Okehampton Field Trip 9th May 2020

Cost - Free – But booking is essential to ascertain numbers and keep you informed of any changes.  Non-members welcome.    

Entry costs for the Castle currently £6 adult with gift aid, £5.40 concessions students and over 65s with gift aid – and approximately -50p cheaper without gift aid.

The Castle car park is currently free but when we move on to Simmons Park.

 Daily Car Park Charges at Simmons Park Car Park are:

30minutes             30p

1 hour                   50p

2 hours                  70p

3 hours                  £1.20

4 hours                  £1.80

24 hours                £3.00

The day will involve walking over uneven ground and steep and rough pathways, although attendees can be selective of easier and less strenuous alternatives at some of the places to be visited.

Itinerary – Draft and subject to change

10am Meet in the Okehampton Castle car park EX20 1JA

To explore the remains of the largest castle in Devon – there are also woodland walks.

11.30 Okehampton Railway Station EX20 1EJ – At this stage it is unclear what activities may be going on at the time -but they do have a tea room. It is also likely the Sunday Rover train service will also be in operation.

Free car park.

12.45 We move on to Simmons Park it is possible to walk down (steep and uneven rough paths) from the station or drive and park up on the level by the park. (Charges as above). Beautiful walk snaking alongside the East Okement River, with mature trees and gardens.

Directions – From whatever direction you approach the town you will arrive at the main road junction in the centre of the town – this is traffic light controlled. You should be able to see the White Hart Hotel – now a Wetherspoons – you need to take the road that leads up beside the hotel after about 50 metres the Post Office will be on your right-hand side and you need to take the turning immediately beside it. This very narrow road will bring you to The Castle and its car park on the left.

13.45 Walk via pathways some steep and uneven to Fatherford Viaduct – about half a mile. We then continue to explore the East Okement Valley very uneven ground.

On the day we can choose to circle round to the Railway Station or retrace our steps back to Simmons Park.

16.00 End of organised trip.

For those who wish there is the Museum of Dartmoor Life in the town to visit or the opportunity of a little retail therapy in a selection of independent shops.

Please ensure you email the organiser if you are going along as he can then advise if there are any changes due to weather conditions etc.