I will normally choose the route depending on the weather. However, when you book to go on safari and there's a particular route you wish to go on, please ask. If the conditions are right on the day and a route hasn't already been agreed then your request can be met.
I recommend the Nutscale Route for a good all round route covering all aspects of the moor. This safari is the complete package.
There have been very few safaris during the last four years that I have not seen Red Deer and the Exmoor Pony and every effort will be made to find these during your safari.
Please note, safaris are not all about off roading and there is a great need to keep Exmoor special. Apart from some off roading you will see places of interest, historical sites, wildlife, stunning scenery and most of all learn about the Exmoor National Park.
The routes are sometimes consolidated together when the weather turns against us while out. Please tell Richard when booking if there is something specific you wish to see when going out on safari.
Please read the feedback from previous safaris.
Below are some sample safari routes. These are examples only of the kind of routes followed.
Tarr Steps Route
This is an exciting route which takes you across to the south-west side of the moor.
It is a long route which encompasses the scenery and archaeology side of Exmoor. There are chances to see wildlife but it should be understood that to cross Exmoor and back means that there is more being in the vehicle than stopping and getting out.
The trip is called the Tarr Steps route and as an outstanding archaeological site we stop there so that Richard can tell you the tale and you can walk across the bridge.
Visiting small village areas and for those that might be staying in the vicinity of Porlock gives you a good chance of visiting a completely different area of Exmoor.
If you get travel sickness and don't wish to be rather cramped for long periods without too much chance of getting out of the vehicle, then this trip is not for you. That said, I often say to people that if you want to see Exmoor then this is the best route.
This route can last slightly longer than 2.5 hours and due to its length the route may change direction slightly during the last fifth of the trip.
Doone Route
This route follows in parts the old stagecoach route of years ago and is fairly rough in places. Please note that this is NOT a good wildlife viewing route, more of a historical fact information route.
Very rarely will red deer be seen, possibly a few Exmoor ponies, but beautiful scenery towards the end. This route does not rely on good weather for the first two thirds of the trip.
Areas covered: Porlock Weir; Stagecoaching; Porlock War Days; The Doones and Porlock Hill.
Extreme Weather Route
It is unfortunate that at times the weather has a big part to play in cancelling a safari. If it is pouring with rain and very misty then I may contact you and cancel the trip.
However, as I understand that people booking are hoping for something to do during the time they book the safari vehicle on holiday, I have devised a route which will last for 2.5 hours but will only take in facts about low lying areas. Wildlife and scenery will not be seen, but it will cover some villages of Exmoor.
At the end of the day you pay £20.00 per person and if you go out on a safari and the weather is good and you finish by saying it was alright BUT then I want to know what the BUT is. If the weather is poor you will always say it was alright BUT for the weather. So if the weather is poor and I offer you the wet weather programme and you say "no thanks" I won't be disappointed.
The Nutscale Route
If the weather is fine this route encompasses what Exmoor has to offer in one trip. Historic sites, wildlife (the Red Deer & Exmoor Pony) and stunning scenery.
Over 2.5 hours you will receive a running commentary from Richard. Wildlife, farming, archaeology, churches, historic buildings and old rural crafts. Going to places not often visited, this is the shortest but the most scenic of all the routes yet still taking 2.5 hours.
The Dunkery Route
This route is a wet weather programme route. It takes in some lovely villages and through your driver facts will be explained about them. There is no off road driving involved and depending on the weather the trip can split on the last third either cutting across the open moor or through more villages.
This trip is one that can last for over 2.5 hours and is definately not suitable for children. On a good day some parts of the scenery is fantastic, on a bad day the facts of ground can take over your thoughts.