TWO group walks are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Two Moors Way, which links the Exmoor coast to the shores of South Devon.

The 117-mile, cross-county coast to coast route includes three stages covering 25 miles across Exmoor National Park.

Thousands of walkers and ramblers have enjoyed its stunning scenery since it was opened in 1976.

Now, the Two Moors Way Association is organising walks on March 28 and April 11 to reflect on the past 50 years.

The first will start at 10 am from Lynmouth Car Park, off Countisbury Hill, and cover 11 miles with visits to the Valley of Rocks, Six Acre Cross, New Mill, Manor Farm, Sparhanger Cross, and Cheriton, before returning using Smallcombe Bridge, Hillsford Bridge, Myrtleberry Cleave, and Lyn Cleave, reaching Lynmouth by 4 pm.

Two halves of an inscribed granite boulder sit facing each other on the edges of Dartmoor and Exmoor in memory of Joe Turner, whose brainchild the Two Moors Way was.
Two halves of an inscribed granite boulder sit facing each other on the edges of Dartmoor and Exmoor in memory of Joe Turner, whose brainchild the Two Moors Way was. (Two Moors Way Association)

The April event will see walkers meet at 10.30 am in Simonsbath’s car park for an 11-mile walk over much of the same route, ending at 3.30 pm.

A spokesperson said: “The walks are strenuous in places with some steep ascents and descents.

“To book onto any of the walks please email [email protected] .”

The Two Moors Way Association is an entirely voluntary-run organisation with a small committee seeking to support the path and working closely with Dartmoor and Exmoor national park authorities and Devon County Council, which are ultimately responsible for maintaining the route.

The three Exmoor sections are from Lynmouth to Simonsbath to Withypool to Hawkridge with a crossing of the River Barle via the historic clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, and taking in the remotest and wildest part of the moors, The Chains, where the River Exe rises.

Although the whole of the route is waymarked, walkers are advised that in some of the remote areas they should carry and be able to use a map and compass.