Around and About ( Places & Links )
There is a huge selection of places to go and things to do, that are close to Coles' or quickly accessible - here is a selection of things to try or to investigate, with links to websites for further information if you want to know more.
Note: It would be a whole evenings browsing to view all that is here properly! - maybe bookmark this page.
Walking, Cycling & Fishing
Up the lane from Coles' leads west to Pyworthy village with it's fine church and excellent Molesworth Arms pub, there are fine views over Dartmoor to the south-east and Bodmin Moor off to the south-west.
From the lane there is a bridleway that heads northwards down to the former London and South Western Railway railway line from Okehampton to Bude. Carry straight on to reach the Rydon Inn gastropub, or turn east to walk into Holsworthy along the cycleway that uses the railway line. There are coutryside views to the north and then fantastic views from the top of Derriton viaduct as you approach Holsworthy.
The cycleway can be picked-up again just to the east of Holsworthy again where it passes Simpson Valley Coarse and Trout Fishery before heading off to reach the Tarka trail (and all points north and south) at Meeth.
The bridleway/cycleway starts just opposite the cafe on Windmill Road as you start to leave Holsworthy.
To the west of Holsworthy beyond Pyworthy village quiet lanes lead south and west to the River Tamar with fishing at Yeomadon Farm fishing lakes. To the south there is fishing on the River Tamar itself and Roadford Lake. Slightly north-west are The Tamar Lakes.
Roadford and Tamar lakes are great destinations for walking and sailing too.
The Coast
Many people will be interested in the North Cornwall and Devon coastline with it's magnificent cliffs, beaches and coastal walking. If weather and tides are kind Jane & I would recommend Bude beaches at low tide. If you start from Summerleaze beach or the canal wharf at Bude about an hour before low tide, there is a fabulous walk north on the beach exposed at low tide. It is all sand and exhilerating walking from Summerleaze crossing next Crooklets Beach then onwards past Northcott Mouth to Sandymouth Bay and beyond to Duckpool rocks - that's about 3 miles each way but what a walk!
Another favourite from Bude is to follow the canal towpath from the canal basin towards Marhamchurch. This has the added bonus of restaurants both ends, plus there is opportunity to strike up to the coastal path at Upton and back to Bude that way.
Widemouth Bay is the next large beach southwards before you reach Crackington Haven (with St Gennys church tucked behind the cliff) just before you reach Boscastle and Tintagel.
Northwards from Bude the coast becomes increasingly savage with many fantastic off-the-beaten-track places of interest. There is Morwenstowe and it's association with the Reverend Hawker (do try the Rectory Tea Rooms opposite the fascinating church), arty Welcombe with it's secluded beach & waterfall.
and then Spekes Mill Mouth just before you reach Hartland Quay with it's Hotel and Smuggling Museum.
(If ever there's a storm up, head to Hartland Quay, or to the Breakwater at Bude).
Spekes Mill Mouth and it's waterfall can be reached from the north via a spectacular walk from Hartland Quay and St Catherne's Tor, or by a walk down the valley from lovely Docton Mill Gardens and Tea Room (a favourite of ours).
Next is Hartland Abbey with a walk to Blackpool beach, then remote Hartland Point and on to Clovelly.
Lundy Island is visible offshore from most points north of Bude. Lundy can be reached for day trips by boat from Bideford Quay or Ilfracombe, or by plane from Hartland Point.
Lundy boat and plane timetable is here.
We always leave a Tide Timetable at Coles' for you to consult.
Then there is Dartmoor....
Dartmoor
The closest parts of Dartmoor to Coles' are Stourton with it's Tor and Church and Meldon Reservoir. These are excellent places to start if you fancy a beautiful and gentle introduction to walking or cycling the northern reaches of Dartmoor. There are spectacular views around the lake and from the dam itself as well as access to Meldon Viaduct and the old railway line, which is now part of the Granite Way long distance path and the West Devon Way.
Meldon Dam and Viaduct along with the old railway line will be of interest in terms of industrial archeology as well as beauty.
Another favourite for North Dartmoor walking is lovely Belstone, just south-east of Okehampton. Here you can also visit the pub or tea-rooms. Follow the brook from the village green up onto the moor towards Belstone Tor and the Nine Maidens stone circle. Within minutes you are in a different world.
The Finch Foundry at Sticklepath (also just south-east of Okehampton), Lydford with it's Castle & it's National Trust Gorge, and Okehampton Castle are the other places of note on the northern edge of Dartmoor to the south of Coles', and all within approximately 30 minutes drive.
Family & All-weather Attractions
You can find everything you want to keep the family entertained at Bude. There is a choice of beaches, beach huts for rent, an open air tidal swimming pool, the old canal and canal basin, miles of clifftop walks, golf club, kayaking and surfing galore, horse riding on the beach, and plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants. If the weather is less kind there is still the Castle Heritage Centre and the indoor splashpool right nextdoor is The Venue all-weather ten-pin bowling and playzone. Jazz lovers don't forget the week long Bude Jazz Festival held at the end of August each year.
As you approch Clovelly there is The Milky Way Adventure Park and as you near Bideford The Big Sheep family all-weather attraction.
Bideford is an interesting town on the Torridge estuary with an old pannier market, ancient bridge and superb Burton Art Gallery (with excellent French café too). The Torridge estuary is a great place to discover by cycle including the start of the Tarka Trail. Just beyond Bideford are Westward Ho!, Northam Burrows Country Park and Appledore. At Instow (across the river from Bideford) are the gardens at Tapeley Court.
At Great Torrington you will find Dartington Crystal and the nationally renowned Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Rosemoor Garden.
South-west of Coles' are The Tamar Otter & Wildlife Centre at North Petherwin aand The Hidden Valley west of Launceston.
The National Trusts Cothele House is a fascinating estate on the River Tamar towards Tavistock. Cotehele has a Quay on the river with a restored Tamar Barge named 'Shamrock' a restaurant (of course) and a lovely secluded working water mill. Just across the Tamar is Morwellham Quay with it's copper mine, railway and entertainments.
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