THE National Trust team at Lorna Doone Valley are hosting a Walking Weekend allowing people to explore the Exmoor landscape on September 14-15.

This weekend gives visitors the chance to discover the multitude of footpaths and varied scenery around the Doone Valley, from open moorland to rugged sea cliffs and ancient woodlands.

Walks will be led by National Trust volunteers and groups including the North Devon Ramblers and Wild About Exmoor. 

James Adams, programming and partnerships Officer at Lorna Doone, said: “The ‘Walking Weekend’ is being hosted to allow visitors to explore the stunning wild Exmoor landscape with others in expertly curated guided walks, giving people the confidence to try routes they might not otherwise. It can be difficult choosing the best route and having the confidence to explore the rugged landscape of Exmoor on your own.

“The routes selected have been curated to showcase the most dramatic and picturesque scenery in the Doone Valley and Exmoor, which we are excited to share with visitors.”

For those who prefer to explore on their own time, several self-led walks starting from Lorna Doone car park have been created. With gentle walks lasting about one hour along Badgworthy Water, to longer, more challenging walks taking place in Foreland Point and the South West Coastal Path. Copies of these walks can be found on the Lorna Doone Valley website and printed copies are available from the Welcome Team at Lorna Doone. 

As well as fantastic walks at Lorna Doone Valley, the Buttery Tearoom, (not National Trust), is on-site serving light lunches, hot and cold drinks and cream teas. The valley is also home to Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts, a shop selling artwork, trinkets, and gifts. The valley has also benefited from a new wild play area with a climbing frame, tunnels, and a hidden den. 

The Walking Weekend starts at 10am on Saturday, September 14, until 5pm on Sunday, September 15, at Lorna Doone Valley.

The valley is open daily with access to the garden and play area throughout the year. For more information and to plan your trip, visit this website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lorna-doone-valley.