Archive for the 'West Somerset' Category

Camper-van visit to Bossington on the edge of Exmoor in West Somerset

Published
by
Rob
on December 16, 2008
in Bossington, Exmoor, Kitnor Tea Gardens, News from Rob Hopcott, Porlock, Porlock Bay, West Somerset, camper van, cup of tea, old village, piece of cake, sea, secluded tea gardens, shingle ridge, tea gardens, thatch and thatched cottages
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Olde Worlde Bossington village car park, Exmoor, West Somerset

Olde worlde Bossington village car park, Exmoor, West Somerset

When I want to visit the shingle ridge that borders Porlock Bay, I often park my camper-van in the old village of Bossington. It has a nice car park, some beautiful old thatched cottages and some splendid secluded tea gardens to get a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Kitnor tea rooms garden in Olde Worlde Bossington near Porlock, West Somerset

Kitnors Tea Gardens in olde worlde Bossington near Porlock, West Somerset

A short level walk takes me to Porlock shingle ridge and the Bristol Channel.

In the Summer, this is a wonderful spot where I love to amble slowly listening to the sounds of the birds and the sea in the distance.

Inside at the olde worlde Kitnors Tea Gardens, Bossington

Inside at the olde worlde Kitnors Tea Gardens, Bossington

If you are looking for a pleasant place to visit an old thatched village close to the Bristol Channel in your camper-van, Bossington old village could be for you but you might find the roads very narrow and challenging.

However, if you can find your way through the tiny roads, it is a charming place to visit.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online writer

Campervan visit to Selworthy village, Exmoor near Minehead, West Somerset

Published
by
Rob
on December 15, 2008
in Bury Castle, Exmoor, Ford Transit Campervan, Minehead, News from Rob Hopcott, Selworthy Beacon, Selworthy Combe, Selworthy Green, Selworthy Village, West Somerset, camper van, camper van conversion, campervan and campervans
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Selworthy overflow car park and a lovely suntrap in the Summer

Selworthy overflow car park and a lovely suntrap in the Summer

One of my favourite places to park up my campervan and take a stroll is amongst the thatched cottages of Selworthy Village on the Northern fringes of Exmoor near Minehead, West Somerset.

The overflow car park is an absolute sun trap in the Summer.

View towards Dunkery Beacon and Exmoor from above Selworthy Green near Minehead

View towards Dunkery Beacon and Exmoor from above Selworthy Green near Minehead

There are great views from the tiny lane that runs up the side of the hill over to Dunkery Beacon and Exmoor.

It’s a fantastic place from which to explore the wooded walks up the side of Selworthy Combe and onwards to Selworthy Beacon or to the Iron Age defended settlement Bury Castle.

Selworthy Green in Selworthy Village near Minehead, West Somerset

Selworthy Green in Selworthy Village near Minehead, West Somerset

Selworthy Green is a tranquil place to sit and contemplate the beautiful countryside or chat with a few friends and I have often enjoyed tea and cake at the Periwinkle Cottage tea rooms on the side of Selworthy Green.

The road up through the village to the parking places is quite tiny and might be quite challenging in some campervans. My Ford Transit camper van conversion made it reasonably easily, although it might be more difficult in the Summer with more people using the road.

Bye for now

Rob Hopcott - online writer

Inns with log fires are my favourite place to chat in West Somerset

Published
by
Rob
on December 11, 2008
in Dunster, Dunster by Candlelight, English Inns, Morris Men, Morris dancing, News from Rob Hopcott, Stags Head Dunster, UK, West Somerset, West Somerset Inns, chatting, conversation, inns, log fires, sociable evening, village inn and wood fire
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Log fire at Stags Head during Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset, Exmoor

Log fire at Stags Head during Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset, Exmoor

Inns with log fires or any other sort of open fire are my favourite places to spend a sociable evening chatting. Log fires seem to lend themselves to conversation because they are so alive. They spit bits of wood, they burn brightly, they need refilling with logs and easily promote conversation.

Last weekend, I was at Dunster by Candlelight which is a very popular late night shopping event in West Somerset, UK. It was very cold but dry. the Morris Men were dancing in the streets and there were lots of free street entertainers keeping the crowds happy when they weren’t shopping.

Eventually, we found ourselves at the far end of Dunster in West Street at the Stags Head Inn which had a lovely wood fire giving out just the right amount of heat. We stood for a while talking but then a couple who were sitting by the fire gave up their seats to us because they were leaving. The lady told us she was the Treasurer of Williton Social Club and we should visit them sometime, which was very nice. Getting into conversations with strangers seems more possible sitting around an open fire in a pleasant village inn.

Log fires are also very green these days too because, as the trees grow, they mop up carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which, when it is released by burning the logs, makes a sustainable renewable cycle providing heat and quite a lot of pleasure to those sitting by the log fire.

