So what is occurring as the season slides into Autumn?  The schools are back but there’s still plenty to entertain visitors to Porlock.  The ‘Discover Porlock’ guided walks continue to be available (for now!).  They start from the Visitor Centre at 10.30am, are free of charge (donations to Care Moor) and last approximately two hours.  Join one to discover the history and formation of the Porlock Bay landscape and how this has affected the village and surrounding area.  The final three dates for this season are: 11th, 21st and 25th September.

We’ve also got the Smuggler’s Run to look forward to this weekend, at 12 noon on Saturday 12 September.  Teams of smugglers will be trying to evade and outwit the excisemen while carrying barrels across Porlock Marsh.  The teams must race from the Top Ship at Porlock to the Bottom Ship at Porlock Weir, fancy dress being optional.  There are free drinks for all participants and, for the winners, five litre kegs of Tribute Ale (thanks to St Austell Brewery) and Smugglers Gold tea (thanks to Miles Tea & Coffee).   Lots of fun for spectators and the rather crazy participants; it’s not too late to get your team entry in. *** STOP PRESS***!  Smugglers Run sadly cancelled due to low number of entries - uh! :( 

On 19 and 20 September, from 2-6pm, Porlock opens its gardens to the public and lets us all in for a good snoop, the gardeners have been working hard and every year the reports are fantastic.  Tickets are available from the Visitor Centre or in the village for a cost of £5, which is donated to St Margaret’s Hospice.  No dogs please.

Finally on Sunday 20 September, we will be out to witness the Porlock Hill Climb cycle race.  This is a closed route time trial, covering 4.2 miles of the scenic Porlock Toll Road with an average gradient of 5%, which takes some grit and determination! The main race is followed by a two-mile junior’s version and then the road is opened to families and anyone wishing to enjoy the use of the road while it’s closed to normal traffic; the Porlock Pedal earns all participants a medal, which is kindly sponsored by Miles Tea and Coffee. More information is available at www.porlockhillclimb.co.uk.  Let’s hope for some pleasant weather and we’ll hope to see you there!

Well, good heavens, what a busy time of it we’re having!  The fields here are Sparkhayes are looking more inviting than ever, thanks to Phil’s careful tending.  The intermittent rain has been giving way to some glorious bursts of sunshine and the warm temperature means the tents dry in super-quick time.  I can testify to this, having sneaked off for two camping trips in other parts of Somerset during the past month.  Last weekend I dismantled my tent in a downpour and rolled it up with puddles still inside... uh! However within 24 hours it was all dry again and put away ready for the next adventure.  I’m staying put for the rest of July and enjoying Porlock and all of its delights.    The forecast looks more promising than of late and as we’re on the very verge of the school holidays, now’s the time to plan a fun family trip to Sparkhayes.  Remember, if you pay for six night’s camping, you get the seventh free!

As always, there’s So. Much. To. Do. in Porlock.  On Saturday 18 July there’s the annual Flower Show in the village hall, a colourful (and beautifully scented) spectacle and a perfect environment in which to relax with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake.  On Sunday 26 July there’s Porlock Horse Show, located on the West Luccombe edge of Porlock and open to all, from equestrian enthusiasts to curious campers..!  It incorporates the usual equestrian classes along with a sheep show, dog show and stag horn competition.  I’m also excited about the Dunster Country Fair on 29 July, which is set at the foot of majestic Dunster Castle and features, along with the equestrian classes and dog show, the chariots of fire display team, falconry display, sheepdog display, archery and clay pigeon shooting and a plethora of trade stands and craft stalls.

If you’d like to discover more about our beloved Porlock Vale, pop along to one of the guided walks that divulge the history and formation of the Porlock Bay landscape and how it has affected the village and surrounding area.  Which reminds me of the tale behind the name ‘Porlock’ – in the depths of ages past the village was actually beside the sea (hence we have a ‘Ship Inn’) and as the sea gradually retreated it became a ‘locked port’, or Portlock.  Nowadays the sea is beginning to reclaim much of the marshes and might one day encroach upon our fertile fields, will the Ship Inn eventually be reunited with the sea?! 

I digress, the two-hour walks are free of charge (though a donation towards Care Moor is much appreciated) and depart at 10.30am from the Visitor Centre on the following dates: 27 July, 31 July, 3 August, 7 August, 7 September, 11 September, 21 September, 25 September.  If you go along to one we’d love to hear your opinion ([email protected]).

We would also LOVE to see your photos of your holiday, of Sparkhayes, Porlock and the surrounding areas.  With your permission we’d feature them on our website, so if you’ve stayed with us or have any photos, reviews or news you’d like to share with us please email us at [email protected].  We might even share some of our crazy moments…!

PS. Apologies to anyone who found the campsite crowded during the past two or three weeks.  We have been host to a number of large school groups who were enjoying their end-of-term holiday with us.  The onset of the summer holidays brings this phenomenon to a close.  Happy camping!