EXMOOR MOTORING
Once upon a time there was a pleasant pastime called Motoring. This consisted of driving a car at moderate speed through pleasant countryside so as to enjoy the changing views. It became quite a cult, with add-ons. Your Motorist might enjoy nibbling Fry's Motoring Chocolate*, or could sport a pair of Dent's Motoring Gloves**.
With time, an increasing number of cars on the road made the whole operation less simple, but still possible. It was only with the arrival of the Aggressive Driver that opportunities for Motoring became increasingly rare. Whereas the Motorist would extend consideration to other drivers, as in pulling in to a lay-by to allow other cars to overtake safely, the Aggressive Driver delights in tail-gating any car that does not care to share his enthusiasm for breaking speed-limits, or in just skimming on-coming wing-mirrors (not always successfully). He ignores the passing countryside, which is one reason for its falling into decay. Motoring as an art seems destined to join the red squirrel as an example of a milder life-form being reduced to extinction level by an intrusive species.
But recently we spent a very pleasant holiday on Exmoor. We discovered that, in addition to the more widely known pleasures available, such as walking, riding, fishing, and killing wild animals, Exmoor is still ideal Motoring country. It does not seem to attract the Aggressive Driver, or indeed any traffic in heavy quantity. I suppose this is partly due to the scarcity of vividly exciting destinations. After all, once you have vroomed from Raleigh's Cross to Blackmoor Gate in record time there is not much more to do but turn round and vroom back again. Whatever the reason, we found it ideal for Motoring.
Won't your publicising it bring in hordes of extra cars, which will ruin it as Motoring country?
You exaggerate my influence. No-one ever takes my advice - which is why the world is in the state it is: don't blame me.
So, if the more rugged delights of Exmoor make you feel rather tired, consider a Motoring holiday, which is an option still open here. The roads do have their chicanes - going down Porlock hill surrounded by HGV's is a good opportunity to ponder on the frailty of human existence, while the subsequent negotiation of the village street will teach you the virtue of patience. But a bit of intelligent map-reading will enable you to avoid most of the problem places.
Where to stay? Winsford is an excellent centre, sequestered but easily accessible, and a pleasant strolling village. The discerning Motorist will make for Karslake House, where the warm welcome, attractive interior, comfortable beds, and above all the tradition of splendid cooking attested by years of rosettes, make the perfect background to a holiday of restful contemplation.
* Dark, with hazelnuts & raisins.
** String back; soft leather palm.
