Doone Valley River Walk
Tuesday 25 August
12:30 – 4pm
Meet at: Lorna Doone Valley car park grid ref SS791, 478
Join East Quay and Queer Nature Club South West for a late-summer walk through the beautiful Doone Valley, following Badgworthy Water through the heart of Exmoor and ‘Doone Country’. The walk will be led by East Quay Curator and Wild Swimming writer and guide George Harwood Smith, alongside artist and Queer Nature Club founder Daniel Baker-Wells.
Who is it for?
This walk is for the LGBTQIA+ community, friends and allies, and anyone interested in exploring and connecting with nature through a ‘queer’ perspective.
About the walk
Situated in the heart of Exmoor National Park, the Doone Valley is closely associated with R.D. Blackmore’s famous novel Lorna Doone.
We’ll walk through a beautiful and atmospheric landscape of ancient oak trees and mossy temperate rainforest, following the river past bubbling pools and on towards the ruins of a medieval village.
Along the way, we’ll learn about the valley’s birdlife, trees, wildlife and landscape. We’ll also stop at some lovely river swimming spots, with the option to take a dip for anyone who fancies it.
We’ll finish back at The Buttery Café & Riverside Gardens in Malmsmead for tea and cake.
Travel & parking
Please note: the meeting point is only accessible by car. Parking is available at the National Trust car park in Malmsmead. If you would like to join but don’t have access to a car, please let us know and we can explore possible travel options.
Accessibility & terrain
Accessibility is at the heart of what we do, and the majority of Queer Nature Club events & activities are fully wheelchair accessible but we are also programming some walks in nature for those who would like to explore a longer route together.
The walk is approximately 5 miles long, following well-used paths, and covers a mixture of grassy, rocky and moderately hilly terrain.
Unfortunately, the route is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
If you have any questions about whether the walk will be suitable for you, please get in touch before the event.
What to bring
Please come prepared for changeable Exmoor weather. We recommend bringing:
- Appropriate walking shoes or walking boots
- A bottle of water
- Snacks
- A waterproof jacket
- A warm layer
- Swimwear and a towel if you’d like to swim
Age
This event is for adults aged 18+.
Young people aged 16–17 are also welcome when accompanied by an adult aged 18+.
Questions & access
If you have any questions about access, travel, the walk, swimming or anything else, please get in touch with Lottie:
lottie@containsart.co.uk