Recommended walks nearby in North Devon

A 20-minute walk from the cottage to Atherington is worthwhile, particularly as there is a super play area on the way with wonderful views across to Exmoor. The church in Atherington is definitely worth a visit with its unique carved ‘minstrels gallery’. Look out also for the plaque to Anthony Snell who lived at Bartridge up to his death in 1707 aged 89, quite a feat for those days.

Atherington Village

A lovely hour-long circular walk in and around Umberleigh is as follows. Boots may be required when it’s been raining. Drive and park in the car park opposite Umberleigh primary school.

Cross the main road and walk along the public footpath next to the church. After 75yds when you reach the river turn right and follow this public footpath through 3 fields next to the river. Look out for kingfishers as they flit between riverbank branches. The path then cuts up next to a large private garden.

When you reach the road turn right and follow this minor road to the end where it meets the main road.

Cross the main road and continue down along the unmarked path between fields until you reach a small track – turn right and follow this sometimes-muddy path all the way back to the car park.

There are so many places to walk and visit we have chosen just a few of our favourites.

If you are a member of the National Trust then

  1. Park at National Trust car park at Baggy Point in Croyde and walk the hour long spectacular circular walk around the headland. End the walk with a visit to the Baggy Point National Trust Tea Room.
  2. Arlington Court is not only worth visiting in its own right to see a wonderful house and National Carriage collection but to do one of several circular walks around the estate ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Try and time your visit with snack or meal at the great Pyne Arms in West Down just down the road.
  3. Probably our favourite is the 2-hour spectacular walk along the coastal footpath around Watersmeet.
    Time this one with a visit to the Watersmeet pub/restaurant which is owned by the Trust.

Walks or a visit are a must to:-

Tarr Steps

A wonderful 45-minute walk along both sides of the river close to this ancient stepping stone bridge. The Tarr Steps Inn is recommended there.

Tarr Steps

Landacre Bridge

An ancient ‘Clapper Bridge’ dating from Lorna Doone's time. It is possible to do several circular walks from here.
Visit Exmoor : Landacre Bridge

Braunton Burrows

This is a massive expanse of enormous sand dunes where the American army practiced for D Day.
Visit Devon : Braunton Burrows

Valley of the rocks -

Look out for the mountain goats and rugged terrain. It’s a nice walk into Lynton and Lynmouth where you can try the Lynton Cliff Railway.

Hartland Quay

A wonderful circular walk via a waterfall and lovely tea room at Docton Mill with its beautiful gardens. One of the most spectacular coastlines in the country.
Hartland Peninsula
www.doctonmill.co.uk

Crow Point 

Now part of The Devon Wildlife Trust properties. It lies and is an extension of Braunton Burrows.

Halsdon Woods

20 minutes from here Is a rich woodland, again owned by the Devon Wildlife Trust that has carpets of bluebells and daffodils in the Spring. Look out for otters as you walk along the side of the River Torridge – but keep quiet!!

Halsden Woods

Codden Hill

Only 10 minutes’ drive from the cottage is a fantastic view point looking out towards Lundy, Dartmoor, Exmoor and Hartland. Drive towards Barnstaple and just before you enter the village of Bishops Tawton look for the road on your right that heads back on yourselves. Go one mile up here until you see a small track on your left. It leads to a small car park where you can walk to the top of Codden Hill where the memorial to Jeremy Thorpe’s wife is.

More walks

The Tarka Trail

Route on sustrans.org.uk

The Tarka Trail is just 15 minutes’ drive away with the nearest and easiest access point being just the other side of Torrington at The Puffing Billy.

The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile recreational route, taking a looping path through North and Mid Devon, from the rugged Atlantic coast, to the rural Devon Countryside and estuaries of the two rivers of Tarka the Otter fame - the Rivers Taw and Torridge. The trail is named after Henry Williamsons’ Tarka the Otter - which was based on many locations along the trail

The most popular section of the trail, between Torrington and Barnstaple, takes the route of a disused railway line and particularly suited for both cyclists and walkers. The trail has some breath-taking scenery, through the floodplain's and salt marshes near Bideford, then the ancient woodlands and riverbanks of the Torridge near Torrington. Just 10 minutes’ walk from Torrington toward Bideford is a weir where there is always a Heron and Rob and Veronica saw an otter there in 2020.

Devon Wildlife Trust manage an area at the south end of the trail near Meethe with flooded disused clay quarries and an abundance of bird life. They describe it as 150 hectares of rolling landscape, deep water filled lakes and beautiful views Great for walking and just 25 minutes’ drive away. Speak to us about a great walk there. Meeth Quarry

Bike hire is possible from several locations in Barnstaple, Torrington and lnstow (Torrington Cycle Hire). The route from Barnstaple to Braunton or the other way to Torrington is great fun. The Puffing Billy just outside Torrington is the best place to go from and hire bikes as well.  

The Puffing Billy pub/restaurant there has a large garden and does lovely food.  

Speak to us about walks slightly further afield such as on Dartmoor.