More about my favourite English Inns - and perhaps some more open log fires - soon.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author

Campervan chilly option in frosty weather at Dunster by Candlelight, West Somerset, Exmoor

Published
by
Rob
on December 11, 2008
in Christmas, Dunster High Street, Dunster Steep, Dunster by Candlelight, Exmoor, Exmoor village, News from Rob Hopcott, Olde Worlde village, Stags Head Inn, West Somerset, Williton Social Club, camper van, campervan and camping
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Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset - amazing stilt walking

Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset - amazing stilt walking

Brr, it was cold when I parked up last weekend on the old main road just past Dunster Steep in West Somerset to visit Dunster by Candlelight.

Fortunately, I was just using my camper-van for commuting to these late night shopping celebrations so I was able to sleep later on in a comfy bed instead of shivering by the side of the road, trying to keep myself warm through the night. There was ice on the road - it really wasn’t camping weather.

However, Dunster by Candlelight was great and is obviously extremely popular because Dunster High Street and all the shops in this Olde Worlde Exmoor village were packed, giving the Christmas event a really warm feeling.

Warm open fire at the Stags Head Inn at Dunster, west Somerset

Warm open fire at the Stags Head Inn at Dunster, West Somerset

There were folk musicians, carol singers, stilt walkers, Morris dancers, fire jugglers and all sorts of medieval type sideshows to enjoy.

People were friendly too and we even got a seat next to the open log fire at the Stags Head Inn where we stopped for a pint of Exmoor Ale and a glass of wine.

The lady who kindly gave up her seat to me - I think they were leaving, hopefully I don’t look that old yet - said we should visit the Williton Social Club where she is the Treasurer.

If they’ve got an open fire, I might give it a whirl sometime and, even if I don’t, it is always nice to be invited. It sounds like a friendly place :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online blogger and warm weather camper

Christmas folk musicians, folk music and Christmas carols at Dunster by Candlelight, West Somerset

Published
by
Rob
on December 10, 2008
in Christmas, Christmas carols, Christmas tunes, Dunster, Dunster by Candlelight, News from Rob Hopcott, West Somerset, West Somerset Morris men, carol, carol singers, folk, folk music, folk musicians, folk songs, stilt walkers and wood sculpting
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Folk musicians and carol singers at Dunster by Candlelight, Wesdt Somerset

Folk musicians and carol singers at Dunster by Candlelight, West Somerset

lk musicians and carol singers were playing and singing Christmas tunes and carols at Dunster by Candlelight which takes place the first Friday and Saturday in December each year and is a marvellous Christmas event and opportunity to late night shop.

Unfortunately, because I was with my family, I didn’t have my instruments with me, otherwise I would have joined in.

However, it was nice to be with all the other people just wandering around in the Dunster High Street, soaking up the Olde Worlde atmosphere in this old fashioned village with all its quaint shops and houses.

Stilt walkers at Dunster by Candlelight, West Somerset

Stilt walkers at Dunster by Candlelight, West Somerset

There were stilt walkers, the West Somerset Morris men, wood sculpting demonstrations, chestnut vendors and many street entertainments to enjoy.

I went for a drink at the Stags Head Inn, West Street, Dunster where there was a lovely open fire burning logs and got chatting to a couple who had been coming to Dunster by Candlelight for years and who had now moved down into West Somerset because they liked the area so much.

West Somerset Morris men at Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset

West Somerset Morris men at Dunster by Candlelight in West Somerset

Perhaps next year I’ll take my flute along and join in.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author and blogger

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Carol singers singing Christmas carols at Dunster by Candlelight 2008

Published
by
Rob
on December 9, 2008
in Christmas, Christmas carol, Christmas carols, Dunster, Dunster Carol, Dunster Christmas Carol, Dunster Yarn Market, Dunster by Candlelight, News from Rob Hopcott, UK, West Somerset, carol singers, carol singing and carols
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Dunster Yarn Market carol singing during Dunster by Candlelight 2008.

Dunster Yarn Market carol singing during Dunster by Candlelight 2008.

Christmas carols were being sung by carol singers in the Yarn Market during the ever popular Dunster by Candlelight celebrations last weekend in Dunster, West Somerset, UK. Dunster has its own Christmas carol called the Dunster Carol and it was great to hear it being sung again.

The carol singing sounded so good that I nearly joined in to sing a Christmas carol too - but that would have spoiled it for the other visitors :-)

The Yarn Market is one of the oldest landmarks in Dunster and dates from the 17th century when it was used to shelter traders who were selling cloth.

Standing in the Yarn Market with the singers and musicians and looking down a Dunster High Street that was packed with happy Christmas visitors and shoppers really made me feel that Christmas had arrived, despite the recession.

Dunster by Candlelight is a great festive Christmas event and I’ll certainly be back next year.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author

Porlock Weir - a small harbour, views across the shingle ridge to Bossington and a far too tempting pub with log fires in Winter

Published
by
Rob
on October 30, 2008
in Bossington, News from Rob Hopcott, Porlock Hill, Porlock Weir, South West Coastal Path, Travel, West Somerset, Worthy Toll Road, camper van, campervan, log fires, shingle ridge, small harbour, tourism and writing
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Porlock Harbour, West Somerset

Porlock Harbour, West Somerset

Porlock Weir is a lovely place to park my camper-van to do some writing.

It has a small harbour with boats going in and out whenever the tide allows.

