Active & Adventurous

Off Road Cycling in Devon & Cornwall

If you enjoy cycling, there is a wonderful range of off-road cycling routes in the area, along some stunning stretches of Devon and Cornish countryside, with just a few listed here:
  • Roadford Lake

    Roadford Lake is just a 10 minutes’ drive. This beautiful 730 acre lake and country park is perfect for a waterside cycle, or walk in fact. There are also several cycle trails through the woodlands. 

    For further information click here

  • The Granite Way

    The Granite Way is an 11 mile multi-use trail running between Okehampton and Lydford, along the north western edge of Dartmoor. You'll enjoy fantastic views of Dartmoor, as well as a number of specific sites of geological interest. 

    For further details click here

  • The Tarka Trail

    The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile, walking and cycling trail traversing North Devon and Exmoor, featuring the longest, traffic-free cycle route in the UK. 

    For further details click here

  • The Camel Trail

    The Camel Trail is an 18 mile virtually level multi-use trail which passes through some of the most breathtaking countryside in Cornwall. Following a disused railway line, the trail follows the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge before joining the route through the deep and beautifully wooded Camel Valley to Bodmin. 

    For more information click here

  • Online Resources & Cycle Hire

    There are numerous sites that have a great selection of routes, with maps and other information, including this link.

    If you would like to bring your own cycles there is plenty of undercover areas to store them. 

    There are a number of cycle hire shops in the area; here is a link to Devon Cycle Hire near Okehampton.

If you have your own cycles, you are welcome to bring them and store them in one of our barns. 

Exploring the Devon & Cornish Coastline

The north, south and west coasts of Devon and Cornwall are all within reach of Higher Kellacott, with many beautiful walks and places of interest to explore. Here are a few that are highly recommended:
  • South West Coast Path

    This path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.  There are several stretches of this popular path within reach of Higher Kellacott.

    For further information click here

  • The Valley of Rocks

    Despite involving a long drive to Exmoor, the Valley of the Rocks is a stunning place to visit in north Devon, excellent for walking. It is a dry valley that runs parallel to the coast, near the village of Lynton. It is a popular tourist destination, noted for its herd of feral goats, and for its landscape and geology. 

    For further details click here

  • Burgh Island

    A slanting slab of rock set on the south Devon shore, Burgh Island is cut off from the mainland at high tide. The island itself is only 1/2 kilometer round, with a well known Art Deco hotel (frequented by Agatha Christie), pub and a series of footpaths. At low tide you can walk to it along the sandy causeway from Bigbury-on-Sea, which also has a beach, surf school, kayak and SUP hire.

    For further details click here

  • Tintagel

    Surrounded by some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the north Cornish coast, Tintagel Castle itself dates back to the 12th century and is said to be connected with the legendary King Arthur. In addition to the castle and coastal walks, Tintagel village itself is very picturesque and has the Oldest Post Office in the country, which is owned by the National Trust and well worth a visit. 

    It's about an hour's drive from Higher Kellacott. 

  • The Fowey Peninsula

    This peninsula is dotted with wonderful places to visit, including Fowey and Fowey museum, Polkerris Beach and Polridmouth Cove, St Catherine's Castle, to name a few. 

    Indeed, world renowned writer Daphne du Maurier, author of the book and 1940s film Rebecca, which was famously set in Cornwall, lived at Fowey. 

    To find out more on this area, click here

  • St Michael's Mount

    Although well over an hour's travel time, St Michael's Mount is a wonderful place to visit. It is a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, inked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water. The Castle itself, owned by the National Trust, is well worth a visit, as is the village of Marazion.

Swimming, Surfing & Watersports in Devon & Cornwall

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming, surfing or watersports within  an hour's drive of the Cottage. Roadford Lake is only 10 minutes' drive, whilst the popular Watergate Bay is 50 minutes. Here is just a small selection:
  • Wild Swimming

    If you're a fan of outdoor swimming, you'll be spoilt for choice on Dartmoor. Foggintor Quarry is a fabulous place to swim, and the River Dart has several well known pools along its course.  Cullover Steps is a popular pool near Belstone and the Tavy Valley is also well known. Ask for more details, as it's one of our favourite summer pursuits! 

    For more Devon wild swimming locations, click here

  • Bude Sea Pool

    This top attraction in Bude has been in use since the 1930s and is free of charge for all swimmers. It is very popular with adults and children alike in the summer.

    For further details click here

  • Roadford Lake Sailing & Watersports

    Situated just 10 minutes from Higher Kellacott,

    Roadford Lake Watersports Centre has a range of activities for you to try out, including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards and sail boats during the summer season. Hire is available 7 days a week and must be booked in advance. 

    For further details click here

  • Surfing Beaches

    There are a number of renowned surfing beaches within reach on the north coast, including Newquay, Polzeath, Bude and Watergate Bay, where the Extreme Academy is based. Watergate offers great eating out options, with the Beech Hut and Hotel Living Space both close by. 

  • Dartmoor National Park Lidos

    These two popular Dartmoor Stannary towns both have a lido. Chagford Pool is a 25m heated river-fed pool, open throughout the summer months. It's a 30 minute drive.

    Moreton Pool is open from May till September. This 25m pool has a grass seating area with hot and cold refreshments available. It's a 40 minute drive.

Adventures Up High, On The Level & Underground!

If you are looking for some serious adventure and excitement, these Devon activity centres might be a great way to spend your time. Or enjoy a game of golf at a number of courses in the area.  
  • Dartrock Climbing Centre

    Established in 2009, Dart Rock is one of the South West's leading indoor climbing facilities. Dart Rock has both roped climbing and bouldering, with 11m high walls.

    They also have outdoor activities, including an artificial cave system, access to local caves, an abseil station and tree top adventure. 

    Although on the south east edge of Dartmoor and an hour's drive up the A30/A38, this is a great day out for the adventurous!

    For further details, click here

  • Kent Cavern Cave System

    Kents Cavern is an indoor/outdoor activity centre in Torquay, Devon. It features a prehistoric cave system, which has been a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1952 and a Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1957. It is notable for its archaeological and geological features. The site also features woodland trails and coastal walks. 

    For more information, click here

  • Tree Surfers

    Located in the Tamar Valley, near Tavistock, approximately 30 minutes' drive. Tree Surfers offers a tree-top adventure, zip wire and archery. 

    For further details click here

  • The Barn Climbing Wall

    Although not climbing in the traditional sense, the Barn Climbing Wall south of Lifton is a great option for those wishing to try out this activity in a safe and structured environment. Certainly a good option to be active on a wet day.

    For further details, click here

  • Golf Courses Near & Far

    There are numerous golf clubs in Devon and Cornwall; some close by, such as Launceston and Tavistock, others much further afield in north Devon or Cornwall. Saunton Golf Club near Barnstable in north Devon is rated as one of the top courses in the south west.  Bovey Castle Hotel Golf Course on Dartmoor is another option, set in spectacular surroundings. 

    For further ideas, click here

  • Horse Riding over Dartmoor

    Cholwell Riding Stables near Tavistock are perfectly placed for horse trekking over Dartmoor.

    All levels of experience are catered for by this family run business, which is located just off the A386, about 25 minutes drive from the Cottage.

    For more information, click here 

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