2023 Camping FAQ

Westermill Farm Camping FAQ
Rubbish and Recycling

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Why isn't Westermill collecting rubbish in 2023?

Short story: we won't collect it because we can't remove it.

Towards the end of the camping season in 2022 — and for the first time in more than 50 years — West Somerset County Council (WSCC) declined to remove rubbish collected from our campsite — rather than "blame" them we would rather engage with them ... ... ... ...

This despite the fact that we pay Business Rates to WSCC.

To compound our rubbish removal challenge — during the same time frame, last year, and since — we were and have been unable to identify "a single" commercial removal service "willing" to take on Westermill Camping as a client.

And "Just So You Know" ... we are on the phone and web regularly trying to get this sorted.

So ... what is happening with Campsite Rubbish?

Our apologies for we will now ask that...

IF you are staying 3 days or less please — plan — to take your rubbish with you when you leave

IF you are staying more than 3 days or are visiting from outside the UK please see Jill or Oliver upon arrival

Please take broken camping equipment eg. chairs, tents, gazebos, etc. to the nearest facility: Minehead Recycling Centre

Westermill will accept paper, plastic, cans and bottles for recycling

Do you bury rubbish or recycling?

No.

Why don't you burn rubbish?

For the same reason we won't bury it: damage to the environment... in particular Westermill's environment.

Plus we like our neighbours and love the River Exe too much.

Does Westermill Camping recycle?

Yes.

Westermill will accept paper, plastic, cans and bottles for recycling

Where can we leave our recycling?

In the areas specified in the Recycling Collection Area, at the top of the short track on the east side of the First Field Loo Block.

Visiting Exmoor

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Where to go and What to do... start with

Firstly, please have a look at either or both of these authoritative resources:

Visitor Exmoor the "official tourism site to Exmoor"

Exmoor National Park the other "official tourism site to Exmoor", see especially...

Where to go and What to do... some of our ideas

Lynton and Lynmouth about 15 miles – directions

A couple of our personal favourites in Lynton and Lynmouth

Cliff Railway

The Victorian Portrait Company

Dunster

Brightfire Pottery

Pannier Market in South Molton, Thursday and Saturday, about 16.7 miles  – directions

Online Booking

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How do I arrange to camp beside my friends?

Fair question...

We do not have 'set pitches' so there is no "default" way to arrange this but here are two suggestions.

1. Arrive together... or as close together as you and your friends are able and simply pitch up

2. Come camping when you and your friends will have the campsite more or less to yourselves... the chart below will give you an idea of 2022's visitor density.

Any dates with "around" 50 visitors — or less — will more or less guarantee you (and your friends — of reasonable number) the opportunity to camp together.

The orange bars in this chart indicate the two busiest weeks of Summer 2022.

Does the campsite have 'set pitches'?

No, you pitch up in whichever of the camping fields suits you best.

Is there a limit to the number of people we can have on one booking form?

Yes, each online booking form should only contain the details of an immediate family.

“Immediate” being the people you usually live with in your home.

Can we change the dates of our visit after we have paid?

Yes, of course, you may reschedule your visit.

Please contact us at:

camping@westermill.com

... to let us know.

Can we cancel a booking after we have paid?

Yes, of course... with the following considerations:

There is a non-refundable deposit for all bookings, amounting to either...

  • £25, or...
  • ...the balance, if the total booking fee is less than £25
  • The non-refundable deposit may be applied to an alternate camping visit anytime until the end of October in the current year's camping season.
How many days in advance do I need to make a booking?

You are welcome to make your online booking on the day that you are planning to arrive — if that suits you best.

Please make payment for your booking at the same time so as to avoid any delays at Reception upon your arrival.

Can we just turn up on spec?

Yes, you can... but... you will still have to complete registration in our Reception.

And... you will need to make payment "on the spot"... BACS or cash only.

What do I do if I cannot pay online?

IF you cannot make a BACS transfer online — please bring enough cash to pay for your visit when you arrive.

Campsite General Details

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Best way to drive to Westermill Campsite?

The easiest (= "best") way to drive to the farm is to "start" from Exford *

Leave Exford heading west with the village green or your left, after 1/4 mile the road has a "Y" fork... bear left... you are now on a single track road.