The views across the shingle ridge towards Bossington are wonderful and there is a pub which often has log fires in Winter and a cosy atmosphere which is far too tempting during my lunch-break.

After a morning pounding the keyboard of my laptop, one of my favourite walks is up between the pub buildings to follow the coastal path along the bottom of the fields to the foot of Worthy Toll Road which provides an alternative route to get to the top of Porlock Hill.

Start to Worthy Toll Road, Porlock, West Somerset

Foot of the Worthy Toll Road, Porlock, West Somerset

Avoiding the Toll Road and taking the path to the right of the Toll House building up the hill brings you to some atmospheric tunnels in the woods.

Of course, in Winter, the log fire at the local pub and a fruit juice may prove too tempting by far …

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author

Interesting structures in the woods near to the foot of Worthy Toll Road.

Interesting structures in the woods near to the foot of Worthy Toll Road.

Allerford near Porlock - thatched cottages slumbering besides the River Aller and a Rural Life Museum

Published
by
Rob
on October 28, 2008
in Allerford, News from Rob Hopcott, Porlock, Primary School, River Aller, Travel, Victorian Schoolroom, West Somerset, West Somerset Photographic Archive, West Somerset Rural Life Museum, camper van, campervan, story, thatched cottages, tourism and writing
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Victorian school room at Allerford, Exmoor

Victorian school room at Allerford, Exmoor

Allerford near Porlock is a haven for thatched cottages which seem to slumber besides the River Aller and there is the West Somerset Rural Life Museum, the West Somerset Photographic Archive and an old Victorian Schoolroom all situated in the old thatched Allerford Primary School (1821 and 1981).

West Somerset Rural Life Museum, Allerford

West Somerset Rural Life Museum, Allerford

It’s like visiting a bygone age and ideal when I need to soak up some old-fashioned atmosphere to get me in the mood for a nice old rural short story.

The walks across the packhorse bridge on the network of zigzag paths up the hill are great too with options for circular routes galore, ideal for a lunch-break walk.

2008 opening times Allerford Victorian schoolhouse

2008 opening times Allerford Victorian schoolhouse

Phew, loading up the photos of the old schoolhouse are making me remember my school days. The school rooms didn’t look a lot different and the head mistress was very strict - yikes, I don’t want to think about those memories so I’ll finish this post,

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author

Blue Anchor in West Somerset by the Bristol Channel, sea fishermen and old steam trains.

Published
by
Rob
on October 27, 2008
in Blue Anchor, Blue Anchor Bay, Bristol Channel, News from Rob Hopcott, Travel, West Somerset, camper van, campervan, fishing, sea fishermen, steam trains, tourism, vegetarian, vegetarianism and writing
. 0 Comments
Blue Anchor in West Somerset with easy parking, Bristol Channel fishing and the occasional steam train.

Blue Anchor in West Somerset with easy parking, Bristol Channel fishing and the occasional steam train.

When I’m feeling nervous about my camper van’s ability to negotiate even a slight gradient (which is often), I pop down to Blue Anchor in West Somerset which is at sea level and mostly an easy drive from where I live.

There is usually lots of easy parking at Blue Anchor, except when there is a car boot sale in the field, and its fun to watch the fishermen if I get fed up pounding stories into my laptop.

In my lunchtime break, I can either go for a walk along the extensive beach (avoiding the mud) or pop along to see if there any steam trains going by on the west Somerset Railway.

Blue Anchor Bay, West Somerset

Blue Anchor Bay, West Somerset

I saw an angler  catch a fish the other day and felt quite sorry for it as it drowned in the clear Blue Anchor air. Perhaps I should have been a vegetarian after all, like my brother.

Fishing seems a very solitary activity - a bit like writing. Perhaps I should be friendly and go and chat to one one fishermen, one day, and maybe discuss vegetarianism … Or maybe not :-)

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author

A day in my campervan at County Gate on the Somerset and Devon border

Published
by
Rob
on October 24, 2008
in Bristol Channel, County Gate, Doone Valley, East Lyn River, Exford, Lynmouth, News from Rob Hopcott, North Devon, Porlock, South Wales, Travel, West Somerset, Wheddon Cross, camper van, campervan, campervan office and tourism
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County Gate car park on Exmoor

County Gate car park on Exmoor

I love spending a day in my campervan office at County Gate, between Porlock and Lynmouth, where there is a place to park on the border between West Somerset and North Devon with spectacular views of the Doone Valley and the East Lyn river on the one side and the Bristol Channel and South Wales on the other.

Sadly, the wonderful panoramic views come at a cost which is that County Gate is situated 1000 feet above sea level which is a long way for my old campervan to climb in first gear with a lot of frustrated drivers getting impatient behind me.

Optionally, I could go to County Gate via Wheddon Cross and Exford (or, horrors, pay to go up one of the two toll roads) but it is a long way to go just to sit and work so I usually avoid this wonderful location.

Perhaps one day fame and wealth will come my way together with a newer van that can better negotiate the notoriously steep Porlock Hill with its one in four dogleg bend.

However, occasionally, I brave an overheated engine and the horns of following traffic and am rewarded with the fantastic views and I hope you enjoy them.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - online author