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The Area
The Doone Valley lies tucked into the northern flank of Exmoor and is a remarkable place in its beauty and peacefulness. Officially designated in 2004 by the Council for the Protection of Rural England as one of only three remaining 'truly tranquil' places in England, the whole area around our centre at Cloud Farm gives riders the perfect opportunity to really 'get-away-from-it-all.'
That this part of the world remains idyllic and largely undiscovered, even in high season, is thanks in part to the fact that there is no motorway leading to its doorstep, and coaches are unable to descend the narrow lanes which lead to the start of the valley at the picturesque hamlet of Malmsmead. From the tumbling streams to the high moors, the abundance of wildlife, such as buzzards, otters, red deer, herons, lizards, kingfishers, curlew and many rare plants, also shows quite vividly that the area is both remote and undisturbed by human activity. A perfect place to ride and feel the breath of the countryside. And there are no roads!
This vast area encompasses a wide variety of horse riding terrains, from wooded river valleys to rolling hills and sweeping moorlands. This in itself means that there is scope for riders of all abilities, even beginners, to enjoy themselves. An hour's meander along the riverside paths up the main valley will present the novice rider with little more than a few gentle inclines, and a wonderfully relaxing ride. However, the position of Cloud, half a mile along our own private drive (which visitors are free to use), means that more experienced riders can hack straight from the doorstep out into hills and up onto the moors. The views from the uplands such as Malmsmead Hill, Great Black Hill, Withycombe Ridge and Brendon Common are truly breath-taking, but so is the shaded and protective splendour of the valley paths through Badgworthy Wood and Deerpark. And deciding where you'd like to go is very straightforward, as the whole area is well served by good, clearly-marked bridleways.
Of course, the area does still resound to the echoes of the Lorna Doone legend. and it is easy to ride from Cloud Farm around many of the landmarks made famous by the book. The moors over which the Ridds and Doones rode in the novel still provide an exhilarating ride today. There is even a bridleway going directly over the hill from Cloud and down to the beautiful and ancient Oare Church.
Further afield, there are many famous Exmoor locations which can be reached from Cloud Farm on horseback (or in the car, if you want a rest from the saddle), including Watersmeet, Exford, Robbers Bridge, Dunkery Beacon, Porlock Weir, Dunster and Tarr Steps.
The area should, and can, be ridden at all times of the year in order to see and feel the land in all its many moods and guises. The only word of caution we would sound here is that the rapid changes from sun to mist, cloud and rain instantly can give the landscape a stark and eerie desolation. The experienced rider might well see this as the perfect chance to feel the elements unhindered; novices and others might well see it as an excellent time to tuck up by the fire in one of Cloud's cosy cottages, or have a lunch or cream tea in the tearoom. The weather can be a little unpredictable, but one thing, however, is certain here ... one ride is never enough.
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Looking up the valley from Cloud Farm. There are miles of unspoilt streams, valleys, hills and sweeping moors on the doorstep for you to 'ride when you're ready'.
Riding over Brendon Moor feels like you are on top of the world.
The picturesque packhorse bridge and ford at Malmsmead, just downstream of Cloud Farm.
Many of our rides go over land owned by The Badgworthy Trust for the Preservation of Exmoor, and we acknowledge their permission for this.
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