Our next walk will be in sunny Devon and is organised by Mike Chapman (that's him, the distinguished gentleman on the right). It's in his back yard so we shouldn't get lost.(In case of need ring him on 01395 225281) And also he promises there will be only "low hills", so those who moaned about the Mendips can rest easy this time.

Meet: 10.00am at 'Woodbury Castle' car park. (Grid reference for car park is 032873: O S 1330 Sidmouth, O S Explorer 115 Exmouth & Sidmouth)

Directions from M5:
Turn off at junction 30 signposted Exmouth A376 and Seaton/Sidmouth (A3052). Go straight across the next roundabout and head for Seaton/Sidmouth on the A3052.
A long straight road, you will pass such landmarks as the Westpoint Showground and Crealy Adventure Park. After approx 4½ miles you will come to a pub on the left hand side called Halfway House. Take the turning right signposted Exmouth (B3180).

After approx 2 miles you will see a large prominent wood (Photo 1). This is known as 'Woodbury Castle' and is in fact an iron age fort. The road will wind through the wood and, after a sharp left hand bend, you will arrive at the car park on the right hand side (Photo 2). One of us will be stood here to wave you in. It is a large car park with panoramic views across the River Exe to the sea at Exmouth/Dawlish and across Haldon Hills to Dartmoor. A delightful place to park. There should be a snack van there........

Directions from A30 East to West:
Bypass Honiton. You will find the turn off for Exmouth (B3180) after approx 6 miles. Just follow this road for about 4 miles and you will find the Halfway House Inn. From there follow instructions as above.

Directions from A3052 Lyme Regis/Seaton:
The Halfway House Inn is approx 2½ miles past the village of Newton Poppleford.

The walk itself:
Woodbury Common is a large area of heathland that borders the north-east fringe of Exmouth. It affords excellent rolling countryside with well defined bridleways and paths that will be highly suitable for the pack (Photos 3 & 4). The northern part of the common is mainly open with wide and distant views to the Jurassic Coast and sea (Photo 5). The southern area is mainly wooded, again with excellent tracks. There are no sheep to worry about and only the odd minor gradient to not even worry about.

The plan is to circumnavigate both areas with a walk of 5-6 miles that should take approx 3½ hours. It will be easy enough at all times for anyone with young or older hounds (to say nothing of their owners) to cut off and head back to the start.

See you there (please let me know).

Photo 4

Photo 5: see the sea?