Outdoor Pursuits in North Devon
We are ideally located for a wide range of outdoor activities to suit all levels of ability from the athletic to the mildly energetic! Dunsdon is only a short drive from the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest national trail. Circular walks can be easily planned on the coast path and, farther afield, on Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor (driving time: 45 mins-1 hour+). Closer to home, walkers can set out from our front gate along well-marked footpaths, taking in Dunsdon Nature Reserve and the route of the historic Bude Canal.
With its fabulous beaches and rolling Atlantic waves, Bude is renowned for surfing. Coaching for all ages and abilities is available from its various surf schools and it is also the home of surf lifesaving in the UK.
Only a few miles from Dunsdon are the Tamar Lakes, reservoirs on the upper course of the river on the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. At the Upper Lake there’s an activity centre offering kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing and windsurfing. Another great family-friendly watersports centre near us is the North Devon Wake Park, just outside Clovelly.
Bring your own bike and cycle through remote rural areas on quiet back lanes. Alternatively, bike hire is available in Bude, where you can also get recommendations for coastal and country routes, and from Torrington Cycle Hire in Great Torrington, located right on the Tarka Trail – a walking/cycling route that’s ideal for exploring less well-known parts of north Devon. In Cornwall, pick up the Camel Trail from Wadebridge (bike hire available) to the coast – this easy cycle ride with lovely views is also a good way to avoid parking problems in Padstow.
Photo: Guy Richardson, tarkatrail.org.uk
While you’re here, please take some time to look up at the night sky – on a clear, moonless night, thanks to the lack of light pollution, the view of the stars and Milky Way is truly breathtaking.
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