03/25/2004 Entry: "Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival 2004"

Walking and Cycling in Devon
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival, now in its fourth year, is being enlarged to include a cycling programme. So the 2004 festival (April 30 - May 3) offers more opportunities to explore the varied scenery - dramatic coastline, tranquil countryside, and the wild expanse of Exmoor National Park.

The walking and cycling festival runs parallel with local food and drink celebrations, including the Ilfracombe Beer Festival.

There is a range of walks and rides to suit all capabilities. The programme of guided walks includes a day on Lundy Island; a red deer search at dusk, with an Exmoor National Park Ranger; and a walk through some of the 3,000 hectares designated by UNESCO as Britain's only World Biosphere Reserve.

There is a choice of 11 self-guided circular cycle rides, and two guided rides: one, described as "extreme", taking an off-road course over Exmoor; the other a gentler family ride along the Tarka Trail (named after Henry Williamson's locally-based book about an otter).

For a copy of the festival brochure, call West Country Walks on 01271 8833131.

Websites: www.walkcyclenorthdevon.co.uk
www.northdevon.com