Go (almost) COMPLETELY off-grid in Exmoor
6 people attending
29 places left
Our base for this (semi-)off-grid weekend is in a valley well into Exmoor National Park. Originally built as an upland farmhouse the hostel building has been extended to include 9 partially en-suite bedrooms (one of the bedrooms is fully accessible).
We will be situated deep in the heart of Europe's first Dark Sky Reserve, at the headwaters of the River Barle and provides immediate access to Exmoor and the Chains Barrow, which will be our hiking destination. The Chains is a vast expanse of moorland, reaching a respectable 487 metres in altitude and is the source of the Rivers Exe, West Lyn and Barle. Bleak, boggy and completely trackless we will need to take care; Trail Magazine advises to use GPX "in combination with judgment and a paper map"!! Additionally, waterproofs are recommended as the weather can change quickly on the moors (even in July!!).
The weekend plans are:
- Friday - plan on arriving after 15:00, find a bed, get settled in and enjoy the traditional OutdoorLads Friday buffet. Please bring something to serve 2 or 3; perhaps you have a favourite homemade dish or something memorable from when you were growing up.
- Saturday - after breakfast we will venture into the moor, exploring the Chains, on this almost 17km hike.
- On this trek we will take in Wood Barrow (480m) and Furzehill Common, along the banks of Hoar Oak Water before summitting Chains Barrow itself, at 487m.
- For the really adventurous (and if one-way driving can be arranged) there could be the Somerset 3 Peaks Hiking Challenge!
- This 24km linear hike leaves from the Dunkery Beacon car park, summitting Dunkery Beacon (519m), then a short bimble to Great Rowbarrow (510m) then the long stretch across Exford Common, The Warren and Dure Down before heading up Chains Barrow (487m) and back to Pinkery.
- After returning to the hostel get ready for a hearty barbecue in the garden!
- All dietary requirements will be catered to so no need to worry about that!
- After returning to the hostel get ready for a hearty barbecue in the garden!
- This 24km linear hike leaves from the Dunkery Beacon car park, summitting Dunkery Beacon (519m), then a short bimble to Great Rowbarrow (510m) then the long stretch across Exford Common, The Warren and Dure Down before heading up Chains Barrow (487m) and back to Pinkery.
- Sunday - As we need to vacate the hostel by 10.00, breakfast will be "quick and easy". Depending on how we all feel there may be another short walk; if not we will all pitch in, clean up the hostel and then we are free to head our separate ways.
And as usual we have this Telegram chat group set up! Additionally I have set up this carpool page to arrange sharing transport.
Dogs: Dogs are able to accompany you on this event, but they must stay only in the hard floored areas, are not allowed on the sofas or in any of the bedrooms. Owners are responsible if damage is caused dogs. There is no additional charge, however a maximum of four dogs is permitted, so please book with the office on support@outdoorlads.com
OUTDOORLADS FOUNDATION Fancy coming along but having a difficult time of it (for whatever reason), and/or finding it hard to justify the expense? Apply for a place on this event through the OutdoorLads Foundation! Nobody apart from staff members will know and we don't need lots of financial info from you either. To apply through the Foundation, you'll need to complete a very short form, which can be found along with more information here.
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
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What to bring
Summer hiking kit is recommended. Standard bedding is provided.
Should you need any of the items below, remember that ODL members get discounts at Cotswold Outdoors, Snow + Rock and Berghaus
Boots: All hikes should be suitable for both hiking boots and mid-ankle hiking shoes. Waterproof and breathable are the best options (Craghoppers Mens Kiwi Light and Abbeydale Mid are good entry-level options from Cotswold).
Socks: Merino wool socks provide the best moisture-wicking and Craghoppers provide a number of affordable "quick-dry" options.
Gaiters: Gaiters can be an essential piece of kit in boggy, wet conditions, but they shouldn't be needed for this weekend.
Walking Trousers: Both Craghoppers and Jack Wolfskin make several styles of affordable walking trousers. The best pair would have a large map pocket, as well as other zippable pockets and should be water-repellent.
Waterproof Trousers: As above, Craghoppers, Jack Wolfskin and Mountain Warehouse all stock an excellent selection of waterproof trousers.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top, as cotton t-shirts can become damp and uncomfortable.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top can sometimes be good. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
Waterproof Jacket: Good waterproof jackets can range from £30 to over £300! At a minimum, the jacket should have fully taped seams, an adjustable hem, elastic cuffs and at least 1 inside pocket.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. A wide brimmed model provides sun protection for the back of your neck and ears!
Rucksack: For day walks a 20-30 litre capacity rucksack should be sufficient for carrying the essentials. Ideally it should have padded waist straps, several outside pockets and a rain cover.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area - I like to use the Ordinance Survey 09, as it is the best for the area. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Food & drink
All dietary requirements will be catered for; once everyone has signed up I will work on the menu for the weekend!
Friday night buffet: Please bring one item for the buffet that can be shared easily. There are no grocery stores in the immediate vicinity - the closest is the Tesco Superstore in Barnstaple. Coming from the south there is a Sainsburys in South Molton and from the northeast a Tesco Superstore in Minehead. If you are unsure what others are thinking of bringing, then please use the comments section below or the Telegram channel.
Saturday breakfast is of course included in the cost of the event and will be something the likes of buttermilk pancakes, chocolate brioche eggy bread or bbq pulled pork hash, as well as cereal, oatmeal, bacon, sausage and juices.
Saturday lunch: You will need to bring lunch from the hostel and there are no pubs in the area.
Saturday dinner: Included in the event cost this will be a full-blown barbecue!
Sunday breakfast: Included in the event cost, but as we need to vacate by 10.00 breakfast may be something quick and simple to allow plenty of time to clean up.
Tea and coffee, included in the event cost, will be available throughout the weekend
Bring along any other drinks you want for the weekend.