tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78052492222095467602012-05-06T23:27:08.694+01:00These pages are about great days out and things to do near our Devon self catering accommodation at Wheatland Farm. They have ideas for fair and foul weather, adventurous walks or gentle ambles, pubs restaurants and cafes, car free days out, and lots more. If you're staying here please do add your comments and help others get the best out of their stay.Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-41875865950935068122012-05-06T23:16:00.001+01:002012-05-06T23:16:52.386+01:00

Volunteer Veronica arrived and left on her bike, and while she was here took a day out and did a full circuit from Wheatland Farm to Barnstaple and back. Bike to the station, Tarka Line to Barnstaple, Tarka Trail to Fremington, to Instow, to Bideford, to Puffing Billy at Torrington, on to East Yarde and then nearly to Meeth, and finally back on Devon country lanes to the farm. About 40 miles

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-31165378580509307252011-08-22T23:02:00.002+01:002011-08-22T23:08:59.837+01:00

Here's a lovely spot for a river-side picnic 6 miles from the cottage and lodges, at Bondleigh. This little woodland is owned by the Woodland Trust, and as such has public access. That means you can wander off the path - indeed right down to the Taw - without worry. It's a pretty small wood, but you could combine a picnic with a Bondleigh Walk too. There's room to park (just) at the second gate

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-59654217831079692622011-03-16T22:08:00.002Z2011-03-16T23:03:27.380Z

This Devon walk, good for dogs and kids, starts at Speke Cross in Wembworthy, just a couple of miles from Wheatland Farm. To get there: Right out of the drive, right at the first cross roads (Tinker's post), bear right at Lane End - a Thatched farmhouse. Carry on over and down the hill, and up into Wembworthy on the other side. Turn left through the village, until you see the playground on your

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-4191392118070127162010-07-04T15:05:00.010+01:002011-02-25T21:56:50.676Z

The Big Sheep is a family day out with lots to see and do for kids from toddlers to teenagers... And one of the nice things about it is that you can do some things together - like the twister ride which has seats for adults and children as young as three (height restriction). There are lots of animals to see up close, including lambs (of course) and piglets. If it's wet there's

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-85933647417467234282010-07-01T14:38:00.014+01:002011-02-25T21:57:12.650Z

This is a great walk when the bluebells are out in late May, but lovely at other times of the year too. Getting there This Devon walk starts about a mile from the cottage and lodges. You can borrow a bike, walk or drive - just take care not to park blocking the gates where the walk starts. Turn left out of our drive, go past the farm shop, then right, down towards Hollocombe (before you

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-33562692245594674802010-06-26T22:21:00.012+01:002011-02-25T21:57:35.362Z

A circular walk through nearby Hollocombe to Higher Minicleave Wood and back. Lovely countryside and woods, some ups and downs, several gates, but only 1 stile. About 1 hr 15 mins at adult pace. Getting there This Devon walk starts about a mile and a half from the cottage and lodges. You can borrow a bike, walk or drive. Turn right out of our drive, then left at Tinker's Post, down into

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-76657224875584973432010-06-16T10:21:00.008+01:002011-02-25T21:59:15.846Z

Muttley dog says: One of my favourite Devon walks, this one, especially in spring when all the woodland flowers are blooming but it's still sunny beneath the bare trees. But it's good any time of year because of the river. You walk through ancient woodland - look out for carpets of wood anemone and bluebells in spring, and even true wild daffodils. You can bike or drive to the start of this

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-65551407567035657632010-04-28T11:26:00.001+01:002010-04-30T15:33:10.626+01:00

This blog is now located at http://www.devondaysout.wheatlandfarm.co.uk/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://www.devondaysout.wheatlandfarm.co.uk/feeds/posts/default.

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-44503487597783399832010-04-14T15:49:00.012+01:002011-02-25T21:59:47.798Z

Here's a beach trip for a day when the walk is part of the fun... This one won't offer you miles of sand, and there are no icecream stalls, but then there aren't many people either (and you can always get an icecream - or a pint- at the pub on the way back). Start your walk at Horn's Cross, on the A39 between Bideford and Buck's Cross. You can get the 315 stagecoach bus from

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-39276448692183541622010-03-03T22:53:00.004Z2011-02-25T22:01:25.330Z

Hollocombe Moor is one of our closest open access spaces, offering a taste of expansive moorland without going to Dartmoor or Exmoor. Getting There Hollocombe Moor is about 3 miles from the cottage and lodges. The easiest route is northwards on the main road out of Winkleigh - A3124. After a mile or so you'll see the moor on your right . Turn right along the northern edge of the moor,

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-79527286660858940122009-10-31T22:20:00.005Z2011-02-25T22:02:10.367Z

Belstone Cleave in early autumn - beautiful even if it's raining. Here's what Muttley thought in October 2009... "It was one of those days - the humans weren't all that keen, but I asked in a nice high-pitched dog voice and they agreed. Don't know why they were relunctant - it stopped raining as soon as the walk took us to a bridge and ford. It's the River Taw here, though it's only a

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-79163771691449169542009-09-14T13:54:00.014+01:002011-02-25T22:02:36.665Z

Castle Drogo was originally built for self-made retail millionaire Julius Drewe. Designed between 1910 and 1913, it took 20 years to build. Sadly, Drewe died, aged 76, a year after it was completed. The family gifted the house and grounds to the National Trust in 1974. It was the first 20th Century property they took on. Drogo was special because the Edwardian building was designed by Edwin

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-28822182993821245242009-08-15T18:59:00.003+01:002011-02-25T22:03:07.232Z

Re-live the last major battle of the civil war in the Cavalier town of Torrington... At Torrington 1646 you'll be guided through a reconstruction of the town on the night of 16 Feb 1646, when the roundheads marched from Exeter and started a night-time battle against the cavaliers, loyal to the King. It ended with the destruction of the church when 80 barrels of gunpowder (Guy Fawkes only had 36

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-25500044743141066352009-02-17T22:36:00.000Z2009-02-17T21:02:22.728Z

Have you discovered a great day out near here you think we should cover? If so, please tell us about it in a comment.

