Lydford Gorge is managed by the National Trust and is always a magical place to visit. There are gorge walks, woodlands, an old railway track and of course waterfalls to discover. Well signposted from the A386 (off the A30 near Okehampton) there are 2 entrances. Closer to Lydford Village is the Devil's Cauldron Car Park, … Continue reading Lydford Gorge Easter Trail

This fabulous walk is so accessible, yet tucked away. The M5 runs so close to the river and yet none of the drivers would know they're passing such a fun spot! The riverside fields are accessible from both Cullompton and Stony Ford, either side of the motorway, with free parking available at both ends. From … Continue reading Culm & Cake

This wonderful spot of calm and tranquility is hidden away on the Pebblebed Heaths. Often known collectively as Woodbury Common, Squabmoor is nearer to Dalditch and Budleigh Commons. Squabmoor has its own free car park, found by taking the turning off the B3179 that is signed for a resevoir. You will pass Bystock Pools on … Continue reading Squabmoor Reservoir

This section of the Tarka Trail is a great family bike ride as it is very flat and completely traffic free. There is parking available in Braunton, Bideford and Instow, as well as refreshments and facilities at various points. The route we took was just under 20km each way. We parked in Braunton at Velator … Continue reading Cycling the Tarka Trail – Braunton to Instow

Peak Hill is located just outside Sidmouth and is managed by the National Trust. It incorporates some of the South West Coast Path and links to many other public footpaths in the area. You can start your walk from above Jacob's Ladder beach and park in the main Sidmouth car parks, or in the metered … Continue reading Peak Hill, Sidmouth

This solitary outcrop is a good 'starter tor' for those just setting out in their Dartmoor discoveries, or it can be a good way to get your rock fix without having to venture onto the high moor when time is tight. Blackingstone Rock is located above Doccombe and close to the beautiful reservoirs of Tottiford, … Continue reading Blackingstone Rock

This 16km (each way) traffic-free cycle route runs along a disused railway line from Okehampton to Lydford. We have previously done a shorter section from Okehampton to Meldon quarry, and you can read about that here. Obviously, you choose to start and finish where you like but we find Okehampton an easy place to park … Continue reading Cycling the Granite Way

This amazingly preserved castle is situated in the gorgeous moorland village of Lydford. It is maintained by English Heritage and free to visit. It is open year round during 'reasonable daylight hours' and has both the castle, and lovely grounds to explore. Lydford has lots of evidence of its Saxon Banks, and there are a … Continue reading Lydford Castle

This 11km trail was 20 years in the making and was only completed in December 2019. It is a fantastic route, linking Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey, via Lustleigh, along an old railway track (sadly long since dismantled). There are info boards and markers along the trail, with a downloadable audio guide. The trail inclines gradually … Continue reading Cycling the Wray Valley Trail

This amazing spot is managed by the RSPB as a nature reserve. Access and parking are free. The main car park is at Joney's Cross - a right hand turn after you pass the Half Way Inn on the left. After parking at Joney's Cross, enter the reserve by the information board and cattle grid … Continue reading Aylesbeare Common