Raymont House - Explore South

tel 01837 810850 email info@raymonthouse.co.uk

explore south

These pages summarise the highlights of this unique area and are designed to enable you to get the very best out of your stay with us. We provide maps and more detailed information when you visit.

We've organised the pages into areas:

Our favourite places are marked with an asterisk * .You can plan your days by picking the things that interest you most.

Explore South

South of us is Dartmoor, so we've described the attractions in a large loop going west, then across the moor, and coming back from the east.

* Dartmoor above Okehampton
One of Devon's best kept secrets is the road up and on to the moor from Okehampton, enabling you to drive and park in the heart of the high moor wilderness. You are within easy reach of the highest points of the moor: High Willhays and Yes Tor. We like it because from here we can walk the high moor without adding several miles just to get up there and back. Intrepid walkers with a literary interest might search out Ted Hughes' memorial stone (SX609865) in a very remote area of the moor. Distance from Raymont House 10 miles. SatNav EX20 1QP for the army camp. At the camp turn left on a metalled road which eventually becomes a track. There is an ideal car park at SX596922 next to a fork in the track. If you have a 4X4, you can take the left fork up a rough military track that goes on for several more miles.

Cycle the Granite Way
Hire bikes from Devon Cycle Hire at Sourton and cycle along the old railway track south to Bridestowe, or even as far as Lydford. Level track available is not as extensive as the Tarka Trail to the north, but the views of Dartmoor are very beautiful. Phone 01837 861141. Distance from Raymont House 10 miles. SatNav EX20 4HR.

Bearslake Inn
An excellent family-run pub with friendly service, a good selection of real ales and high standard food. Always reliable - We have been frequent visitors for several years and have never been disappointed. Phone 01837 861334. Distance from Raymont House 12 miles. SatNav EX20 4HQ.

Lydford Gorge (NT)
This is beautiful and dramatic wooded valley entailing a fairly challenging walk, as well as the highlights of the Whitelady Waterfall and the Devil's Cauldron. The wildlife is abundant, too. Phone 01822 820320. Distance from Raymont House 15 miles. SatNav EX20 4BH.

Tavistock
The town hall and associated buildings are the first things that grab your attention when you arrive in Bedford Square, and are quite interesting if you like Victorian Architecture. It's worth going inside to see what's on and view the impressive hall. Walk behind the town hall and browse around the pannier market, open Tuesday to Saturday. There is a farmers' market in front of the town hall on some Saturdays. Also, stroll around the local shops on Duke Street and West Street. Distance from Raymont House 22 miles. SatNav PL190AU - park in front of the town hall if there is space, otherwise in Abbey car park over the bridge.

Duchy Square Art and Craft Centre, Princetown
A good place to visit on a rainy day to see artists and craftspersons and their work. Phone 01822 890828. Distance from Raymont House 29 miles. SatNav PL20 6QF.

Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford
A delightful small (5 acres) arboretum with a national collection of birches and alders, and a summer sculpture exhibition. A gem. Phone 01647 231311. Distance from Raymont House 20 miles. SatNav TQ13 8JU.

The Oxenham Arms, South Zeal
The entrance is impressive enough, but as soon as you walk through the door, you can feel the weight of history and legend in this large oak-panelled inn. Have a good look round as it has some wonderful historic features, including an (allegedly) 5000-year-old standing stone around which the original building was built in the 12th century. We like the bar for a drink and bar-meal, and the Burgoynes restaurant for finer dining. Phone 01837 840244. Distance from Raymont House 12 miles. SatNav EX20 2JT.

WALKS ON THE EDGE OF DARTMOOR

Walk 1 - Sticklepath and Belstone (3.5 miles)
A rocky riverside walk along the River Taw as it tumbles off Dartmoor and weaves its way through Belstone Cleave between Sticklepath and Belstone. Then return along a quiet lane. Good pubs in both villages. Start from the Taw River Inn at Sticklepath - SatNav EX20 2NW.

Meldon Bridge Walk 2 - Meldon Reservoir (2 miles)
An easy walk around this peaceful reservoir on the edge of Dartmoor. There are several opportunities to vary and lengthen your walk by following tracks onto the moor. Park at Meldon Reservoir car park SX 562 917.

Walk 3 - Fingle Bridge and Castle Drogo (5 miles)
A moderate (after initial climb) walk from Fingle Bridge through woodland and across moor to the dramatic Castle Drogo (National Trust) which overlooks the Teign Valley. You descend into the valley and return through woodland along the River Teign. Pub - The Drewe Arms at Drewsteignton. SatNav for start of walk EX6 6PW.