Exmoor wild camp

The road from Dulverton over the moor

Andy had always wanted to do it. To cycle the 167 km from Congresbury to Woolacombe, meet the family there and get a lift back. Matt had a desire to wild camp. 3 years later we combined their dreams into a reality.

Time for reflection as we ride across the Somerset Levels

We set off after lunch on in early July ‘22. It was forecasted a hot weekend, clear skies and no sign of rain. Ideal to trial wild camping. A few miles from home I had a mechanical. My chain came off. But looking down it was clear, the front chainring was all bent, the securing bolt was gone. A quick phonecall to home for spares, and a repair on the Strawberry Line had us back on the road heading for the Levels.

Peaceful setting after a stressful field find

Fantastic hospitality at The Monkton, hearty food and a few ciders later we pressed on through Taunton. As we began our climb up onto the hills of West Somerset, it was time to find a field. Arable field after arable field passed by as dusk approached.

Riding into Langford Budville, with an open gate, a newly mown grass field caught my eye. The local church presiding over us, we pitched our tents and bivvy. If only I had pitched the new tent in the garden! A few failed attempts later, we settled in to a peaceful night.

Wild horses power us over Exmoor

A porridge filled early start before the heat kicked in. We head west rolling over the Somerset hills, climbing out of steep valleys. Dulverton provides a welcome bacon butty stop as its unique character makes me promise myself to return another day.

We climb up and over Exmoor. I slow the others up stopping to take photographs at every corner. The stunning scenery unfolds and inspiration flows. Enough for a large series of paintings… Life in the Hills.

We eventually descend into Barnstaple in the heat of the day, stop for ice creams and plenty of fluids. In the high temperature, the accumulated climb is taking its toll.

One more push over the top to Braunton and Georgeham. Exhaustion is balanced by awe at the scenery. Rolling farmland, meadows and cut crop fields eventually drop away as we finally see a glimpse of the Atlantic.

A quick pint before a final freewheel down to Putsborough beach, cooling swim and catch up with the family. What a great idea, and we conclude where next?

Myself, Matt and Andy make it to Putsborough Beach.

If you would like to follow our route have a look at my Komoot pages.