HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TWO MOORS WAY Walking the highlights of Devon s coast to coast path

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1 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TWO MOORS WAY Walking the highlights of Devon s coast to coast path Tour Code: Holiday Duration: 6 nights HOLIDAY DATES 11th May th May 2019, 15th Jun st Jun th Jul nd Aug 2019, 21st Sept th Sept 2019 The Two Moors Way forms most of Devon s coast to coast trail. It winds its way from the southern edge of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the north coast. HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Walk in two different National Parks. Surround yourself in remote and beautiful countryside. Walk our favourite coast to coast sections in just five days.

2 Highlights of the Two Moors Way The Two Moors Way forms most of Devon's coast to coast trail. It winds its way from the southern edge of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the north coast. Our highlights holiday covers the entire path across Dartmoor and Exmoor in five manageable sections, staying in two centres with all transport included so you can enjoy the Devon countryside with just a day pack. It will strike anyone undertaking the walk how close the gentle landscape of southwest England's farms, woodland streams, white.washed pubs and thatched roofs are to the wild moorlands of heather and tussock grass. You'll pass through these contrasting landscapes which have inspired novels as diverse as the Hound of the Baskervilles, Tarka the Otter and Lorna Doone. It's also a walk through history as along the way we'll come across signs of Bronze Age settlements, weather- beaten Celtic crosses and the outlines of abandoned houses and villages. We start in Ivybridge with three full days on Dartmoor. Omitting the section across mid-devon which is outside either national park, we pick up the trail again in Hawkridge where it enters Exmoor. As we approach journey's end at Lynmouth we enjoy spectacular views as the cliffs fall sharply towards the sea. WHAT'S INCLUDED Half board en suite accommodation All transport necessary to and from the walks and transport to the second centre. HOLIDAY GRADE This is a Grade 5 moderate holiday which includes full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. Some walks will be less demanding but equally rewarding. See the Itinerary section for more information.

3 Proposed Itinerary Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice. Key to Meals: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner. Day: 1 - Moretonhampstead (D) Independent arrival at The White Hart Hotel, Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor. Check in is from 2pm. Day: 2 - Moretonhampstead (B,D) We start at Ivybridge until we reach Scorriton. Ivybridge is the official starting point for this coast to coast route. The old Redlake Railway is followed for 6 miles north, through barren and lonely moorland. The route then traverses open country, crossing the River Avon via a 19th century clapper bridge and continue until we reach Scorriton. About miles. Day: 3 - Moretonhampstead (B,D) Scorriton to Bennet's Cross. A picturesque part of the route, dropping through woodland and rising again above the Dart Valley. Keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies and Highland cattle on this stretch. About 12 miles. Day: 4 - Moretonhampstead / Exford (B,D) Bennet's Cross to Drewesteignton. We cross field paths and woodland tracks, pass ancient farmsteads on the way to Chagford Bridge, followed by an easy stretch, initially following the River Teign on its way to the spectacular Teign Gorge below Castle Drogo. The route then climbs along the top of the gorge with wonderful views and goodbye to Dartmoor. About 11 miles. Transport then takes us back to The White Hart Hotel to collect your luggage and cars if you arrived by car. If you arrived by public transport, we have arranged for transport to take you to The Exmoor White Horse Inn. If you arrived by car, please do not leave your car at The White Hart Hotel. Please transfer onto our second centre. Day: 5 - Exford (B,D) Hawkridge to Simonsbath. From the ridgetop settlement of Hawkridge the trail descends to cross the medieval clapper bridge across the Barle. An easy riverside path then leads the walker all the way to the pretty village of Withypool followed by a route following the Barle river valley. The trail passes through moorland and farmland with great views down to the idyllic Landacre Bridge. The scenery gets more dramatic as we approach the iron age hillfort Cow Castle. We then follow the river to the small moorland village of Simonsbath. About 12.5 miles. Day: 6 - Exford (B,D) Simonsbath to Lynmouth. The final section of the route crosses Exmoor's remotest and wildest country. This stage crosses the boundary of the Royal Forest, then passes historic Hoar Oak Cottage, built on the site of a medieval farmstead. This section enjoys wonderful views across the steep sided wooded valley of the East Lyn River as we approach Lynmouth. About 11 miles. Day: (B) Farewells and independent check out of the hotel by 11am. Optional Excursions A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way

4 by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions. Leaders Evening Briefing Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know. Personal Expenditure Budgeting for Extras When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is per person per day. Small Groups Group Size Coming from all walks of life your fellow travelling companions will share your desire to discover great things and have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy their infectious enthusiasm, camaraderie and great dinner conversation. Our maximum group size for guided walks between grade 5 and grade 8 is 18 persons. Tour Leaders Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.

