Exmoor National Park is one of the last few protected wilderness areas in the UK. It is also achingly, heart-breakingly beautiful.
It is a place where Exmoor ponies and the red deer still roam free, buzzards soar in the skies and wildlife, flora and fauna rule OK. Visit any local moorland beauty spot, and you rarely have to walk for more than 5 minutes to find complete solitude.
You may have heard about the dramatic sweep of the moor, with its purple heather, iron age fort and tumbling streams. And be familiar with the legends of King Arthur, Coleridge's unfinished poem of Khubla Khan and the story of Lorna Doone.
What sets Exmoor apart from moorland areas like, Dartmoor, Bodmin and the Yorkshire Moors, is its close proximity to the sea, offering sensational views over a diversity of landscapes. But most of all the magical, hypnotic atmosphere of the area.
Porlock lies protected at the foot of the moor, boarded to the south by wooded hills, and to the north by the Bristol Channel. It overlooks a half moon bay fringed by a shingle beach and salt marsh, home to many species of wild fowl.
The Gables is tucked away in a quiet backwater, yet only a short stroll from the village with its pubs, shops and restaurants. And about a mile from the ancient harbour (said to boast the second highest tide in the world) and the artist's shops of Porlock Weir.
Amenities:
You are slap bang in the middle of huntin', shootin', fishing country. Exmoor is a walker's paradise, and excellent horse country offering unrivalled freedom to hack on the moors. Golf, sailing, tennis, an indoor swimming pool and high tech gym are all nearby.
Surrounding areas
Porlock lies on the north Somerset coast between the nearby towns of Minehead (with its huge sweeping sandy beach) and Lynton and Lynmouth.
Exmoor is dotted with small villages and hamlets housing traditional Somerset pubs, many serving delicious home-made food.
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