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Devon has an abundance of nature, two contrasting coasts, one wild and untamed and one more gentile and two Moors – the grand Dartmoor and the less well travelled Exmoor. It’s easily accessible and give the perfect base for nature lovers of all types. Nature is both on the and under the sea, on the high moor and down wonderful valleys and estuaries.
Easy train journeys from London, Bristol or the Midlands, take you to the start of your trip or come by car and we’ll transfer you back at the end of the tour. on this tour you will immerse yourself in wonderful Devon countryside, with a wide range of activities, relax in the evenings with our free beer and wine fridge and in some of the best pubs known to man! We’ll start your holiday straight from the train station so just bring yourself, some active wear and a sense of adventure and we’ll cover everything else.
Led by our outstanding guides, and using all our equipment, we know every bend in the road, river or track, beach or headland, and cafe stop, local pub and vineyard to suit all tastes! You’ll not need to worry about any of your luggage transfers, bookings or equipment as it will all have been taken care of for you. Our days are full and active but without the rush.
We meet guests up from Exeter St Davids station at 12 noon and transfer the short journey to Crickleigh Mill in Exeter for lunch, and to see if we can see the elusive otters! In the afternoon we take a leisurely walk along to the Ottery St Mary on the River Otter for some beaver-spotting!
We head out on a stunning morning walk into Exmoor National Park on a deer safari, looking out for Red Deer and the less common stag. After lunch, we head out for a coastal walk along Broadsands Beach, known by our guides as James Bond Beach, enjoying an afternoon sea swim. Today’s dinner is a real treat and a hidden gem, ‘Curry on the Beach’. Sri Lankan cuisine served at Barricane Beach as you enjoy watching the sun set over the sea.
We head out from the coast in the morning on a Sea Safari to see seals and the ocean wildlife. Lunching in the Puffing Billy, a unique converted railway carriage, we set off along its rail-to-trail converted tracks for an afternoon ride along the Tarka Trail. Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, in the famous novel by Henry Williamson, the full route is 180 mile off-road trail, we travel a shorter section that follows in the footsteps of this iconic otter. We enjoy dinner out at the Tors Inn in the heart of Dartmoor to watch the sunset over the moors.
This morning we try a spot of Tor Bagging amongst the rugged granite outcrops of Dartmoor, getting up-close and personal with the Dartmoor Ponies, following their wild roaming trails and understanding their interesting history. Known as ‘Heritage’ ponies, with long flowing manes and tails, and reaching no more than 12.2 hands in height. Curretnly there are around 1500 ponies on the moors, though in the past these numbers are thought to have reached around 30,000! In the afternoon we explore the Dart Valley, walking to Spitchwick Common and Sharrah Pool for a wild swim in this magical place. We take a walk with a local renowned forager in the late afternoon, learning what is available to be sourced from the ground, woodlands, hedgerows and more. We forage food to be included and cooked with our evening meal – a wonderful way to engage with the Dartmoor landscape and enjoy the fruits of our afternoon walk!
After a relaxed, we transport guests to Exeter St David’s Station and help guests with their ongoing travel arrangements, saying our fond farewells after a week in nature.
For full information about this tour and to find out all you need to know, download your copy of the detailed itinerary by clicking the button below.
Exeter St David’s Station, Devon
12 noon
3* hotels or Glamping
Absolutely! We bring like-minded people together on these trips, to enjoy a group atmosphere, get stuck into some great activities, water sports, hikes and to share a well-deserved meal with at the end of each day.
Our tours are designed for those looking for an active weekends, mini-breaks and weeks away. All activities can be adapted but a ‘give it a go’ attitude goes a long way! Some of our water sports activities require a basic ability to swim 50-100 metres. If you would like to chat to one of our team about your particular trip, fitness and activity levels and what is involved in coming on one of our tours, please get in touch and we would be happy to help
We provide a kit list before your trip with us. The basics to bring is some swimwear, clothes you don’t mind getting wet or a bit muddy in, a towel, as well as some clothes and shoes suitable for walking and cycling in. By providing all the equipment needed for cycling, kayaking, and more we take the hassle out of your week away, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your active Devon week away.