English
DeutschRunning Routes
There are a number of running routes which can be enjoyed either from starting at the Devon Country Barns or by travelling to by car. Kristian often uses the all the routes for his own marathon training so is extremely familiar with all of them. Distances range from 3k up to 22 miles, off-road, trail and tarmac routes suitable for a variety of running sessions (MPT, Long run, Fartlek, Hill and Easy runs) with or without dogs! The scenery on all the routes is simply stunning and on some of the routes, these can be intertwined with a trip to Padstow as an example, which is always a firm favourite of ours. Kristian gets dropped off in Bodmin, then runs along the Camel Way to Padstow (c. 11miles). I drive to Rock, park and enjoy a short ferry trip to Padstow for a spot lunch when Kristian arrives! To see some of the routes click the map to see start/park points. If you need some company; Kristian would be happy to take you on a run as well!
Cycling
Hiring a bike and getting out onto The Granite Way couldn’t be easier. Why not go along to Devon Cycle Hire just outside Okehampton and enjoy traffic free cycling with amazing views of Dartmoor. They have bikes for all the family adults, kids, babies, electric bikes and even a trailer for dogs. They also have tandems and tag alongs and helmets are supplied free with each hire. Half an hour from us, just off the A30 you can cycle a wonderful traffic free, fairly level trail over two spectacular viaducts, see Meldon Damm and enjoy a picnic or pub meal on route.
T: 01837 861141 SN: EX20 4HR
W: http://www.devoncyclehire.co.uk/
Or if you fancy doing the very picturesque Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow along the old railway line, contact Camel Trail Cycle Hire in Wadebridge who have bikes for everyone with fully trained staff to make sure you have a fun and safe day out.
T: 01208 814104 SN: PL27 7AL
W: http://www.cameltrailcyclehire.co.uk/
Canoe the Tamar
Canoeing on the River Tamar is a gentle and enjoyable outdoor activity, suitable for all types of families. The canoe trips journey from the historic Quay at Cotehele up river, past the village of Calstock and into the wilds of the upper tidal limits.
As well as beautiful valley scenery, you will see all sorts of wildlife including seals, otters, kingfishers and herons.
All equipment is provided, including life jackets. No experience is necessary as you will be under the supervision of a qualified guide.
T: 01822 833409 SN: PL19 8JE
W: http://www.tamartrails.co.uk/
Tree Surfing
Fancy trying the famous Tree Surfers high ropes course, deep in the forest of the Tamar Valley. This premier high ropes course, in Devon but very close to Cornwall, is a challenging tree top adventure designed to test your nerve and awaken your senses. A fantastic high ropes adventure in the great outdoors – perfect for groups of friends, colleagues and families!
T: 01822 833409 SN: PL19 8JE
W: http://www.tamartrails.co.uk/in-trees/
Horse Riding
Cholwell Riding Stables is a family-run business that has been providing escorted rides and riding lessons on Dartmoor for nearly forty years. Situated on the A386 between Okehampton and Tavistock, next to the famous ‘Wheal Betsy’ Silver Lead mine, they are perfectly located to ride straight out onto Dartmoor with no need for any road work. Our guests (of all ages and experience) regularly use Cholwell and they love them!
T: 01822 810526 SN: PL19 9QG
W: http://www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk/
Walking Dartmoor
Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek across windswept moors, or just a relaxing stroll through secluded woods, Dartmoor has it all. Blaze your own trail, be a pioneer, explore and take the less trodden route. If you know your way around an OS map, download one of the many map routes from their website, gather your kit and head out the door.
If perhaps you are a little less confident of your surroundings, why not try a guided walk with their very own Dartmoor National Park Guides, download an audio walk to your mp3 player, or sample some of the easy circular routes. There are some excellent planned routes for families – including ones designed to put the children in charge – lasting from an hour to a full day.
T: 01837 659224
W: http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/discover-dartmoor/dartmoor-walking
Clay Pigeon Shooting
If you’re an experienced shot or if you want some tuition, Ashcombe shooting grounds have it all with targets like driven pheasant, springing teal and dropping duck. About 40 mins from us and a great day out.
T: 01626 866766 SN: EX7 0QD
W: http://www.ashcombeadventure.co.uk/
If you’ve never shot before and want to give it a go, then just let us know and we can fix you up with our local instructor Terry Mills who is so good, nobody ever comes back having hit nothing!
Falconry
If you want to meet some magnificent birds of prey under the guidance of one of the country’s top falconers, give David Buncle a call. Spend an hour flying a Harris hawk, meet some owls and get hands on – its a day you will always remember!
T: 01822 810112 SN: PL19 9NB
W: http://www.westcountryfalconry.com/
Surfing
Meet your Bude based Freeway Surfing Academy surfing coach at Widemouth Bay beach and get fixed up with a suitably sized wetsuit and a surfboard, then stroll down the sand to the waters edge and go through the safety/instructional chat. Once you are ready and warmed up its time to put your surf lesson in to practice. Get in there and see why everyone gets so hooked. Beware you may want another go!
T: 07870 472448
W: http://freewavesurfacademy.co.uk/
Golfing
There are plenty of golf clubs to choose from in Devon and Cornwall so we’ll just mention a few that are close to us:
Launceston Golf Club T: 01566 773442
W: http://www.launcestongolfclub.co.uk/
Trethorne Golf Club T: 01566 86903
W: http://www.trethornegolfclub.com/
Hurdwick Golf Course T: 01822 612746
W: http://www.hurdwickgolf.com/