Out and about

Click on the titles below for a tour of places to visit on Dartmoor or Devon

Finch Foundry (13 miles) England's last working water-powered forge; National Trust adult £4.20, child £2.10, or walk in the grounds free; open mid March to October Wed-Mon 11 am-5pm; 01837 840046; NT site.While at Finch Foundry, don't forget to visit the Taw River Inn opposite. Excellent home cooking at very reasonable prices.

The scenery driving across Dartmoor is very beautiful. Here are some suggestions: -

The Miniature Pony Centre-6 miles is great for children.

Pony Trekking Shilstone Rocks, Widecombe in the Moor (15 miles)- 01364 621281 

Why not take a picnic to Bellever? (13 miles) past the ancient clapper bridge at Two Bridges.

Dartmoor ponies on Dartmoor you will find  Dartmoor ponies and there is the Newtake scheme to preserve the traditional Dartmoor breed. There is the Dartmoor breed show in early August, Moretonhampstead  Carnival also in August and Widecombe Fair in September.

The Tors eg Hound Tor 10 miles

At Widecombe (13 miles) the Dartmoor ponies wander through the village. Visit the church "The Cathedral Of the Moor". In the church, for those of a strong constitution dear readers, look for the Dartmoor fable of what happens to members of the congregation who fall asleep during the sermon!  See also the fable of the hairy hands! 

As well as wild swimming in the River Teign  (see Photo Gallery on that link) 3/4 mile from Clifford Bridge and 1 mile up from Fingle bridge, there is bathing in the river at Huccaby 21 miles or in  south-west Dartmoor at Cadover 25 miles, or sea and sand at Dawlish,  Slapton or Exmouth, the start of the Jurassic Coast

At Princetown, 17 miles there is the High Moor visitor centre. Be careful not to be clapped in irons in Dartmoor prison! . There is a good selection of cafes and pubs and spectacular scenery and hikes.

Trago Mills 14 miles-is a large out-of-town shopping centre near Newton Abbot. Everything you can imagine and then some! Children and parents will love the miniature railway. Beware the beautiful peacocks which have been known to attack their reflection they see as a rival  in in the polished surface of your car! http://www.trago.co.uk/family-fun-park-14-w.asp 

Sparkwell Dartmoor Zoo- Tigers! 32 miles

Burgh Island with tidal causeway, Sea Tractor, Art Deco 'Agatha Christie' style hotel and bar 39 miles.

Exeter Cathedral 12 miles founded 1050.

Green wood-working courses are run at Clifford Barton next door by their resident craftsman Alasdair Kilpatrick. 07765-790561