Cornwall, Devon, Somerset

Described as “A breathtaking walk, first through inspiring scenery from high above the coast, then dropping to a romantic ramble through picturesque Lorna Doone country to the church used in the filming of her eventful wedding day.” See PiP (last photo) Enjoy full screen and the weekend.

The medieval church of St Mary stands in a lovely rural setting in the Exmoor hamlet of Oare, Somerset , in the heart of what is now known as the Doone Valley, east of Lynton, Devon Oare Church draws visitors from across the world, drawn by its links to the popular 19th-century novel Lorna Doone, by RD Blackmore. It was here that the novel's heroine, the eponymous Lorna, was shot at the altar during her wedding to the novel's hero, John Ridd.

We are here at the West Somerset Railway station at Minehead looking at the GWR-inspired Mogul No 9351 which part of the WSR stock of locomotives. A 2-6-0 tender engine built in 1934. Its real colour is green but the wheels and front smokebox are black with a red front nameplate. Enjoy full screen.

After spending time in both Lynmouth and its upper Valley of the Rocks we head back to the village of Porlock over its famous hill. As we do, we take time on our way up to take a walk around here. As can be seen, a splendid place to rest a while too. In the distance we see Lynmouth at the water’s edge with its sister village of Lynton above and the Valley of The Rocks hidden behind the wooded bowl-shaped hill Enjoy full screen. Have a great day.

Taken just off Porlock Marsh between Minehead and Porlock Weir in Somerset. “A groyne is a shore protection structure built perpendicular to the shoreline of the coast, over the beach and into the shoreface to reduce longshore drift and trap sediments.” Have a good weekend.

A prettier location can hardly be found for a ford such as this. We have just crossed the old bridge here over Oare Water and now we follow the wooded Doone Valley. (PiP) Enjoy full screen.

Another capture from along this trail as we make our way up river. Described as a charming romantic ramble, who am I to doubt that? See Pip for previous picture taken just a few hundred yards before this scene along the left hand side of the bridge down river. Christmas Wishes.

Walking around Minehead nowadays must be quite different fro what it was some years back. This harbour has been here since 1380. Privateers based at Minehead were involved in the war with Spain and France during 1625–1630 and again during the War of the Spanish Succession from 1702–1713. In the background here we see the white roof of the Butlin’s Holiday resort. HWW, have a great day.

Take in the sea air here on Porlock hill, overlooking Lynton and Lynmouth. Another from my recent Somerset trip, that I just had to share. See below for another shared bench with the same view a little lower down the hill. Enjoy full screen.

Minehead, Somerset and the WSR terminus station. The start and end point for an exciting steam railway trip. These carriages are full to the brim with excited tourist, camera's at the ready but some are seated at dressed tables ready for a special afternoon tea. See adjacent photo for another look. Best full screen.