Information for Visitors - holiday activities

GAME FISHING 

Rising Sun Water - Umberleigh - 2.75 miles River Taw. Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout (1st March - 30th September) Tackle hire available. Spinner March & April. Fly March - September. Call the Rising Sun pub 01769 560447

Little Wareham Fishery - Beaford - 2 miles of the River Torridge. Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout (1st March - 30th September) Fly only. Tel 01805 603317

Stafford Moor Fisheries - Dolton, Winkleigh Signposted on B3220 3 miles south of Winkleigh 'The West Country's Largest Fishery' Open all year. Licenses available.
Rainbow and Brown Trout. Tackle hire available. Tel 01805 804360

High Bullen Hotel - Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh - 3 miles River Mole, 5 miles River Taw. Tackle hire available. Salmon, Sea Trout Brown Trout. Spinner - March & April. Fly - March - September. Tel 01769 540561

Fox & Hound Hotel - Eggesford, Chulmleigh. Set in 30 acres of meadow and woodland the hotel has 7 miles of the Taw and Little Dart divided into five beats with a maximum of two rods per beat. Licenses available at the hotel. Salmon, Sea Trout & Brown Trout (1st March - 30th September) Spinner - March & April. Fly March - September Tel 01769 580345

Clinton Arms - Frithelstock, Torrington. 1 mile of the River Torridge. Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout. Tel 01805 623279

Blakewell Fisheries - Muddiford, Barnstaple Take A39 from Barnsraple towards Lynton. After 1.5miles turn left onto the B3230 and follow the signs. 4.5 acre lake open all year. Rainbow and Brown Trout. Fly only Tel 01271 44533 Email

Yeo Farm - Molland, South Molton 1 mile River Yeo. Brown & Sea Trout with the occasional Salmon. (April - November) 01769 550312

Bellbrook Valley Trout Fishery ,Bellbrook Farm, Oakford, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 9EX
Tel: 01398 351292
"Bellbrook is an exclusive fishery set in one of Devon's most picturesque valleys. Our philosophy is to provide select and rewarding fly-fishing in natural, unspoiled surroundings. We have a huge range of fishing options available, from wild stream fishing for natural browns to our super-specimen lake stocked with 1 in 5 doubles. The choice is yours...."

Half Moon Fisheries - Sheepwash, Beaworthy, Hatherleigh. 10 miles on River Torridge & 6 acre lake. Tackle shop and hire. Licenses available. Expert advice. River - Salmon, Sea & Brown Trout. Lake Rainbow Trout. (March 1st - October 31st) Tel. 01409 231376

 COURSE FISHING

Riverton Lakes - Swimbridge, Barnstaple. 2 acre 28 peg match standard lake & 2 acre pleasure lake - Carp, Bream, Perch, Roach, Rudd, Tench. Barbless hooks, No bloodworm or joker, 2 rods only, Cereal based groundbait max 1 kg per angler.
Open all year dawn to dusk. E. A. rod licences sold. Tel 01271 830009

Oaktree Fishery - East Anstey, Yeo Mill, South Molton 3 x 2 acre lakes - Carp to over 27lbs, Tench to 8lbs, Bream, Roach, Perch, Koi Carp, Catfish. Food and Drink, Tackle Hire, Disabled Access, Toilet facilities, all set in 18.5 acres of countryside.
Open all year 24hrs Tel 01398 341568

Bakers Farm - Moortown, Torrington 1 Acre - Mirror & Common Carp, Tench, Roach, Rudd Barbless hooks, No large carp to be kept in nets Tel.01805 623260

Little Comfort Farm - Braunton 1 Acre - Carp, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Orfe. Tel 01271 812414

Peninsula Fisheries -South West Water, Combepark, Lewdown, Okehampton Tel 01837 871565
Responsible for 29 fisheries the three nearest to us being listed below. Permits available from Bideford Information Centre 01237 477676 and Summerlands Tackle, 3 Golflinks Rd, Westward Ho! Tel 01237 471291
Darracott - Torrington Open all year 24hrs.
Roach up to 1l. Mixed bags to 20lb plus of roach, rudd, bream, tench, perch to 2.25lb, carp to 15lb
Jennetts - Bideford Open all year 6.30am to 10pm.
Common and mirror carp to 20lbs plus. Produces quality bags of smaller carp, roach & tench to float and pole.
Melbury - Bideford Open all year 6.30am - 10pm
Best mirror 27.75lb. Good mixed bags of roach, rudd and bream to pole, float and feeder.

