Dartmoor Activities: During your holiday.

1. Visit Widecombe in the Moor. Famous for Widecombe Fair held on the second Tuesday in September. Widecombe has the largest church in the area known as ‘the cathedral on the Moor.’ The Church was famously hit by lighting in 1638 causing a pinnacle to fall through the tower killing four people. The Rugglestone just outside of Widecombe is the local’s retreat; this rustic 200 year old building has small rooms and a quality menu with local produce and real ales.
2. Walking: There are hundreds of walks in the area including The Two Moors way and Dr Blackalls Drive (Dr Blackall was buried in Leusdon Church, just above Lowertown) The Dartmoor National Park also organise guided walks.
3. Horse riding: There are a number of riding stables in the area, Shilstone Rocks are suited to beginners and advanced riders, their rides have amazing views over Widecombe and the surrounding area. They also breed the pedigree Dartmoor Pony and are famous in the equestrian world for their impact on the breed and winning at breed shows around the world. Babeny Farm stables are a very popular riding school which ride on both moorland and through woodland.
4. Kayaking/canoeing: If you are an experienced kayaker/canoeist and you have all your equipment with you, then the River Dart is one of the best white-water stretches in the UK.
5. Climbing: Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced climber there are loads of crags in the area that would suit your ability.
6. Walking with Alpacas and Llamas: Fancy going walking without your rucksack? Steve and Di Weymouth will take you on a guided tour around Dartmoor with Llamas and Alpacas carrying all the equipment you need. The animals are ideal walking companions and are very experienced and friendly (normally one animal for two people). The walks stay away from tourist ‘hotspots’ so you see the lesser known areas of Dartmoor. Prices are around £30-£45 per person depending on the type of walk (choose from half day, Cream tea walk, or an Evening walk). Children over 8yrs welcome and are around £18. For more information phone 01364 631481
7. National Trust places: Lydford Gorge near Okehampton has beautiful woodland walks and a 30 metre waterfall, although the walking can be strenuous with uneven surfaces and vertical drops, walking boots are essential, Not suitable for children under 8yrs, or people with heart complaints or walking difficulties. Buckland Abbey was the home of Sir Francis Drake, interactive displays and plenty of hands-on activities. Cotehele house (nr Saltash) has a busy winter events programme and is famous for its ghostly goings on! Explore its gardens and Tudor textiles and armour collection, you can even take a boat trip from Cotehele quay. Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in England with family activities everyday from April to October.
8. Kent’s Caverns Devon’s Prehistoric caves near Torquay, suitable for all the family, open all year and great on a wet day. They also hold events throughout the year recently showing the London production of Macbeth in one of the many chambers. Call 01803 215136 for more information
9. Dart Valley Steam Railway: Take the steam railway to Totnes from Buckfastleigh and back again (Totnes has many arts and craft shops); it costs a little under £10 for an adult return ticket. They also have dining trains which are thoroughly recommended! Call 01364 642338 for more information
10. Buy some ‘propper’ local food: If you fancy taking some Devon Beef, Pork or Organic Lamb home with you we can recommend three local farmers who sell it, all friends of ours that produce good quality meat.
11. Read about Dartmoor’s ghosts and pixies, There are a number of books in the guest’s lounge explaining the ‘ne’er do wells’ of Pixies, and the local ghost stories including the Hairy Hands of Dartmoor, The devil at the Tavistock Inn and a crying baby at The Old Inn, Widecombe.
12. Fly Fishing: The River Dart is only open to fishing at certain times of the year; however there are other places that are good for fishing if it’s out of season. We recommend speaking to Tom Hill who runs half day (4hrs) and full day (7hrs) courses with all equipment included. All you need to do is pop into the post office and get an Environmental Agency Rod Licence (it’s around £3.50 per day) after booking a lesson with Tom. His number is: 01626 866532 / 07883 086094.
13. Cycling There are plenty of cycling routes in the area including Devon’s Coast to Coast. The Granite Way is popular with families cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along a former railway, the whole route is around 11 miles. Short routes, along with where to hire equipment, can be found in National Park Visitor Centres. There is also a very good mountain biking area on Holden hill, near Exeter catering from the novice to the very experienced.