These are some of our favourites. If you find any special places you’d like to recommend to others, please let us know so we can add them.

  
 


Dartmoor & Exmoor national parks are both within 1 hour drive. Each has its own mood, both offer mile after mile of rugged walking. Wild ponies, deer, granite tors and amazing views. Click on the following links for Exmoor walks and Dartmoor walks. On the way back from Dartmoor, you could stop at The Duke of York in Iddesleigh – great, locally reared food.


The South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest national trail, runs right along the North Devon Heritage Coast. These are the cliffs that inspired Daphne du Maurier and countless tales of wreckers. Cloaked in gorse, sea pinks and bracken, they look wild, but the path is very well maintained. Anywhere between Baggy Point near Croyde to Morwenstow in Cornwall is easily accessible from here (15-45 mins drive). Our favourite stretch is between Hartland Quay and Welcombe (good pubs at both ends too). Plan a walk to suit you here.

The gnarled trees of Sloo Woods, between Peppercombe and Bucks Mills is carpeted in bluebells and wild garlic in May and the hedgerows are full of sloughs and blackberries in August.

The picture postcard, historic fishing village of Clovelly is built into a steep cliffside. No cars are allowed in the village. Park at the top (expensive, sadly) and walk down the steep cobbled high street. Or walk along the cliff tops. Very pretty. 20 mins drive.

Saint Swithun’s Church, Littleham is a beautiful Norman church 5 mins walk from Hollands. Head across the field to the right of the cattle grid. At the top of the hill by the parish hall, take the cobbled track in front, down to the church. The churchyard is full of local history and wild flowers.