Our Walking Guide | Exmoor

Discover the wonderfully  diverse terrains that Exmoor has to offer. With its breath taking coastal path views and its quint essentially sleepy villages, there is a charm to Exmoor and its national park that shouldn’t be missed.

Q: Where is your favourite place to walk and why?

Tom: It’s a hard choice between Exmoor and Snowdonia National Parks. Both areas have amazing variety, stunning views and are compact enough that brilliant walks are never too far away.

Q: How long have you been a walking guide?

Tom: I have been a qualified Mountain Leader for 6 years and leading groups all over the country. From primary age children to elderly people with limited mobility and everything in between!

Q: What food would you recommend to take on a walk?

Tom: The amount of food you take depends on a few factors. Distance, how challenging is the route and the weather. Generally, food that is high in calories but doesn’t weigh much is ideal. For a normal day I would recommend, some snacks in your pocket to eat as you walk (dried raisins etc) and a decent varied lunch. Water is very important, for a day’s walk I would take at least 2 litres, maybe more on a really hot day.

Q: How far do you normally walk in a week?

Tom:

During a guiding week I would normally hit anywhere around 15/20km a day. So, over a 4-day walking week and a weekend could hit upwards of 80/100km.

Q: Do you use any specialist equipment?

Tom: The more walking I do, the more I realise the importance of my knees! If I’m doing more than 1 day in a row I use walking poles to help take the pressure off on descents.

Q: How fit do you need to be to go on our walking holiday?

Tom: Fitness is a very subjective thing. As walking guides we are used to tailoring routes to match the ability of the group, there’s always something to see and somewhere to explore whatever the distance walking. Obviously, doing a walking holiday with multiple days in a row can be tiring, so if you get a chance, do a couple of small ‘warm up routes’ before coming. This way it will build your confidence going in and give you a chance to explore some local green spaces near to you!

A: Do you walk in all weathers?

Tom: As I mentioned earlier, choosing the route is the key to an enjoyable walk. We will choose the route to find the best chance of having nice weather. Being in the UK, no matter how hard you try there is normally some rain around the corner. This doesn’t usually put us off and there is always plenty to see and experience even when its wet. The only weather where we would consider postponing a walk would be if there is an unavoidable electric storm where the chance of lightning is high.

Q: What to wear on a walking holiday?

Tom: Layering is the best option for clothing while walking, this way you can take layers off to match the weather. A light cotton t-shirt, jumper and then a waterproof coat will usually suffice on the top layer (although those who have ventured to trying a down jacket will never go back when in cold weather). Some light weight trousers with a thermal base layer if you think you will get cold. A waterproof over-trouser will also help to keep you dry if you catch a shower. Well worn in walking boots and comfy socks for your feet, get used to which socks will give your boot a comfortable fit. Really then other clothing potions will depend on the weather. Cold and windy, a hat and gloves will give you extra layering options. Hot and sunny, a sun hat and sun cream will allow you to make the most of your day. 

Q: What one item should you always pack for a walking holiday? (Not walking boots)

Tom: Your feet are most important. A Comfy pair of socks and some blister plasters will help get those miles in without any pain and discomfort.

Q: Where was the last place you went on holiday?

Tom: I venture to Scotland every year and explore the Western Highlands. Managed to complete the Loch Shiel Canoe expedition over 5 days. Quite an adventure!

Tom will be escorting our groups this Spring & Autumn across all dates on “Walking In Exmoor”.