SHORE ANGLING
Saunton Sands and Putsborough can produce big Bass, several species of Ray, Tope and towards the Autumn some good Cod and Whitting. However beware of rogue waves.

DEEP SEA FISHING

The Margaret Rose -Appledore Tel 01237 476191(Sea Chest) 01237 477676 (Bideford TIC) 2 Hrs Sea Bass & Mackeral

The Charisma - Ilfracombe Tel 01271 864625 Licensed to take up to 12 people Tackle and bait included - 1.5 Hrs Mackeral - 4 Hrs Deep Sea - All day Deep Sea

Our Unity Ilfracombe-Tel 01271 863849 Mobile 0585 542161 Licensed to take up to 12 people - 4 - Hours Tackle and bait included

Clovelly Saltwater Flyfishing offers some of the most exciting bass fishing to be had on the fly in British waters. The North Devon coastline, wild and rocky, is ideally suited for large bass. With local boatman and bass fisherman, Sam Rush, fly fishermen are taken to the prime fishing locations surrounding the Clovelly area and enjoying thrilling fishing with bass being the target fish but also catching garfish, Pollack, mullet and others. Tel 01237 431956
(mobile) 07979017099

Hooker - Clovelly Licensed to take up to 8 people All day (9am - 6pm) - Half day ( 9am - 1pm or 2pm - 6pm) Tackle and bait included. Deep Sea, Wrecks, Banks, Inshore and Offshore reefs Tel 01237 475535/475689 Mobile 0374 164086

 HORSE RIDING

Bold Try Stables - Chulmleigh Enjoy your ride on our well-mannered, well-cared for horses and ponies. Accompanied rides through varying and beautiful scenic routes. All makes and models of riders catered for (15 minutes from Country Ways) Tel 01769 580366

Kingsland Stables - Woolsery, Bideford Enjoy a gentle hack through local countryside. We have horses and ponies for all sizes, ages and abilities. Novices and children most welcome. Our staff are friendly and experienced Tel 01237 431378

Collacott Equestrian Centre - South Molton Tel 01769 572725

North Devon Equestrian Centre - Shirwell, Barnstaple Tel 01271850864

Westacott Stables - Goodleigh Barnstaple Tel 01271 372965

Arlington Riding Centre - Arlington, Barnstaple Pony trekking and hacking for experienced and inexperienced riders Tel 01271 850300

Roylands Stables - Croyde Tel 01271 890898

Woolacombe Stables - Woolacombe 01271 870260

Keypitts Trekking Centre - Ilfracombe A friendly service catering from the complete beginner to the experienced rider with horses to suit all. Trekking over 200 acres of beautiful west country farmland and wooded valleys with views of the sea. New standard hats, body protectors if required Tel 01271 862247

Doone Valley Stables - Oare, Lynton Set in the heart of the famous and stunningly beautiful Doone Valley. Escorted rides for all levals of rider including non-riders and children. Picnic rides, day rides or simply an hour to see what you can't see by road 01598 741278

Outovercroft Stables - Lynton Ride direct onto Exmoor, or through The Valley of The Rocks and around the spectacular Exmoor coast with little or no roadwork. Suitable horses and ponies for all abilities of riders. Hard hats provided. Tel 01598 753341

Brendon Farm - Lynton See Exmoor on horseback - go where cars cannot and enjoy some of the beautiful countryside first hand. Very little roadwork. Ride for as long as you likeover green fields and heather moorland. - riding hats provided. Tel 01598 741246

Skaigh Stables - Higher Sticklepath - Okehampton Ride in the northern foothills of Darmoor. Horses and ponies for beginners and experienced alike. Hourly rides, half day rides and all day pub rides! Tel 01837 840429

Lydford House Stables - Lydford Open all year. BHS approved. Superb riding on Dartmoor in a small, escorted groups on fit, well mannered horses and ponies. Qualified tuition available, beginners welcomed. Tel 01822 820321

Mount Pleasant Centre - Templeton, Tiverton Horse riding in beautiful england countryside, offering a comprensive range of activities including training, hacking and trekking. All rides are escorted. Tel 01884 860482

 SURFING

Surfseekers Surf School -Woolacombe Bay- a surf school established for 6 years based in Woolacombe Bay. It is a British Surfing Association Approved School with a reputation for high quality tuition at both a beginner and intermediate level. Tel: 07977 924 588

