Tourism Boost for Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park Authority has launched two new initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable tourism on the moor in time for the busy summer period.
The first, a new website and transport guide (www.exploremoor.co.uk) makes getting around Exmoor without a car much easier and is designed to help people to explore more of the National Park using public transport and other car free means. The website provides a one stop shop offering inspiration, ideas and information for a car free, care free Exmoor. As well as an interactive transport map detailing all bus routes within the area the site features a series of car free walks with downloadable route guides and GPX files for GPS users, alongside a range of car free itineraries and links to local attractions, accommodation and food and drink establishments accessible by public transport.
The website was developed in-house by Exmoor National Park Authority with funding support from the West Somerset Strategic Partnership. It complements a new transport guide jointly produced by the National Park Authority and Devon and Somerset County Councils providing a comprehensive collection of timetables for all public transport services within the National Park, either side of the county boundary.
Leaving the car behind for the day is one of the best ways to explore Exmoor, especially when you’re on holiday and time is on your side” according to Dan James, Sustainable Economy Officer for the National Park Authority. What could be better than letting someone else take over the driving and hassle of parking, while you sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery? From steam trains to open-top vintage buses and from cycling to wildlife safaris there are so many ways to enjoy a car free care free Exmoor and now the legwork has been taken out of the planning with the new website and transport guide.”
Also on offer is a new National Park Pocket Guide aimed at providing visitors with in-depth information about what to see and where to go on a visit to Exmoor in a handy format. The guide will be distributed via National Park Centres and local businesses throughout the area, with donations going to CareMoor, funding conservation and access projects in the National Park.
Tourism is worth well over £80m a year to the local economy with nearly 5 million visitor days made to the Greater Exmoor region every year” continued Dan James. We hope these new resources will help people make the most of the great opportunities we have within the National Park, allowing them to enjoy the special qualities of the area, contributing to the local economy in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
The new initiatives were launched as part of a special Exmoor Awareness session which gave tourism providers the opportunity to experience the MoorRover service which this year is available throughout the National Park where other transport opportunities don’t exist. The service is operated by AtWest with support from the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund and runs 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm until the end of September. Advanced booking on 01643 709701 is essential.
On the tour, National Park Ranger Tim Parish provided a commentary on recreational opportunities, and the event was attended by National Park Authority Members Jeremy Yabsley and Ian Rigby. The route followed part of the route of the Exmoor Link (401) service which is back for the third year from 28 July operating on Wednesdays and Sundays between Dulverton and Lynmouth taking in some of the best views in the area.