Outdoor activities

The Tarka Trail

• Over 30 miles of the Tarka Trail is available to cyclists and walkers between Braunton and Meeth, using the old railways of North Devon. Passing through the largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first published in 1927.

Tarka Trail Torrington to Meeth

This is the least well known but most peaceful and tranquil part of the Tarka Trail, in North Devon.  It’s a really wonderful, quiet and scenic stretch that heads south on the old railway path through East Yarde towards Petrockstowe and Meeth. Ahead you will see some great views of Dartmoor National Park as you travel through beautiful North Devon, wooded countryside.

Route Distance: Great Torrington to Meeth – 10 miles / 16km

Torrington

Torrington has a superb hilltop location, giving extensive views up and down the Torridge valley. Access to the town is via a network of paths across Torrington Commons.

Cycle Hire

• Torrington Cycle Hire

Places to see/ things of interest

• The complete guide to Devon
• Devon Holiday Directory


• Check out this excellent website for ideas if you want to spend a Dayout with the kids!

Places to visit:

• Dartington Crystal, Torrington
• Torrington 1646 Museum
• RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington
• The Gnome Reserve
• Cobbaton Combat Collection
• Atlantic Village

Local Pubs and Restaurants

•  The Rising Sun
• The Cranford Inn
• The Old George (High Bickington)
• The Golden Lion (High Bickington)
• The Bell Inn (Chittlehampton)
  
• Weirmarsh Farm  Restaurant
• High Bullen Hotel and Health Spa
• The New Inn, Roborough

Outdoor Activities:

• North Devon Quads and Clay pigeon shooting at South Down adventure park
• Survival paintball
• Libbatton Golf Course (open to non-members)
• Brannams Pottery
• Horse Riding
• The Big Sheep
• Monsters Mansion - Childrens Indoor Soft Play and Party Centre
• The Milky Way  -  Indoor and Outdoor Activity Centre a Family Day Out

Beaches in North Devon:

There are many beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, for those guests with dogs the beaches below are dog friendly.

• Beaches in North Devon that accept dogs all year round
  
  Barricane Beach Nr Woolacombe dogs on a lead May to Sept 
  Crow Point Nr Braunton 
  Cheyne Beach Nr Ilfracombe 
  Grunta Beach Nr Morthoe.  
  Instow Beach The Quay to Boathouse.
  Lee Beach Nr Ilfracombe. 
  Lynmouth Beach
  Morthoe / Rockham Beach
  Northam Burrows Near Westward Ho! 
  Saunton Sands Sat Nav: 
  Watermouth Bay and Widmouth Beach 
  Welcombe Mouth Beach near Kilkhampton 
  Woolacombe Beach
  
  Beaches in North Devon that welcome dogs between October and April
  
  Combe Martin Beach 
  Combesgate Beach nr Woolacombe
  Croyde Beach 
  Hele Bay nr Ilfracombe
  Putsborough Sands nr Georgeham
  Westward Ho! Beach

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Northam Burrows Beach as photographed by Simon James

For those that prefer to chill-out and relax in either Exmoor Cottage or Dartmoor Cottage you may simply wish to have a barbecue or picnic in the guest's garden, barbecues, and utensils are provided.   If you would like to play a few ball games in the paddock we have a small selection of beach ball games and outdoor activities in the garden shed, so please feel free to help yourselves.

There is very little light pollution here, we are just on the edge of one of the officially darkest areas in England.  We issue torches with each set of keys and a night-light on the landing because it is so dark at night!  This makes us a near perfect venue for astronomers.  On a clear night the vast range of brightly lit stars is just amazing, we have been able to view so many stars with our naked eyes than was ever possible in a town, so feel free to bring your telescope if you are a keen stargazer.  

Sally and Michael South, Crossways Holiday Cottages, Langridge Cross, Atherington, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX379HP, England.
E-mail:  info@crosswaysholidaycottages.com
Telephone: 01769-560840, Mobile: 07906-070169