Exmoor Stagger
Sunday 20 October 2019
I grew up on Exmoor, so I know the paths that the Exmoor Stagger follows well, even if I hadn't travelled them for far too long. The race first climbs steeply out of Minehead over Grabbist, but I joined the route near Wotton Courtney and walked towards Dunkery, up the long rocky slog to the summit. Once near the top, I glimpsed the first runners, small compared with the expanse of moorland. The hard won height is quickly lost on the steep and slippery descent to the delightful but narrow Dicky's path. After that, there is the gentle (mainly) downhill of the Dunster path, with great views over to Selworthy. My route ended here, whilst the runners had to face the steepness of Grabbist once again.
It's great to see so many people enjoying the event (even if it is type 2 fun...) and the spectacular Exmoor hills. Long may it continue - big thanks for the hard work of all those who make it happen.
![Climbing towards the summit of Dunkery Beacon](img1/01-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Climbing towards the summit of Dunkery Beacon
![Nearly at the summit of Dunkery, Grabbist in the background](img1/02-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Nearly at the summit of Dunkery, Grabbist in the background
![About to drop off the steep north face of Dunkery Beacon](img1/03-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
About to drop off the steep north face of Dunkery Beacon
![Losing height quickly off Dunkery](img1/04-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Losing height quickly off Dunkery
![05-Exmoor-Stagger](img1/05-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
![06-Exmoor-Stagger](img1/06-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
![07-Exmoor-Stagger](img1/07-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
![Motion blur on Dicky's path](img1/08-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Motion blur on Dicky's path
![Little streams to cross](img1/09-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Little streams to cross
![Puddles to leap](img1/10-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Puddles to leap
![Or splash in](img1/11-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Or splash in
![Narrow paths through beautiful woodland](img1/12-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Narrow paths through beautiful woodland
![Along Dunster Path](img1/13-Exmoor-Stagger.jpg)
Along Dunster Path
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