The Journey Of A Thousand Words Quiz

Answer: Minehead

We start our 630 mile walk just west of the Somerset town of Minehead, a popular seaside destination for the wealthy since Victorian times. As we travel west on the seaward side of Exmoor we are traversing sections of some of the highest coastline in England, rising in places to just over one thousand feet. If you are fortunate, you may encounter some of the local wildlife here which includes the nightjar and the Dartford warbler as well as both Exmoor ponies and red deer.

Answer: Porlock

The coastal path becomes more challenging as it follows the route of the A39 which, after leaving Porlock, becomes England's steepest stretch of A-road; however, once the path levels out, the views are stunning. On a clear day the coast of south Wales and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm can be seen. Continuing westwards we pass through the tiny coastal town of Lynmouth; tragically, 34 people were killed here in 1952 during a flash flood.

Answer: Westward Ho!

Crossing into Devon, the path takes us past the beaches at Woolacombe and across the Taw estuary to one of England's sunniest spots, the village of Braunton. This area is perfect for birdwatchers as the Taw and Torridge estuary provides an ideal stop off point for many species of migratory wading birds. Westward Ho! is a new village, being founded in 1865 and taking its name from a novel by Charles Kingsley.

Answer: Tintagel

The castle near Tintagel was believed to have been King Arthur's birthplace by Geoffrey of Monmouth. This is another challenging section, the last before we reach the flat, wide and sandy beaches of north Cornwall. Of interest here are Peregrine falcons and, for the botanists, Rocky Valley with over 160 species of moss. You may also notice the unusual farm walls built in a unique herringbone pattern known as 'curzyway' and terraced fields.

Answer: Lighthouse

Leaving the beaches of north Cornwall behind us, we round the coast at Land's End, mainland Britain's most westerly point. Building on the Longships lighthouse began in 1795; its light standing 35 metres above mean high water. Surprisingly, its 3Kw bulb projects a beam of light that is visible out to fifteen nautical miles. If you search the horizon on a clear day you may also see the lighthouse built on Wolf Rock, approximately six miles offshore.

Answer: Floral or Furry Dance

The Floral Dance traditionally takes place on the 8th of May. Festivities begin at seven in the morning and continue through the day with the last dance taking place at five in the evening. The most famous dance takes place at noon where men and women take to the streets in their finest attire. Traditionally, dancers wear a sprig of Lily-of-the-Valley as this is symbolic of the town.

Answer: False

Burgh Island, located a stone's throw from the village of Bigbury-on-Sea, is easily reached by foot at low tide, although transport is available for those who desire it. The Burgh Island Hotel was a very popular haunt for those celebrities and aristocrats who wished to holiday in privacy; these included local writer Agatha Christie, playwright Noel Coward and aviatrix, Amy Johnson.

The art-deco styled hotel was built in 1929 and later extended in 1932.

Answer: Armada survivors

After the Spanish Armada had been scattered by the English, the greater number escaped by sailing around northern Scotland and Ireland but many were lost in rough seas. A single vessel ran aground near Salcombe; survivors from this vessel were held at Torre Abbey, a listed building located on Torquay's seafront. No longer an abbey, the abbey still has a large out-building known as the Spanish Barn, the building in which these men were briefly incarcerated.

Answer: True

Located at the mid-point of the world famous Jurassic Coast, the Isle of Portland is an impressive edifice as it is approached along the coastal path from either direction. Portland limestone was used for building by the Romans and this has continued over the centuries since then; there are few of England's major cities where one cannot find architecture constructed from this stone. Portland is approached from the west along Chesil Bank and provides shelter for Weymouth Bay to the east.

Answer: Durdle Door

Durdle Door, just a short walk away from Lulworth Cove, is a naturally formed limestone arch which takes its name from the word 'thirl', meaning to bore or drill. Caution should be exercised as the British Army tank regiments often train here. Of further interest nearby is the village of Tyneham, evacuated in the years leading up to D-Day and never re-occupied after hostilities ceased; an eerie place.