HISTORIC churches, ancient history and sweeping countryside views will be waiting for walkers taking part in a new weekend event along the Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail.

The weekend, commencing on March 28, will see walkers visit nine churches and chapels, many remote and scattered across the glorious countryside of Exmoor.

There are five walks on offer at three levels: the 29 mile complete Trail (challenging), two 15 mile half-circuits, east and west, making up the complete Pilgrim’s Trail (each moderate/demanding) and two shorter circular walks.

The eight mile walk visits Lynch Chapel of Ease and Selworthy Church and the seven mile walk visits Porlock Weir's Tin Tabernacle and Culbone Church (both easy).

Culbone Church is thought to be the smallest parish church in England.

Other churches include: Oare, Tivington, Selworthy, Lynch Chapel, in West Lynch, St Dubricius, in Porlock, and Porlock Weir Tabernacle, each offering historical anecdotes for visitors.

The routes follow paths which have been walked and ridden by clergy and parishioners for hundreds of years.

The weekend is being promoted by Porlock Parish Council, Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail, and the Exmoor National Park partnership fund as part of efforts to boost the number of people visiting the area.

The trail was launched in 2022 as a not-for-profit initiative with any money made from the sale of guidebooks and digital versions shared across the Porlock benefice.

The cost of the weekend is £15 per person – to include all walks and a complimentary copy of the Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail guidebook which can be stamped at each of the historic churches and chapels as a memento of the adventure.

The Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail is an opportunity to experience early spring in a wild and untouched landscape.

For more information, contact: [email protected]