Lower Goosemoor Cottage, Wheddon Cross

The region

Set within a small valley with an idyllic stream running by, the property is located in an utterly peaceful and apparently remote location on northern Exmoor yet is only ten minutes from a well-stocked village shop at Wheddon Cross, and within easy reach of a wide variety of inte...resting places to explore.

Wheddon Cross is based around the crossroads - the roads run from north to south between Minehead and Dulverton, and east to west between Taunton and North Devon. The village is argued to be the highest on Exmoor, standing at 980 feet above sea level, and the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon (1704 feet above sea level) is the focal point of the village.  Dunkery Beacon is about three miles from the village, there are fantastic panoramic views from Dunkery; wild moorland to the west, the Bristol Channel and Wales to the north, the rolling Brendon Hills to the east and the Quarme Valley to the south.  In recent years Wheddon Cross has become famous for the abundance of snowdrops in the nearby valley which has become known as 'Snowdrop Valley'. The snowdrops bloom around February and a park and ride system operates from the village to enable visitors easy access to the "carpet of snowdrops".

For the active visitor, walks with fine views are all around, whilst Exmoor's well-known landmarks such as Dunkery Beacon, Tarr Steps and the valleys of the Exe, Barle and East Lyn (setting for Blackmore's famous novel Lorna Doone) are all easily reached.

Slightly further afield is the North Devon and Somerset coast with pretty villages in steep combes such as Porlock, Lynton and Lynmouth or for a more traditional seaside experience, you can head to Minehead which is only ten miles away.

The medieval village of Dunster is only six miles away, with its 11th century castle (National Trust), old Yarn Market and interesting shops, pubs and restaurants.

Other towns to visit in the area are Tiverton to the south, with plenty of shops and facilities, and the county town of Taunton, which can be combined with a day exploring the beautiful and little-known Quantock Hills to the east.