Pubs - 2
Geocaches - 5
We learn a couple of things about this part of the world. Exmoor appears to have it's own micro climate. We left our Porlock apartment bathed in blue skies to arrive at Lorna Doone farm in thick, wet flog.
But what an adventure getting there! Road, the width, windiness and steepness I have never before experienced. And if a BMW X5 is 1968mm wide, then Robber's Bridge is exactly 2m. It may look a pretty pack horse bridge from the picnic area, but its frankly terrifying when your wife is out in the rain - giving you confident hand signals that betray the grimace on her face.
Park up, decide the 8 miles in the fog will be no fun and head back. Taking different roads.
We can complete a nice little walk between the two Good Beer Guide Pubs in the area.
The Top Ship Inn, Porlock, High Street - Exmoor Ales, Otter Ales
This was our base for both holidays in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and this year. We were keen to come back to a 13th Century thatched pub, renown for its food and beer.
Thankfully, it was exactly as we remember it.
Multi Building Pub - C13th at its oldest |
What's on at the Top Ship |
Nothing could be simpler than the walk down to Porlock Weir. We followed the quiet road on the way down. Spent a bit of time investigating the Weir and the handful of geocaches on offer. We found a more interesting route back, following an excellent brideway through the woods.
Only photos required to tell a story.
Gloomy Views over Porlock |
Striding Purposely through West Porlock |
To the Weir |
Photo needed for an Earth Cache |
Views from Porlcok Weir |
Slightly elevated views from the Woodland |
The Bottom Ship, Porlock Weir
The Bottom Ship - Just as impressive |
They also have a beer festival - WeirFest - and run a shuttle bus between the two locations for those real alers not into their walking.
We arrived at 10am on a Sunday morning and although tempted by the fine selection of LocALEs, it was a cup of tea for me a coffee for Mrs Mappiman.
I am not that much of a beast.
Can you believe I chose tea over this. |
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