Exmoor beckons at this time of year despite the harsh moorland climate. The landscape may be drab – the bracken and heather has lost most of its colour and the predominant colours are greys and fawns with just the occasional rusts and greens. However we were lucky – the sun shone for much of the time giving us additional blues from the sky and also from the sea, for the rolling moorland tumbles steeply into the sea on its northern edge.
The tiny clifftop hamlet of Countisbury – the far distant horizon is the south coast of WalesThe origins of the Exmoor pony date back into pre-history, for they are the oldest surviving breed in Britain and have remained virtually unchanged from the earliest days. They are perfectly adapted to surviving on the moor all year and, as can be seen from the photographs, look fit and well having come through the snow and bitter weather of the coldest winter for very many years. The ponies that live in the Valley of the Rocks (photo below) are used to seeing people for it is a much visited area with easy access despite its rugged terrain. The ponies of the high moor are far more wary.
Getting too close for their comfort, they were soon up on their feet and ambling away. In a matter of moments their camouflage made the moorland look empty once again.
Life in the English Cotswolds 
Dear Johnson, What a beautiful and remote part of England Exmoor still is. Long may it remain so. I love it where the land drops to the sea, almost as it might have been centuries ago.The Exmoor ponies are a delight and it is indeed amazing the way in which they disappear into the landscape. I do hope that steps are being taken to afford them protection.
Exmoor is one of my favourite places and I shall be writing more about it in the future.Exmoor ponies are being helped by a dedicated band of breeders and also The Exmoor Pony Society and The Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Both have websites that are worth a visit.Johnson
Hello Johnson, enjoyed your walk 🙂 It is tricky trying to catch the ponies on camera. I have endless amounts of pony rear ends ha!
I found your blog recently and am so glad I did! I've not heard of most of the places you write about, so each entry is truly a gift! Looking forward to more…
Chris – I have an awful lot of photos of ponies running away and several of me falling into bogs!Lisa – Thank you for your very kind comment and welcome to my blog. You do not say whereabouts in the world you are (its always interesting to know) but no matter: I'm always amazed and delighted that people visit the blog at all!Johnson
I am in Seattle!