On Sunday 12 August join a National Trust ranger on a guided walk steeped with history and fantastic scenery to find out how the Victorian Entrepreneurs and Explorers shaped the North Devon coastline.
Marcus Wilde is one of the team of four full time rangers and a crew of dedicated volunteers who look after the Exmoor coast of Devon from County Gate to Lynmouth and from Woody Bay to Combe Martin. He will be your guide for the day on this 6-mile circular walk from Hunter’s Inn, Heddon Valley to Woody Bay and back.
Your walk will start by following the Victorian Carriageway, built in the 1800s by Colonel Benjamin Lake in his drive to connect Woody Bay to the Hunters Inn and bring tourists into the Heddon Valley. This track is flanked by sessile oaks and rare whitebeams and offers stunning views for you to take in as you listen to tales of times gone by and imagine what life would have been like for you as an entrepreneur enjoying a carriage ride in the 1900s.
On reaching the end of the Carriageway you will join a short section of road known locally as ‘Sir Roberts’s path’ after Sit Robert Throckmorton, who built Wooda Bay house, now Martinhoe manor, in 1859 before joining the South West Coast Path back to Heddon Valley. This section of path offers some of the most dramatic views in the area as well as the chance to spot seabirds.
Marcus will break up your journey by telling you about engineering projects and discoveries such as those of explorer James Hannington, who was the Curate at Martinhoe but in his spare time discovered coves, caves and other geological formations in the area.
Marcus said: ‘This is one of my favourite walks; there are some really great views and lots of interesting facts and stories about the area that I’m looking forward to sharing with those of you that come along.’
The walk is approximately 6 miles (10km long) and there are some steep climbs and uneven paths. You will need to bring stout footwear, a packed lunch and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. There are toilets at the beginning of the walk.
Marcus will meet you at 10am by the Heddon Valley shop and you will get back at approximately 3pm. Booking is essential for this event and there is a charge of £5.00 per adult. Please ring Heddon Valley shop on 01598 763 402 for more information or to book your place.
