Ride 7 in the Exmoor on Horseback series. Print

Waypoint 1
"1 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Challacombe and Paracombe, Ride 8 in the Exmoor on Horseback series. Approx. 21km (13 miles). Route described clockwise, from car park at Breakneck Hole on the B3358 (GR716410). Other good starting points, car park between Higher Bodley and Killington Cross just north of Parracombe (GR669457) or car park south west of Parracombe at Rowley Cross (GR665441). From parking area ride short distance east on B3358 to where bridleway (BW) crosses road. Turn right, going south. Follow track uphill.


Waypoint 2
"2 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

At T junction turn right and follow BW towards Challacombe. Keep parallel to wall on your right and then go diagonally downhill to the right to join a track.


Waypoint 3
"3 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Follow track to road. Turn left (Right turn for pub stop at Black Venus pub in Challacombe). Take next turn right to Barton Town.


Waypoint 4
"4 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Just beyond church, turn right on BW leading to Withycombe Gate. Go along a grassy track between barns, through first field to gate, keep hedge on left after gate and ride alongside hedge. In next field follow wide grassy lane down to the right to the road (B3358).


Waypoint 5
"5 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

At road, turn left and immediately right up lane signed to Withycombe Farm. Where the lane bends sharp left, ride straight ahead up through fields, and on reaching moor, follow a grassy track straight on over the moor to gate onto lane. Follow lane which becomes tarmac road.


Waypoint 6
"6 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

The lane to left at 6 is signed BW to Parracombe. If not visiting village, carry on and take first turn right in approx 200 yds and follow road downhill towards main road at Martinhoe Cross.


Waypoint 7
"7 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Before reaching main road, turn right towards Woolhanger Farm. Follow lane through Woolhanger, then turn right by cottage and cross the river at the ford.


Waypoint 8
"8 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Follow the hedge on your right. Through next gate follow grassy track which swings to the left.


Waypoint 9
"9 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

After next gate follow stony track down across river to Thornworthy Farm. At farm turn right along the entrance track to the road along Ilkerton Ridge.,


Waypoint 10
"10 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

On road, turn right to Shallowford and continue straight ahead on track to Saddle Gate.


Waypoint 11
"11 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

From Saddle Gate follow the grassy track straight up and over the hill heading for barrow on the horizon (There are some wet areas on the top of the hill, go carefully).


Waypoint 12
"12 Exmoor on Horseback 8"

Go through gate on left of barrow and follow track right down to B3358, staying parallel with the wall on your right. Turn right to return to start.