Fit cyclists will enjoy the challenge of biking to Barnstaple and back - with the help of the train and the Tarka Trail. Cycle to Eggesford Station (4 miles), catch the train to Barnstaple and you're on the trail almost immediately. It's about 20 miles to Meeth via Fremingon Quay, picturesque Instow, Bideford, Puffing Billy, and the lovely cafe at East Yarde. Then there's another 15 miles back on country lanes to the farm, perhaps with a detour via the Duke of York or the Kings Arms. If that's too much, you can do several sections either by bike or on foot (and via public transport).Picnic by the River Taw at Bondleigh
Wembworthy Down
This Devon walk, good for dogs and kids if they can cope with 2 stiles and a couple of hills, starts at Speke Cross in Wembworthy, just a couple of miles from Wheatland Farm. It takes you across farmland, into a wood with a small stream, through forestry land and back over a stone bridge, past the fallen trunk of an enormous tree, to the start point.The Big Tree Walk, Eggesford
This is why we call it the big tree walk! This douglas fir was planted around 1840 and is to be found in the Heywood Forestry Commission woodland about 4 miles from Wheatland Farm. This is an easy going walk which you can do with a push chair. But it's better if you can cope with a scramble because then you can get down to the River Taw and climb to the top of a Norman Motte and Bailey castle. RHS Rosemoor gardens
RHS Rosemoor is just 11 miles from our cottage and lodges, and makes a relaxing day out, or you can combine it with other attractions in nearby Torrington (walks, Dartington crystal, Torrington 1646, The Plough Arts Centre). You can get there by bus from Winkleigh - the 315 service stops right at the gate.Relax at the Kings Arms Pub, Winkleigh
The Kings Arms pub in Winkleigh offers a warm welcome whether you want a cream tea, a quiet pint, or a great meal.Bondleigh the Taw and Devon lanes
This walk starts in Bondleigh, crosses fields to a bridge over the Taw, follows the river, then returns to the village along Devon lanes crowded only with wildflowers. Exeter galleries, cathedral and tours
In the city of Exeter you can visit galleries, take a guided tour, admire the Cathedral or just relax in a coffee bar.Barnstaple to Fremington on the Tarka Trail
Walk or cycle from Barnstaple to Fremington Quay on the Tarka Trail, and enjoy an ice cream at the cafe and museum. You get fabulous views out over the mouth of the Taw River, see beautiful butterflies and flowers in summer, enjoy easy walking and a lovely cafe at the end.Instow to Fremington on the Tarka Trail
This is an easy going walk (or cycle) with options to explore part of the South West Coast Path and detour around a nature reserve. You'll end up at Fremington Quay cafe, which was voted 17th in the Independent Newspaper’s 50 Best Cafes in the UK 2006 - the only one in North Devon.Puffing Billy to Yarde Orchard Cafe
The Tarka Trail between Puffing Billy pub and Yarde Cafe is a lovely woodland walk or cycle crossing the Torridge and passing several benches for the trail as part of Sustran's Art in the Travelling Landscape initiative.Halsdon Nature Reserve
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.Beaches and a canal at Bude
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...Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows
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.The Big Sheep - a family day out
The Big Sheep is a family day out with lots to see and do for kids from toddlers to teenagers...Peppercombe - a Devon beach you have to walk to
Here's a beach trip for a day when the walk is part of the fun...Hollocombe to Leach Bridge circular walk
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.
Walking from Hollocombe to Higher Minicleave Wood
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...Bluebells in Timbridge Wood
This is a great walk when the bluebells are out in late May, but lovely at other times of the year too.Hollocombe Moor
Hollocombe Moor is one of our closest open access spaces, offering a taste of expansive moorland without going to Dartmoor or Exmoor.Belstone Cleave and the Tors Pub
Belstone Cleave in early autumn - beautiful even if it's raining. Here's what Muttley thought...Castle Drogo
Castle Drogo was originally built for self-made retail millionaire Julius Drewe. Designed between 1910 and 1913, it took 20 years to build. Now owned by the National Trust, Drogo is particularly special because the Edwardian building was designed by Edwin Lutyens.Torrington 1646
Re-live the last major battle of the civil war in the Cavalier town of Torrington... Soft Play Barn at Waie to Play
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
A Dose of History at Cobbaton combat Collection
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.Walking near Meldon Reservoir, North Dartmoor
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. Riding on Dartmoor at Skaigh Stables
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. Bold Try riding stables
Just a few miles from our cottage and ecolodges you'll find Bold Try stables, on the outskirts of Chulmleigh. Kayaking on the Torridge, at Bideford
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.Horn's Cross to Westward Ho! South West Coast Path
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....Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the south west of England, with the White Lady waterfall tumbling 30m (90ft). It's been voted the No. 1 most romantic spot in Devon and Cornwall. Ledgend says anyone who falls into the Lyd who sees a woman in white with long flowing tresses standing in the waterfall will not drown!Braunton Burrows dune system
Braunton Burrows, the core of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is quite unlike anywhere else in the region. It's a weird dune landscape carpeted with flowers in summer and with a uniquely wild atmosphere in winter.
