Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline. Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world’s most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

Highlights include appearances from artists including harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani, violinist Henning Kraggerud, pianists Clare Hammond and George Fu, Stile Antico, violinist and The Festival’s Artistic Director Tamsin Waley-Cohen, recorder quartet Palisander and brass quintet Connaught Brass. The Festival has also commissioned a new song cycle by Freya Waley-Cohen which will explore Exmoor folklore through the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge for baritone, Roderick Williams.

Exploring the theme from different perspectives, from the 24 hours of the day and the 24 keys of western music, to magic and dreamscapes, the bright sunlight of the baroque to the reflected moonlight of romanticism, and our connection to the Earth’s daily turn on its axis, this promises to be a Festival full of evocative experiences and storytelling from both internationally established and exciting up and coming artists.

The 19th century mineral line was built to carry iron ore from the Brendons to Watchet for shipment to South Wales. This is a walk/talk of about 7 miles, steep, but with stops along the way. We visit  Beulah Chapel, the old Brendon village and the Winding House. Then we go down the  steep Incline to Comberow, through the woods to Leighland Chapel and circle back via a picturesque waterfall. Boots, a packed lunch and waterproofs needed.

Porlock celebrates International Ada Lovelace Day by inviting five diverse women speakers to tea on 5th October.  This year Natalie Dyson BEM, the CEO of Diversity Voice and Diane Turner, MATS clinical lead and bereavement councillor have agreed to speak, and hopefully Somerset Chief Constable will attend. £8. Booking essential. Tickets will be available from wegottickets.com (booking fee applies) or with cash from Porlock Visitor, or by BACS direct with PVH.