Continue along this lane for about 2 miles then bear left at the large "Westermill Farm Campsite" sign on a tree and onto our farm lane, a couple of hundred yards thereafter arrive at the farmhouse.

AVOID the Muddicombe Lane and Silly Bridge route — often recommended by GPS navigation as being "shorter" — Muddicombe Lane is steep, deep, twisty, narrow and "meeting" oncoming traffic can be "no fun" at all, add to that... at the bottom of the lane, Silly Bridge is only 6'6" wide at its widest.

*Unless, that is, you are coming down Wellshead Hill — in which case you will have to negotiate a very sharp right-hand hairpin turn onto our farm lane at the bottom of the hill, where the large Westermill sign on the tree is.

How big is the campsite?

The Westermill Farm Campsite consists of four fields of about 12 acres, see the Campsite Map TBD!.

Does the campsite have set pitches?

No, we do not have set pitches — you choose a spot and pitch up wherever suits you best.

Can we put our tent up anywhere?

Almost...

You can pitch up anywhere in the four camping fields [see Campsite Map TBD!] that does not infringe upon the space of another camper.

Can we park beside our tent?

Yes... emphasis on “beside”... please DO NOT park on your tent.

Does the campsite have fields just for families?

Not exactly... our First Field is fenced off from the Exe River and consequently is best suited for families with young children.

Otherwise, families with children of different ages camp in ALL our fields.

Is there a “quiet time” when noise must be kept down?

a. Yes, “quiet time” begins at 11:00 PM.

b. Yes, “quiet time” begins at 11:00 PM... EXCEPT in the Fourth Field where staff is reluctant to attend at any time after dark.

How late may we arrive?

Preferably before 8 PM and certainly before “dark”... even if you are familiar with our campsite arrivals after “dark” tend to be disconcerting for other campers.

When do we have to leave the campsite?

Preferably before 5 PM and certainly before “dark”... even if you are familiar with our campsite traffic after “dark” tends to be disconcerting to other campers.

Can our children get close to the farm animals?

a. From the “out side” of a fence – Maybe... but even then be vigilant and cautious

b. From the “in side” of a fence – No! Children should never be in a field with livestock, regardless of whether or not they are accompanied by an adult.

c. Visiting / feeding... lambs, chickens and dogs can be arranged, talk to Dave the Farmer.

What about dogs on the campsite?

No matter "how well trained" you know your dogs to be — Health and Safety as well as Public Safety guidelines require all dogs to be on leads in public spaces such as our campsite.

There is a specified "off leash" area to the west of the campsite in Douglas Wood [see Campsite Map TBD!].

As outlined in our Camping Terms & Conditions:

  • Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash in the campsite.
  • All fouling must be picked up and deposited in a rubbish bin.
  • For the safety of yourselves, your dogs and our animals, do not take dogs near livestock, cows and calves or sheep.
When is the campsite open during the year?

The campsite – itself – is open "anytime" ... but the shower and loo blocks are closed from November through February.

While facilities can be made available during the "off season"... ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL!

Can we bring our own Porta-Loos?

Yes.

And JSYK... there is a Chemical Disposal located just above the gate into the Second Field [see Campsite Map TBD!].

The geese are a bit unnerving ... how do we control them?

IF you are bigger than the geese ... hold your arms outstretched away from your body and simply walk towards them.

They will back away.

IF you are about the same size as the geese ... say "Go away geese!" in your loudest voice.

AND ... hold out your arms as wide as you can.

They may not back away but you should feel better.

AND ... the geese will know that you mean business!

Does the campsite have...

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Does the campsite have 'set pitches'?

No, you pitch up in whichever of the camping fields suits you best.

How do I arrange to camp beside my friends?

Fair question:

We do not have 'set pitches' so there is no "default" way to arrange this but here are two suggestions — depending upon how many friends there will be.

1. Arrive together... or as close together as you and your friends are able and simply pitch up

2. Come camping when you and your friends will have the campsite more or less to yourselves... the chart below will give you an idea of 2022's visitor density.

2a. Any dates with "around" 50 visitors — or less — will more or less guarantee you (and your friends — of reasonable number) the opportunity to camp together.

The orange bars in this chart indicate the two busiest weeks of Summer 2022.

Does the campsite have walks around the farm?

