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Exmoor – Sleepy Hamlets and Wild Moorland
Tour Ref EXM04
06/06/2008 - 09/06/2008
There are few places in England (some would say the world!) that have such a variety of beautiful, unspoilt scenery packed into such a relatively small space as Exmoor. The second smallest of England ’s National Parks, barely 267 square miles, it nevertheless possesses some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes to be found anywhere in the country. Exmoor’s splendour and stunning natural beauty leaves an indelible mark on its visitors.
Our journey will take us from Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge spanning the river Barle in the heart of the moor with some of the stones weighing over five tons, to the mysterious Valley of the Rocks, perched on the cliffs above Lynton & Lynmouth. The Exmoor coast is one of the most unspoilt and best-protected stretches of coastline in England and Wales. The Exmoor “hogs-back” cliffs are dramatic and awe-inspiring; they include the highest sea cliffs on the British mainland reaching a height of 318 meters at Great Hangman near Combe Martin.
The moor was home to the legendary nomadic group of brigands called the Doones, made famous by R D Blackmore’s novel “Lorna Doone”. Along the Doone Valley are the villages of Malmsmead. Oare and Brendon as well as the famous Robber Bridge. The many superb village locations, the varied wide-open vistas of Exmoor with its steep sided combes, fast flowing streams and ancient woodlands, not to mention its wildlife, are a photographers dream.
Basic geology of course plays its part. Exmoor’s relatively soft rocks have been worn down by the fast-flowing streams to form its characteristic steep-sided combes. But man has also played a significant role: hardly any part of the moor has escaped “improvement”, sometimes stretching back over thousands of years, and not just in the era of nineteenth-century high farming ushered in by the Simonsbath family. Designation as a National Park in 1954 has helped, fortunately, to protect the area from the damaging over-development that has to often been inflicted on other parts of England in the late-twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Peter’s vast knowledge of Exmoor will help you to identify the Moor’s changing moods, and also help you discover those magical compositions that so often elude us in unfamiliar places. The days are long in summer and you might need to be prepared to eat at irregular times. Walking boots are essential, as are waterproof & windproof clothing recommended.
In the evenings you will have the opportunity to view Peter’s work, together with constructive feedback on your own work. This tour is designed to appeal to all photographers whatever your ability level.
Our base is the famous Exmoor White Horse Inn, in the village of Exford, in the very heart of Exmoor National Park. The same family has run the Inn for the past eighteen years. There is a photographic gallery with wonderful images of Exmoor adorning the walls to entice you onto the Moor and encourage you to load that film or card, ready for the next day. By the way the name of the family running this establishment is
Hendrie. Home territory indeed!
Includes: Full board accommodation, transport during course and tuition
Excludes: Insurance
Prices:
Cost £685.00
(Discount for sharing - £00.00)
Deposit £150.00
Based in Exford
Book Your Place on the Light & Land Website (Click Here)
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More Information to Follow !
Please check back here at a later date for more information about various other courses and tours being guided by Peter.
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