Somerset. What better way to experience breathtaking Exmoor with its pretty villages, heather clad moors, deep valleys and dramatic coastline on board a vintage double-decker? (please note that single or double-deck closed top buses will be substituted in inclement weather)
Fares-valid for one complete round trip on day of purchase.
Adult £6
Child (5-16 years) & Senior Citizens £3
Family Ticket (up to 2 adults & 2 children) £12
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Pass Holders travel Free
Click here for Quantock Motor Services web site
Click here to view the Service 400 timetable & operating dates
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Minehead
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Your round trip begins and ends in Minehead, the Gateway to Exmoor. The popular holiday resort has a superb setting between the Exmoor National Park and the coast. The town is sheltered by North Hill on which stands the beautiful church of St Michaels within one of the older parts of town where thatched cottages and narrow alleyways survive. The historic harbour is home to cosy cottages and the old stone pier is the landing stage for Bristol Channel cruises.
Minehead Tourist Information Tel:01643 702624 info@mineheadtic.co.uk
The service starts from the Promenade at Minehead and then takes up where the West Somerset Railway leaves off. Why not combine your journey with a vintage steam train ride, completing a nostalgic double. Details of trains are available from West Somerset Railway on 01643 704996
Click here for the West Somerset Railway web site
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Dunster
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Passing Conygar Tower erected in the 18th Century you will enter Dunster, commonly referred to as The Jewel of Exmoor. Dunster Castle dominates the landscape, mentioned in the Doomsday book and home to the Luttrell family for 600 years it is now in the care of the National Trust and is well worth a visit. The beautiful village was built around the wealth brought in by the woollen industry and, as well as the famous Yarn Market built in 1609 (pictured), boasts an old packhorse bridge, thatched cob cottages, medieval dovecot, tithe barn and working watermill.
Dunster Visitor Centre Tel:01643 821835
npcdunster@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Click here for the Dunster Castle web page
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Timberscombe & Wheddon Cross
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Following into the Avill valley to Timberscombe and Wheddon Cross, which grew around the important crossroads. Wheddon Cross is the highest village on Exmoor at 980 feet above sea level, and Dunkery Beacon (the highest point in Somerset) is approximately 2.5 miles away, the views from here are stunning, taking in Porlock Bay and down into the Valley of the River Exe, it is well worth the walk. |
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Exford & Porlock Hill
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The next stop is Exford, one of the most picturesque Exmoor villages nestling beside the river Exe. There are shops, tearooms and the ancient church of St Mary’s with its medieval cross and beautiful screen.
A highlight of the 400 Route is descending the famed Porlock Hill into the village of Porlock itself. The road on the hill drops approximately 400 meters in under 2 miles with a gradient of 1 in 4 and hairpin bends.
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Porlock
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Porlock was once the home to the transportation of wool from the moor land sheep, and many of the houses here date back to the 16th and 17th Centuries, when this trade prospered. Some date back further to the 12th and 13th centuries including the Church of St Dubricius, which legend has it, had the top of its spire snapped off by a giant!
Porlock Tourist Information Centre Tel:01643 863150
Porlockci@somerset.gov.uk
Click here for the Porlock web site
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Allerford & Selworthy
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The route continues back to Minehead, past the villages of Allerford and Selworthy on the left. Allerford boasts a much-photographed Packhorse Bridge, which allowed wool-laden mules, donkeys or horses to traverse the River Aller, it is said to be from the 18th Century.
Selworthy is famed for its lime-washed Church and thatched cottages that were built for the retired workers of the Holnicote Estate.
The Route terminates in Minehead, the end to a super journey on board the 400 Exmoor Explorer.
Click here for the Holnicote Estate web page
PLEASE NOTE THIS SERVICE COMMENCES ON SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2008 |
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