19/03/17 - Porlock - Top Ship to Bottom Ship

Distance - 4 Miles
Pubs - 2
Geocaches - 5

We learn a couple of things about this part of the world.  Exmoor appears to have it's own micro climate.  We left our Porlock apartment bathed in blue skies to arrive at Lorna Doone farm in thick, wet flog.

But what an adventure getting there!  Road, the width, windiness and steepness I have never before experienced.  And if a BMW X5 is 1968mm wide, then Robber's Bridge is exactly 2m.  It may look a pretty pack horse bridge from the picnic area, but its frankly terrifying when your wife is out in the rain - giving you confident hand signals that betray the grimace on her face.

Park up, decide the 8 miles in the fog will be no fun and head back.  Taking different roads.

We can complete a nice little walk between the two Good Beer Guide Pubs in the area.

The Top Ship Inn, Porlock, High Street - Exmoor Ales, Otter Ales

This was our base for both holidays in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and this year.  We were keen to come back to a 13th Century thatched pub, renown for its food and beer.

Thankfully, it was exactly as we remember it.

Multi Building Pub - C13th at its oldest 

We did spend more time exploring both the beers and the different rooms.  Otter Amber was the pick of the pints although a special shout out has to go to Exmoor Ales Beast.  Rather fittingly for a 6.6% beer, the bar staff disappear down into the cellar when you order it.  Presumably it's kept under lock and key, away from the lesser ales.

What's on at the Top Ship

The Walk

Nothing could be simpler than the walk down to Porlock Weir.  We followed the quiet road on the way down.  Spent a bit of time investigating the Weir and the handful of geocaches on offer.  We found a more interesting route back, following an excellent brideway through the woods.

Only photos required to tell a story.

Gloomy Views over Porlock

Striding Purposely through West Porlock

To the Weir

Photo needed for an Earth Cache

Views from Porlcok Weir

Slightly elevated views from the Woodland

The Bottom Ship, Porlock Weir

The Bottom Ship - Just as impressive

Seemingly, the two pubs are owned by the same management.  We saw posters advertising two nights B&B for £90 and spent a while debating whether this was per person.  It appears that this is the total price - and if so, a bargain.

They also have a beer festival - WeirFest - and run a shuttle bus between the two locations for those real alers not into their walking.

We arrived at 10am on a Sunday morning and although tempted by the fine selection of LocALEs, it was a cup of tea for me a coffee for Mrs Mappiman.

I am not that much of a beast.

Can you believe I chose tea over this.