ACTIVITIES &
OTHER INFORMATION

Telephone: 01398 341 400 Fax: 01398 341 143

Exmoor Guide

Exmoor National Park is the smallest of the National Parks covering around 267 square miles of stunningly beautiful scenery and wonderful views. There are over 625 miles of footpaths and bridleways, it is possible to ride, cycle, walk or even run all day only touching the roads to cross them. The highest point at 1704 feet, Dunkery Beacon enjoys wonderful panoramic views over the moor, the Quantocks and across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Uniquely there are thirty-four miles of coastline within the park, it has the highest coast and the longest stretch of coastal woodland in England.

It is characterized by steep wooded combes and a very varied landscape that changes with the seasons. No matter when you come it is not possible to be unmoved by its spectacular beauty. In the autumn the moor is covered in heather and you may even be lucky enough to find the local delicacy of whortleberries. The moor has its own endangered species the wild Exmoor Pony, the Heath Fritillary as well as the largest herd of wild Red Deer in the country.

This is Lorna Doone country, go visit the church and village of Oare and the valley from where the dreaded Doones terrorized the neighbourhood.

There is so much to do and see here on Exmoor, press here for Walking, Fishing, Cycling or Riding these links will take you to the relevant pages on the Exmoor Tourist Association web site. Alternatively have a look at Everything Exmoor for an overview of this wonderful area. To come back to this page after you have looked just close the page that opens.

The National Trust has a number of interests in and around the park, notably Knightshayes, Arlington Court, Dunster Castle and Lundy.You can take a paddleboat trip to Lundy Island, spend the day walking around this spectacular National Trust Island watching the seabirds, and may be even spot the basking sharks and puffins. Just as spectacular is the Valley of the Rocks just off Lynton and Lynmouth, Watersmeet.

Our village, Hawkridge is situated just north-west of the picturesque town of Dulverton, on the Two Moors Way. The famous Tarr Steps are within an easy walk and from here you can walk to Dulverton or Withypool or simply take a circular walk around our estate along the stream, through West Hollowcombe Woods and back through the village.

The large towns forming a triangle around Exmoor are Minehead, Barnstaple and Taunton; within the Park there are some small towns and many villages. Some of the best known being Dunster, with its lovely castle and grounds overlooking Minehead, Porlock, Selworthy, Allerford and Exford. Whilst in the area why not try a safari to see the famous Red Deer of Exmoor as well as the ponies and other wild life. Alternatively why not have the attraction visit you?

***

Eating out

There is a rich tradition of locally produced food on Exmoor, check out the Exmoor Producers Association site for a few ideas.There are also a multitude of pubs and restaurants around Exmoor serving good food and drink; close to us are

The Old Station, Blackmoor Gate
Ashwick House, Dulverton
The White Horse,Exford
Tarr Farm, Liscombe
The London Inn, Molland
The Sportsman, Sandy Way
The Royal Oak, Winsford
The Royal Oak, Withypool

robbie and the ramblers, press for more photos

History

carved buzzard overlooking West Hollowcombe Woods woods

Stretching back into the mists of time Exmoor is littered with burial mounds and standing stones (Menhirs), watch history come alive at Torrington 1646 and right up to date at the Cobbatton Combat Collection. Museums detail the sometimes colourful past of the area. Check out the Lyn and Exmoor Museum in Lynton, South Molton Museum, Dunster Dolls Museum, and others in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple.

Culture

Not only theatres around the area such as the Queens at Barnstaple or the Landmark in Ilfracombe but numerous other smaller events covering all aspects of music and word.

There are many other events going on in the area all through the year, some traditional, others more recent ideas; for further details and dates try this link.

Sports

we welcome cyclists- even if we think you are mad. With all of the natural beauty of the area a lot of people come here for the riding, both horse and, for the extra fit, cycling.Why not go down the road to Wimbleball Lake, where there are water sports, walking, cycling, boating and fishing available. The Ironman competition will be held there again this June after its success last year.

The North Devon Leisure Centre has swimming and fitness gym. Outside are a plethora of Golf Clubs including the Libbaton Golf Club, High Bickington, Portmore Golf Park at Barnstaple and Saunton Sands near Braunton. There are numerous walks direct from our doorstep, either through West Hollowcombe woods or along the Two Moors Way. Alternatively why not go to www.exmoorwalks.co.uk and see if something can be tailored to your requirements.

Alternatively for advice and equipment regarding shooting and fishing contact Lance Nicholson who is based in Dulverton; start by going to his website at www.lancenich.f9.co.uk. If you want an guide and know your way around a fishing rod try www.hartflyfishing.demon.co.uk

Fundays

North Devon has numerous activities for all the family, including Go Karting, Ten Pin bowling as well as

The Big Sheep
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
The Milky Way
Tropiquaria
Quince Honey Farm
The West Somerset Railway

If you would like to try some more adventurous activities, why not contact the Mill Climbing Centre and see what they can lay on.

Arts & Crafts

As can be expected the area abounds with a host of arts and crafts, for instance the Old Corn Mill and Pottery, Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre,
Pulhams Mill for Furniture and Crafts
Exe Valley Fishery
McCoy Saddlery
and many local artists and sculptors
Alternatively go and visit the Dartington Crystal factory in Torrington, have a guided tour and then a browse in the factory shop for some spectacular bargains!

Home Cottages Stabling Prices Booking Life Photos FAQ

why not telephone us on 01398 341400 or even better

ACTIVITIES & OTHER INFORMATION