VISITORS to Exmoor are being offered an opportunity next week to walk in the footsteps of one of the national park’s most renowned writers, Hope Bourne.

Hope, who was known as the ‘Lady of Exmoor, also made a name as an artist as she lived a reclusive life in a remote caravan outside Withypool fending for herself.

She spent half a lifetime living off the land and painting and writing about the landscape and nature of the moors - and writing a weekly column for the Free Press.

Hope died in 2010 just a few days before her 92nd birthday, leaving her estate to the Exmoor Society, of which she was a longstanding member.

She had five books published about Exmoor and became a nationally known figure through a number of television documentaries.

The society celebrated the centenary of Hope’s birth in 2018 by publishing a short anthology of her lesser-known writings.

Now, society trustee Lisa Eden will lead a walk in the footsteps of Hope on Tuesday (April 22) taking in some of her favourite views and learning more about her remarkable life on Exmoor.

Ms Eden oversees the society’s archive and works closely with the Hope Bourne collection and will share with the walkers some fascinating stories about Hope.

She said: “This is a moderate walk with some rough parts underfoot, and steep in places, possible extension on to Withypool Hill if the weather and time allows, followed by optional refreshments in Withypool Tea Rooms or the Royal Oak pub.”

Ms Eden said dogs on a lead and children were welcome to join the walk, which will set off from Withypool car park, near the bridge, at 10.30 am and should take about an hour-and-a-half.

Anybody who wants more information about the event should call 01398 323335 or email to [email protected].