Experience Primeval Exmoor

A chance to experience the primeval roar and clashing antlers as Exmoor’s iconic stags meet in ferocious combat during the annual red deer rut is on offer over a special weekend in October. The huge, powerful beasts charge each other, locking antlers and battle rages until the strongest wins.

The weekend visit, which was a sell-out last year, runs from October 10 - 12, and costs £195 per person.  This includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a wildlife safari, two red deer walking safaris led by Richard Eales, Exmoor National Park Ranger, and Nigel Hester, Countryside Manager for The National Trust, and the jazz supper, talks and Saturday night dinner.

Charles Harding, a deer stalker and warden for The National Trust, explained, Red deer are Britain’s largest land mammal and when the stags are driven to rut, the hills and moors resonate with their primeval bellows.

These beautiful and majestic creatures’ ancient instincts drive them into fierce, and sometimes even fatal, combat to win female companions.”

The weekend offers visitors the chance to visit the stunning hills, secret valleys and wild moorland to witness this raw combat at close quarters.  It’s an awesome but exhilarating natural phenomenon, and an experience that people never forget.

Charles added, We have experienced guides to lead people on organised safaris because stags are wild animals that can be dangerous and unpredictable during the rut. The guides know the terrain and understand the behaviour of stags during the rutting season, and will ensure that people can watch this amazing event in safety, and without disturbing the animals.”

Denise Sage, who has organised the weekend and runs Porlock Visitor Centre, said, We have a variety of delightful bed and breakfast options available in the vale of Porlock.  However, places on the weekend are limited to 36 so we are advising people to book early.

Visitors are welcomed on Friday and fantastic locally produced food is served for a excellent Exmoor supper and jazz evening.  On Saturday, after a wildlife safari in the morning, there is a red deer safari at dusk followed by dinner and an illustrated talk.  There’s an early trip to a different area on Sunday, after which guests will be served a hearty Exmoor breakfast.”

The weekend will host a maximum of 36 guests. Guests need to be able to walk a minimum of three miles. Bookings can be made through Porlock Visitor Centre on 01643 863150 or by email PorlockCI@somerset.gov.uk for more information.