5 Travel Details To reach the hotel... by car: Moretonhampstead is easily accessible by two major trunk roads. Follow the M5 westbound to the end of the motorway at Junction 31. Continue, and 3 miles further, the road divides into the A30 and A38. A30 - continue west following the signs to Okehampton until the Whiddon Down turnoff (approx 20 miles). Keep left and drive up through the village, past the services and at the roundabout turn left onto the A382 and continue south to Moretonhampstead (approx 8 miles). A38 - follow signs for Plymouth, bearing right after approx 2 miles where the dual carriageway splits to go to Torquay. Leave the dual carriageway at the junction for Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey using the right hand lane, and follow signs to go right to Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead. Go straight across the next two roundabouts, bypassing Bovey Tracey and continue straight on along the A382 northbound to Moretonhampstead (approx 12 miles). There is NO car parking at the hotel. The town has two car parks; one in Court Street and one in Station Road. A small hourly charge is made for parking and parking on Sunday is free of charge. There is some free, short term on road parking available, however we recommend you use the car parks to park by rail: There are major train stations at Newton Abbot and Exeter (both 12 miles from Moretonhampstead) and Plymouth (26 miles). National and regional trains run regularly to all three stations all year round. For information about train times and services see or call National Rail Enquiries on We recommend you pre-book a taxi to take you from the station to the hotel. You could try the following companies; Mooreland Taxis (North Bovey) R S Taxis (Chagford) Chagford Taxis (Chagford) by bus: The bus 'terminus' in Moretonhampstead is at Court Street car park, with bus stops at the top of Ford Street, Station Road and wherever you politely ask the driver to stop. A regular bus service runs between Exeter and Moretonhampstead via Steps Bridge (no. 359) at two hourly intervals on a Saturday. The journey is one hour. You may also wish to look at the following website for advice on the best way to travel to the accommodation;

6 The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find our hotels. Details can be found at: Please check the time of dinner on arrival at the hotel, and aim to be in the hotel bar half an hour before dinner (approximately 7pm) for an introduction to your Ramblers Walking Holidays tour leader, an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and the chance to meet your walking companions. Personal Details Check When confirming your booking, we provide you with a Personal Details Check form. This is to ensure that we have an accurate record of the information you have provided us such as your passport details (if relevant), date of birth and any other important detail necessary for us to properly manage your holiday arrangements. When you receive this, please check the details, complete any missing or pertinent information and return it to us as soon as possible.

7 Accommodation The White Hart Hotel The Square Newton Abbot TQ13 8NQ England Phone: Web: The first three nights of your holiday is based at the three star The White Hart Hotel. The hotel is a traditional old posting house at the centre of the small town of Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor. It dates back to 1639 and the historic Grade II listed building has been refurbished to provide all modern comforts within a traditional setting. There is a comfortable lounge with a log fire where you can relax with a drink, a cream tea, with the convenience of complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is in an ideal place for us to explore this beautiful area of Devon. The hotel has 20 well appointed bedrooms in the main hotel building and 8 bedrooms in a separate mews building. Breakfasts and dinners are taken in the hotel and the restaurant features seasonal and local produce. When you check out on day 4 of this holiday, please leave your luggage with the reception staff who will keep it safe until we collect it after our day's walking. Please note that there is no car park at the hotel (see more information in the travel section). Exmoor White Horse Inn Exmoor West Somerset TA24 7PY England Phone: Web: enquiries@exmoor-whitehorse.co.uk We stay at the three star Exmoor White Horse Inn for the final 3 nights of this holiday. At the very heart of Exmoor, next to the bridge over the River Exe, is the Exmoor White Horse Inn in Exford. It is a traditional 16th century building with classic period features and has been family owned for generations. You can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with rooms full of charm and character and delicious locally sourced meals served in their restaurant where you will have breakfasts and evening meals. The bedrooms each have their own style and you will stay in one of their Classic rooms either in the main building or the Lodge building. Free parking is available at the hotel. We stay on a half board basis, with the first meal being dinner on the day of arrival and the last meal, breakfast, on the day of departure. Picnic lunches are not included but can be purchased from the hotel or supplies can be purchased from local shops.

8 Footwear Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded rubber sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks. Kit List Water-to-Go An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays. Outdoor activities are always more enjoyable if you are prepared. The following list is a basic guideline that will enhance your experience. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. Trekking Poles Many of our clients find walking poles hugely beneficial when walking. They can both reduce stress on the knees and aid confidence. If you use them please make sure that you have the rubber tips covering the sharp metal points. There is increasing evidence that the bare metal tips are damaging footpaths both in the UK and abroad. A basic kit list is likely to include: - Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers - Lightweight, quick drying trousers - Several polo shirts, T-shirts or specialist walking shirts - Fleece jacket - Comfortable walking socks - Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate) - Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and high SPF sun block - Swimwear (if appropriate) - Day sack (25 litre capacity) to comfortably carry the kit you'll take out on your days activity- Strong polythene bags to keep the contents of your daypack dry - Water bottle(s) - at least 1 litre capacity - Basic first aid kit (plasters, blister treatment, antiseptic etc) - Insect repellent - Plastic container and reusable cutlery for your picnic lunches - Walking/trekking poles (if applicable) Maps, Guidebooks & Advice Maps and guidebooks relating to your holiday may be obtained before departure from: The Map Shop ( Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000) OL20 South Devon OL28 Dartmoor OL9 Exmoor

9 Health Further Travel Health Advice For further advice please visit: - The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at - The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at - The Foreign Office Office Travel Advice Website at - Or a local travel health clinic. No compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended. Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP. You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands. Personal Safety Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination. Cultural Awareness Responsible Travel We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website. Heart & Sole We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

10 Communication As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals. Mobile Phones Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements. Please do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements. Feedback We welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on independent review site 'Feefo'. Important Information Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel. Please note that any advertised offers, benefits or initiatives may be discontinued at any time. Contact Us Ramblers Walking Holidays - Tel: UK +44 (0) info@ramblersholidays.co.uk - Web: Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations team available to speak to you from: - 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday am to Midday on Saturdays am to 3pm on Saturdays in January & February only Please quote your Booking Reference number and Tour Code whenever contacting us. We wish you an enjoyable holiday!