Over the Hills – Two Moors Way Re-Launched!
The Two Moors Way, one of the region’s most popular walking routes, was recently re-launched as part of its 40th anniversary year at a celebration event at Simonsbath on Exmoor in September.
The Two Moors Way was first established in 1976 linking the two National Parks in the South West via a 102 mile walking route between Ivybridge on the southern border of Dartmoor with Lynmouth on the rugged north coast of Exmoor. There is also a popular option to extend the route 15 miles between Wembury on the south Devon coast and Ivybridge to form a Devon Coast to Coast route utilising the Erme-Plym trail.
A series of initiatives have been worked on to celebrate the 40th anniversary through a partnership between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, Devon County Council and other interested bodies. This work has included the re-establishment of the Two Moors Way Association to provide support and promotion of the route, numerous trial improvements, and the launch of a new pocket guide (available at local TICs and visitor centres) and website: www.twomoorsway.org
The website features full route descriptions, sleeping and eating listings and a whole host of practical information along inspirational photography and a section for users to share their experiences. New web films, a visitor passport scheme and business engagement workshops will follow in the coming months alongside support and training for volunteers to help maintain the route into the future.
Trail improvements works included signage works, new bridges and surface improvements have been undertaken and further improvement works are planned over the coming months.