오아레 최고의 워킹 & 하이킹 경로

County Gate is located on the A39 atop a high ridge overlooking Bristol Bay to the north and the East Lyn Valley to the south. Its name derives from its position on the boundary between the counties of Somerset and Devon. When Martha and I first visited County Gate in 2001, there was a small tourist office staffed by a person brimming with information about the region. He gave us directions for walking to a nearby first-century AD Roman fortlet, which overlooks Bristol Bay and, beyond it, Wales on the far shore. On our most recent visit, in 2011, the tourist office was no longer open, but there were helpful information signs. From the small parking lot, a trail leads north, descending the hillside to the South West Coast Path, and another trail heads downhill to the south to meet the Coleridge Way.

Really nice highlight not to miss

Lovely collection of small waterfalls. Just watch the trail as it's quite steep and slippy in places.

The path crossing over a small stream.

This valley is offering a special microclimate, much milder and without the heavy winds of the open planes. plants are growing here which only a few hundred yards away have not succeeded to survive. Even rhododendron is growing in big bushes. if someone wanted to live in Exmoor this valley would be a perfect hideaway. No surprise that apparently there was apparently an ancient settlement. Remains however are rather scattered.

along old mossy trees

view towards east

Sat on the border between Devon and Somerset, a lovely warm fire and a friendly welcome await you as you enter, with choices for hot and cold items from the menu, or a refreshing drink. A wonderful little stopping point with free car parking nearby.