THIS year’s annual Exmoor Perambulation takes place next Saturday (June 17) and there is still time to enter the event.
It involves a 31-mile walk round the original boundary of the Royal Hunting Forest of Exmoor, but a shorter route is also available.
The origins of the event can be traced back to the time of Edward I, and this year’s takes place on his birthday.
The perambulation is being organised and hosted by Channel Events - part of the Channel Group, which started in 2006 as a specialist provider of government-funded outdoor training and activities.
The route follows the boundary of the Royal Forest at the time of its sale in 1818.
It starts at Pinkery and takes in Brendon Two Gates, Black Barrow and Alderman’s Barrow, White Post and back to Pinkery.
“One great aspect of this event is that much of the route is accessible only with permission of the landowners concerned, so you’ll access parts of the national park not normally open to the public,” said a spokesman for Channel Events.
“Completing the full perambulation is a major achievement, but you also have a half-distance option which starts with the main event but ends at Picked Stones Lane, where you’ll be greeted with hot refreshments and a free mini bus service back to Pinkery
“Whichever version you choose - and you don’t have to make up your mind until the day of the event - training is highly recommended before you tackle the main event, but the reward is immersion in the natural environment, heritage and spectacular scenery of Exmoor National Park.”
Those who tackle the perambulation receive a specially-worded certificate which provides a description of the walk. It involves an early start of 6.15am from the Pinkery Centre.
Entry costs £25 per person £17.50 for under18s) and entrants can take part as individuals or in teams of up to six.
You can book your place on this year’s Exmoor Perambulation by visiting https://exmoornpblog. org/2017/04/24/get-set-for-the-exmoor-perambulation/