Porlock

Porlock is perhaps best known for the hill (on the Lynmouth side) which is claimed to be the steepest main road in England. Although today’s cars will not find it a problem (but check your water level anyway!), it is worth avoiding the steepest sections by taking the toll road as you will be able to take your time and appreciate the views over Porlock Bay. The toll road and most of the surrounding land is part of the Porlock Estate, which has been in the Blathwayt family since the 18th century; their sympathetic management has kept Porlock unspoilt for your enjoyment.

Porlock Weir

Surrounded by Exmoor Hills on three sides and Porlock Bay on the other, Porlock is still a relatively self-contained community, not purely a tourist town, although visitors will find a helpful and friendly welcome. The shops are mostly small family concerns, complementing each other in offering a wide range of quality goods. Note the tall chimneys in Porlock’s High Street, typical of all West Somerset cottages; here the chimneys often form part of the front of the houses.

In the centre of Porlock you will find the Millwheel Gallery, celebrating nearly thirty years in business. The gallery has a reputation for good quality prints, oils and watercolours. Much of the work on display has been produced by local artists from West Somerset and North Devon, and depicts well known local scenes. The gallery periodically publishes its own limited edition prints of Exmoor, such as ‘Summer at Selworthy’, a view over Holnicote towards Dunkery Beacon. This was published as a tribute to the much loved artist, Sidney Perrin who lived close by at Selworthy.

The gallery owner, Richard Stenner enjoys helping you to find something to suit your taste and he also specialises in custom framing, offering friendly advice and expertise. Pictures and prints are available to suit all pockets. There is also a good selection of high quality craft and gift items. If you want to take home a memory of Exmoor which won’t fade away, visit the Millwheel Gallery.

Follow your nose from the main car park or from the High Street - the aroma of coffee being roasted will lead you to the premises of D.J.Miles & Co. Derek Miles started in Porlock in 1962, blending and packing tea and, latterly, roasting and packing coffee, but look into the history of the company and you will find that his family have been tea and coffee merchants since 1888. With refurbished premises, its well worth while browsing around their shop. They have their top selling tea, teabag and coffee blends for sale together with more specialist teas and coffees and some interesting gift ideas as well.

Porlock Weir, an excellent starting point for many fine walks, was once a little port busy with fishermen and ships laden with wool bound for other ports. Nowadays this pretty area is popular with visitors, artists and part-time sailors; the essential character of the place has somehow been maintained. Like most harbours it is at its best when the tide is in.

It also boasts the remains of a prehistoric forest, small parts of which are occasionally visible still at a very low tide, and it was here that some remains of an Aurochs were found. These are now on display in the Visitor Centre in Porlock.