Yes... there are Four Waymarked Walks around the farm – see Campsite Map TBD!

In fact you may walk anywhere you want around the farm BUT you cannot enter any farm buildings unless you are accompanied by farm staff or Edwards family member... AND... Please, Please, Please: “LEAVE THE GATES THE WAY YOU FOUND THEM!”

Does the campsite have fire pits?

Yes, the campsite has fire pits in the Fourth Field... BUT... you may also...

Bring a brazier or Bar-B-Q or other fire containment system which — raises the fire far enough above the ground that it does not singe the grass — in which case you may have an open fire in any of our Camp Fields.

In all cases — please exercise all due caution around open flame.

Does the campsite have firewood for sale?

Yes, we do, kindling as well... please call Jill’s mobile for pricing.

Does the campsite have electric hook-ups?

No

Does the campsite have WiFi?

Sort of... approximately in the area between the Farmhouse and the First Field Loo Block – see Campsite Map TBD!

Does the campsite have mobile phone reception?

This depends “specifically” upon your mobile phone provider... we have had campers phone us from the Fourth Field and others who cannot connect anywhere on the campsite.

Does the campsite have a recharging facility for digital devices?

Yes... well, "sort of"... charging is available at a “multi-point” plug in Reception: very sorry but we cannot be responsible for devices left to recharge.

Does the campsite have laundry facilities?

Yes, the campsite has both a washing machine and tumble dryer available in the First Field Loo block – see Campsite Map TBD! and... bring ₤1 coins.

In addition... we have a LARGE drying room heated by our bio-mass boiler, dedicated to drying every kind of clothing and foot wear.

Does the campsite have a fridge or freezer available?

Yes, we have both, see Campsite Map TBD!

Does the campsite have camping gas for sale?

Yes... on exchange, otherwise you will have to buy the “bottle”.

Does the campsite have free range eggs for sale?

Sorry, no.

Does the campsite have grass fed beef raised on the farm for sale?

Yes, please inquire onsite.

How far is...

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How far is the nearest grocery store?

Exmoor Stores in Exford about 2.2 miles – 01643 831 244 – all the basics... directions

Petrol Station
in Wheddon Cross about 7.2 miles away – 01643 841 221 – FUEL plus all the basics and more... directions

Londis
in Porlock about 7.8 miles away – 01643 862 396 – a convenience store... directions

Co-op
in Dulverton about 10.8 miles away – 01398 323 241 – full on grocery store... directions

How far is the nearest petrol station?

The nearest petrol station is at Wheddon Cross about 7.2 miles – directions

How far is the nearest pub?

The nearest pubs are in Exford:

The Crown Hotel in Exford about 2.2 miles – 01643 831 244 – directions

The White Horse Inn in Exford about 2.3 miles – 01643 831 279 – directions

However, there are several good pubs in the area – perhaps too far to walk to but well worth a visit:

The Exmoor Forest Inn in Simonsbath about 5.4 miles – 01643 841 221 – directions

The Royal Oak Exmoor in Winsford about 7.2 miles – 01398 323 241 – directions

Tarr Farm Inn at Tarr Steps about 7.6 miles – 01643 862 396 – directions

The Castle Hotel in Porlock about 7.8 miles – 01643 862 504 – directions

Woods Pub & Restaurant in Dulverton about 10.8 miles – 01398 324 007 – directions

The Black Venus Inn in Challacombe about 10.8 miles – 01643 831 279 – directions

The Bridge Inn in Dulverton about 10.9 miles – 01643 841 221 – directions

The George Inn in Brompton Regis about 12.7 miles – 01398 371 273 – directions

How close is the nearest riding stable?

The Exmoor Pony Centre about 8 miles – directions

Burrowhayes Farm about 9 miles – directions

Brendon Manor about 11.3 miles – directions

West Anstey Riding Stables about 12.8 miles – directions

How far is it to the beach?

Far enough to give you time to get your sunscreen or wet suit on.

Is there a footpath from Westermill to Exford?

No... well, “yes”... but it’s the roadway!

IF you do walk into Exford... walk in the middle of the road and wear bright colours during the day and reflective gear or head lamps at night.

Locals are very good at traversing this road... sorry to say but it's the "visitors" that need to be watched out for.