Description
Book SynopsisA brand new title, part of Bradt's award-winning series of Slow travel guides to UK regions, offering the most in-depth coverage available to North and Mid Devon, arguably the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in southwest Britain. With area-by-area coverage, from around Clovelly and the Cornish border in the north to Mid Devon's Exe Valley and Tarka railway line, it is packed with suggestions for where to go and what to do, including plenty of outdoor activities such as horseriding, coasteering, walking and cycling. Interesting places to stay and eat are detailed, as are festivals, local customs and traditions, historical aspects, anecdotes, gardens, National Trust properties and where to go stargazing beneath the region's Dark Skies. North Devon has a unique blend of wild rugged coastline, deep river valleys, heather-covered moorland, family-friendly sandy beaches, great surfing and enchanting villages. While the car-free village of Clovelly provides a glimpse of Devon as it was 100 years ago, North Devon is also one of the country's leading centres for coasteering. Mid Devon is the least touristy part of the southwest - truly Slow Devon. The towns still hold weekly pannier markets and the pubs are full of locals discussing the price of sheep and Ruby Red cattle. People still walk, ride and cycle as part of their lives and visitors are always struck by the region's diversity: the wonderful views, the range of wildlife and the clarity of the night skies. Join veteran traveller, author and Devon resident Hilary Bradt, and her fellow long-term travellers and Devon residents Gill and Alistair Campbell, to discover in this unique guide exactly what it is that makes this beguiling region so special. From Lundy Island to the haunted village of Lapford, and from the extraordinary Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre to the War Horse Museum, Bradt's Slow Mid and North Devon has everything you need for a perfect trip.
Trade Review'Eye-opening and wonderful' The Sunday Times Magazine 'An invaluable inspiration to those who like to walk and discover new things about the region.' North Devon Journal 'Contains all manner of little known facts and tales about local characters both past and present.' Western Morning News
Table of ContentsCONTENTS GOING SLOW IN NORTH & MID DEVON A taste of North & Mid Devon, Festivals, NGS Gardens & Open Studios, Carfree travel, Wildlife, Further reading & media, How this book is arranged 1 NORTHWEST DEVON: THE CORNISH BORDER TO THE RIVER TORRIDGE Getting there & around, The Hartland heartland, The Clovelly area, South of the Atlantic Highway, Bideford & area 2 NORTH DEVON'S SEASIDE Getting there & around, Braunton, the Burrows & Saunton Sands, Georgeham & Croyde, Beaches & headlands: Morte Bay, The Ilfracombe area, Combe Martin & area 3 LUNDY ISLAND Lundy's history, Lundy today, Wildlife, Getting there, Staying on Lundy, Getting around Lundy, What to take, Making the most of a day trip, Exploring the north 4 BARNSTAPLE & INLAND NORTH DEVON Getting there & around, Barnstaple, North of Barnstaple, South of Barnstaple, Southwest of Barnstaple, Great Torrington & area, Southeast of Barnstaple: between the A377 & A361 5 DEVON'S EXMOOR Getting there & around, Further information, Western Exmoor: to Lynton via Blackmoor Gate, The coastal triangle, Lynton, Lynmouth & area 6 RUBY COUNTRY: WEST MID DEVON Getting there & around, Hatherleigh & area, Holsworthy & area 7 THE HEART OF DEVON Getting there & around, South Molton & area, Along the Tarka Line 8 THE EXE VALLEY Getting there & around, Cullompton, Bickleigh, Fursdon & around, Tiverton & area ACCOMMODATION INDEX