Exmoor

I wrote this for Countryman’s Weekly in the Spring of 2018

Hunting on Exmoor by Karen Davison-White

Ever been to Exmoor? Of course you have? And if you haven’t – “you have it to do”.

It was twenty six years ago that I last visited when I used to go back and forth to an Equestrian establishment in Bossington, near Porlock, in Somerset.  I used to sneak away at the slightest opportunity and watch the stag hunters from afar.

Why so long in going back? – well, I can’t really tell you – just so much to do, so little time to do it all.

So it was to a remote converted barn near Winsford that was my location for a week.  I felt quite at home; as it was the farm that Boris Johnson grew up on and I have to say, I am quite a fan.  However, the gate to the exceedingly long track alongside the river to said abode read: “NO HUNT VEHICLES OR QUADS” – well he is foreign secretary now!

Of course for the stag hunting at the end of what is “our season” with the foxhounds, harriers, beagles or bassets – seems to conjure up some “calling” and the world and his wife connected in hunting converge on Exmoor to continue a bit of sport.

There is a great walking wall of fame on the moor and you will see whose who in hunting and the not so whose who in hunting – they all go to sample the way of life in the west country year in, year out and the managing of the deer herds is top priority and all the healthier for hunting.

You know, the place had hardly changed; just more cars on the road and I guess in summer “lots of tourists”.  I guess my trip in April could be classed as “being a tourist” – I certainly covered some miles and it is the amount of hunting one is able to do every day, should one wish.

Spring stags were traditionally hunted during March and April and the Tiverton Staghounds, Quantock Staghounds and Devon and Somerset Staghounds have developed a method to operate within the Hunting Act. It was interesting to observe the packs, there seems to be a pecking order of fashionability and yet all supported certainly at this time of year on a large scale.

Synonymous with the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, long serving and now retired Huntsman Donald Summersgill  spent thirty one years with this pack.  Peter Heard now takes over the reins and well equipped for the job in hand.

Richard Down hunts the Quantock Staghounds and at the Tiverton Staghounds Andrew Herniman hunts hounds.

Hospitality is of an essence and at breakfast meets the camaraderie and craic is first class and they either pack into a farmhouse or village hall until it is full to the brim.

I met some lovely people.

Of course once hounds move off, following the hunt by vehicle is quite a challenge, especially on the narrow roads where I have never seen so many vehicles on the “tour de Exmoor” it almost outweighs days in the Shires.

I am one who likes to avoid congestion personally – the M25 is not bearable in its busy periods but at least one has some room for manoeuvre – you get on those narrow roads with the locals following hounds and you might end up reversing a mile or two down a 1 in 4.  No idea if there is a Field Master!  It is an interesting experience and not for the faint hearted.

Of course if you get in the White Horse at Exford, you will find Lennox at the end of the bar who will kindly take you up sunshine mountain in his Land rover (subject to space) – forward booking essential, it appears he is very popular man – for a bottle of Daw’s port and the advantage of him being connected by walkie talkie to  “those in the know” you will always be in the right place and get the most out of your stag hunting.

As for me, well “I like to paddle my own canoe” and with my cameras and dogs always with me, it is best I use my own transport and probably not the canoe.    Anyway, I am easily distracted and you never know who you might meet, where it might take you and I had a planned visit to the Exmoor Foxhounds and an interview to do, so that will be another story to tell.

So when you get the calling – you will be spoilt for choice on a trip to Exmoor and no end of hunts to follow and places to stay as all roads seem to lead eventually to Exford – be sure also to visit the Crown whilst there – get on and enjoy the experience.

East Devon – Tuesday and Saturday

Dulverton West – Monday and Friday

Dulverton Farmers – Wednesday and Saturday

Exmoor Foxhounds – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

Minehead Harriers – Wednesday and Saturday

Devon and Somerset Staghounds – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Quantock Staghounds – Monday and Thursday

West Somerset – Wednesday and Saturday

West Somerset Vale – Tuesday Saturday and occasionally Friday

Taunton Vale Foxhounds – Tuesday and Friday

Taunton Vale Harriers – Monday and Thursday

West Somerset Beagles – Wednesday and Saturday