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-10292438410231069602009-02-05T23:15:00.010Z2011-02-25T22:03:31.938Z

If your young kids need to burn off some energy and it's raining, you might want to take them to the Waie Inn in Zeal Monochorum, where there's a 'soft play' centre - the kind with big slides and tunnels, rope bridges etc. It's usually open from 10 until 18:00 and costs £3.50 for a 2 hour session (under ones and adults go free). There's a cafe and plenty of seating. Our kids like the cannons

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-35549506465868253702009-02-05T23:14:00.009Z2011-02-25T22:04:00.713Z

Not just war toys for boys, this collection of military equipment, some of which is still used in films today, focusses on the second world war and is dedicated to the memory of those who fought in it. The collection ranges from military surplus tanks, guns, helmets, artillery, grenades, and bombs, to Home Front ration books, gas masks, ARP and Home Guard uniforms, and blackout lamps. This is

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-77513598726728093712009-02-05T23:11:00.016Z2011-02-25T22:04:48.816Z

You can get a good taste of Dartmoor around Meldon Reservoir, yet choose how adventurous you want to be. Walk around the reservoir, head for the High Willhayes (the highest point in southern England), walk down to the viaduct or explore the geology of the valley. The area around Meldon is a SSSI. There's a hazel wood with bluebells in spring (and a good population of dormice) just north of

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-62028125033775106422009-02-05T21:27:00.012Z2011-02-25T21:56:26.253Z

Dartmoor is England's largest wilderness, and on horseback is a fabulous way to see it. Skaigh Stables will take you off the tarmac roads and onto the moor. It's ideal for intrepid and adventurous riders. The scenery varies dramatically, from wild and remote granite tors to gentle purple heather and yellow gorse-covered slopes. You can book a morning or afternoon ride (arrive for

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-83342242049545758282009-01-29T22:15:00.007Z2011-02-25T22:06:16.648Z

Just a few miles from our cottage and ecolodges you'll find Bold Try stables, on the outskirts of Chulmleigh. Whether you're a learner like Holly here or a experienced rider, they'll look after you well. They're cheaper than stables on Dartmoor and know lots of local rides. Some of our guests have come back specifically to ride here again. Telephone 01769 580366. But if you do want to ride

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-30337091560422526812009-01-28T22:13:00.008Z2011-02-26T11:31:14.432Z

Try kayaking on the River Torridge at Bideford. You can hire sturdy kayaks suitable for beginners from Bideford Bicycle Hire and enjoy this part of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve from a completely different perspective. Paddle yourself beneath Bideford's famous Long Bridge or head up stream past saltmarsh and reedbeds towards the iron bridge at Landcross to see this part of North Devon

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-68987846321572542822009-01-28T20:25:00.012Z2011-02-26T11:36:00.616Z

In the city of Exeter you can visit galleries, take a guided tour, admire the Cathedral or just relax in a coffee bar. If you feel the need to return to urban life for a day, Exeter is a good bet for a spot of culture. And if you want to be green you can take the train on the picturesque Tarka Line - Eggesford Station is only about 4 miles away. All the trains have to stop here - a

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-60884332635739494962009-01-28T16:02:00.015Z2011-02-26T11:40:18.368Z

This is a good one way walk through a wooded combe and along a fabulous stretch of the South West Coast Path. Take the bus out and walk back.... You start this day out from either the bus stop at Winkleigh the bus stop on the Quay at Bideford. After a short journey you'll walk along wooded paths, see Lundy Island out to sea, dip down to a beach, and catch cliff top views. The walk is

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-33233929332215619832009-01-28T14:33:00.006Z2011-02-26T11:43:43.311Z

The huge beach at Northam Burrows Country Park, near Westward Ho! is about 40 mins drive away. It can be almost empty outside peak season, and even in August there's plenty of room. This picture was taken in October - you can see the miles of sand at low tide. Parking is easy - there's a car park (small charge in the sumer). At the far end of the car park there is a really worthwhile

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-64637456098559208422009-01-28T13:21:00.008Z2011-02-26T11:47:20.706Z

Bude offers some of the closest beaches to us. You can enjoy the sand, go surfing or pick up the South West Coast path for a lovely walk. It's just over the border in Cornwall, but they won't ask for your passport... If you drive to Bude you'll probably end up at Summerleaze Beach, the closest to the town. There's level access from Summerleaze car park. At low tide you can also get here

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7805249222209546760.post-26996433541764522972009-01-25T23:41:00.010Z2011-11-06T21:47:43.707Z

Halsdon Nature Reserve is one of the nearest of the Devon Wildlife Trust's reserves to Wheatland Farm. Otters are sometimes to be seen from the hide overlooking the River Torridge, and orchids and bluebells bejewel the woods in spring. The 57 hectare reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with mixed deciduous river valley woodland, riverside meadows, marsh and including 2.4km of

Maggie Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08012516024553350919noreply@blogger.com0