The Royal Oak (Nr Dunster, Exmoor National Park, Luxborough, Somerset TA23 0SH) (01984) 640319. The Royal Oak is a rural inn of immense character and charm offering a wide selection of Real Ales, an even wider selection of food and fine wines. The Inn's accommodation is also tastefully decorated and furnished. The Royal Oak is family owned and run and has been extensively refurbished to provide a delightful and relaxing base for visitors to Exmoor. There are a number of rooms to eat and drink in and the problem is which to choose. The Dining Room is a traditional country inn setting which allows you to enjoy the atmosphere from the adjacent bar whilst dining. The Green Room is intimate, quiet and comfortable. The ideal setting for those cosy candlelit dinners. The Red Room is spacious with a unique atmosphere and a decidedly sporting theme. Perfect for those special family and small party occasions. For those who just want a quick snack or prefer to soak up the atmosphere whilst eating, there are dining areas throughout the bars and in the secluded garden. The Royal Oak offers an extensive menu of home cooked fresh food prepared by their young, imaginative joint head chefs. In addition to a wide variety of traditional fare they offer a selection of Fresh Fish and Game specialities which vary from day to day. To accompany your meal choose from their list of real ales. Good food deserves a good setting and thats why they have created dining areas with entirely different ambiences to suit any mood. Bedroom accommodation (en-suite) at the Royal Oak is quiet, comfortable and has been furnished in quality style. The rooms have been thoughtfully located above the quiet dining rooms for comfort and for those who wish to have an occasional early night and are graded to suit all preferences. There are many interesting and varied walks directly from the village with a network of bridle paths and footpaths winding through beautiful woods and hills with breathtaking views across the valley. From behind the Royal Oak you can walk through the edge of Slowley Wood to the top of Monkton Hill to enjoy a panoramic view across Rodhuish Common, the coastal villages to the Bristol Channel and, on a clear day, the coast of South Wales is clearly visible. A ten minute drive North takes you to Roadwater village, the start of the historic mineral railway line which carried ore from the mines on the Brendon hills to the channel port of Watchet. Although the tracks were removed many years ago, the route provides wonderful walking through heavily wooded countryside up the famous Brendon incline to Ralieghs Cross. A similar drive South turning right on the B3224 above Luxborough leads to Kennisham Hill where there is ample car parking and access to miles o f well maintained footpaths set in forested country side. Email: kevan.draper@btinternet.com