Malmsmead - the bridge over Badgworthy Water, close to Lorna Doone Farm
Malmsmead - the bridge over Badgworthy Water,
close to Lorna Doone Farm heart of Lorna Doone Country
Malmsmead (793477) is in the heart of Lorna Doone country and the place from which to explore. There is good walking along the lovely Badgworthy ('Badgery') Water, which forms
the boundary between Devon and Somerset. You can leave your car in the Exmoor National Park Authority car park and/or take advantage of the pony riding facilities and 'Lorna Doone Farm' teas and gift shop. The attractive bridge and ford must be one of the most photographed places on Exmoor.
Blackmore's memorial stone is along the path from Malmsmead to the Doone Valley. Malmsmead was once known as Moles Mead and, with Lorna Doone Farm, was the gateway to the Doone country. It was formerly the home of the Snow family until they acquired Oare Manor House through marriage in the eighteenth century. Oare House was the site of the Plover's Barrow Farm referred to by Blackmore.
Mounds beside the track at the eastern approach to Holcombe Coombe from Badgworthy Water are all that remains of a ruined settlement, the 'cots' of the Doones from the story. These were deserted by 1400, though Blackmore's Doones lived in the 17th century. The shepherd's cottage to the west is much later. The 'waterslide' is thought to be the one that runs down the valley side of Lank Combe.
Oare Water below Malmsmead
Oare Church (803473) is extremely popular, for it is here, according to the Doone Legend, that Lorna was shot by Carver on her wedding day She lived on of course, as does the great romance based on Exmoor, drawing many thousands of visitors to the area each year.
The walking is easy, the paths good enough. Where the route goes westwards to high open moorland the track is indistinct: it's easy to follow in good weather but in misty conditions it is wise to have a compass handy and know how to use it.
Malmsmead, c.1940 - photo presented with the kind permisssion of www.grumpystumpy.com
Malmsmead, c.1940 - photo presented with the kind permisssion of www.grumpystumpy.com
There are magnificent views from the elevated points, so a clear day is best for appreciating the true splendour of the landscape with its abundance of wildlife species including dippers, buzzards and many wildfiowers.
The Exmoor Natural History Society's Field Centre is just over the Malmsmead bridge and up the road from Lorna Doone Farm. A programme of guided walks is generally available during spring and summer.
Ashton Cleeve looking up the Rover Oare valley towards Malmsmead |
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