Surfing Croyde Bay - Amplify your "learn to surf" experience with the best 'Instructor to Student'  ratio in any BSA (British Surfing Association) surf school. More attention for you, means you'll be learning faster - and progressing sooner! Check out our full surf lesson packages

Surf South West Surf School -Braunton Based at Croyde Bay, a renowned surfing beach in the west country and winner of the prestigious Blue Flag. From absolute beginners to seasoned surfers, Surf South West's proven coaching techniques maximise the excitement to be had from this exhilerating sport. 2hr lessons at 10.30 and 1.30 daily Tel 01271 815888

CYCLING 

Cycling in the Taka Country. There is a wide range of graded cycle routes in Tarka Country, with something to suit everyone, from the rather wobbly to the most experienced road or mountain biker. Off road routes away from busy traffic will appeal to families with young children, while there are longer on-road routes along quiet lanes which wind their way through peaceful countryside and historic villages.

Map of cycle routes in Tarka Country

Tarka Trail:(Shown in yellow)
Thirty two miles of the Tarka Trail are a cycle/walkway, following the old railway line from Braunton on the coast, to Petrockstow deep in the heart of Tarka Country. This part of the Trail offers easy, flat, traffic-free cycling suitable for all the family around the wide expanse of the Taw/Torridge Estuary, before following the River Torridge inland.

Mid Torridge Cycle Link:
This linking route connects the Tarka Trail Cycle/walkway at Petrockstowe, with the Sticklepath Cycle Route as it passes through Hatherleigh on its way towards Dartmoor. Combined these routes provide a complete south-north route from Dartmoor to the North Devon Coast. This attractive route takes in the villages of Petrockstowe and Sheepwash with their traditional cob walled, thatched cottages.

Sticklepath Cycle Route:
This signposted circular route starts and finishes at the National Trust's Finch Foundry at Sticklepath near Okehampton. It follows quiet country lanes, taking in delightful villages and passing many places of historic interest, all set against a backdrop of spectacular panoramic views of Dartmoor.

Holsworthy-Black Torrington Cycle Route:
This ride passes through quiet hamlets connected by deep lanes with fascinating churches dating back to the 13th century.

Eggesford Forest:
The waymarked cycle route follows bridleways and forest tracks for an exhilarating off-road ride through Forestry Commission plantations. The route is not suitable for very young children or novice cyclists.

National Cycle Network No.3:
The National Cycle Network is a linked series of traffic-free paths and traffic-calmed roads being developed right across the United Kingdom. Route No.3 runs 250 miles from Bristol to Padstow. In Tarka Country, the route descends from Exmoor to follow the Tarka Trail Cycle/walkway from Barnstaple to Petrockstowe, and then rejoins lanes along the sections of the Mid Torridge Cycle Link and the Holsworthy-Black Torrington Cycle Route. on its way to Cornwall.

More Information:
Details of these routes can be found in a pack called `Cycling in Tarka Country' and a map of the National Cycle Network No.3. Both can be ordered from the Tarka Country Trust.

CYCLE HIRE

Bideford Cycle Hire - Bideford Open all year. Direct access to the Tarka Trail from our depot. Tandems, trailors, and trikes for all the family Tel 01237 424123

Tarka Trail Cycle Hire at the railway station Barnstaple Cycle miles of beautiful traffic free cycle ways. The trail passes next to rivers, beaches, estuary and through outstanding countryside. Open 7 days a week Easter - October Tel 01271 324202

Otter Cycle Hire- Braunton Only 20 yards from the Tarka Trail Open March - November 9.00-5.00 Tel 01271 813339 Bikes

Torrington Cycle Hire at station yard Torrington Bikes for all the family. Booking strongly recommended. Tel 01805 622633

Crediton Cycle Hire - Crediton Tel 01363 774773

BIKETRAIL Tarka Trail 01271 861 424
Free Parking. Traffic Free. Situated directly on the Tarka Trail between Barnstaple and Instow. Bike and Bus link. Bike and Boat link to Appledore. Guided nature/birdspotting bike rides. Special needs bikes. Generous group discounts. Hire a bike for 2 days and get the third day free.

BIKETRAIL Lynton (Exmoor) 01598 753 987
Situated in the picturesque old village, near 2 car parks and the Museum. Collection and delivery service to our unique Exmoor bike routes. Guided bike safaris. Electric bikes. Special needs welcome. Spares, repairs, accessories. Top quality new bikes for sale.

 QUADS AND GO KARTS

All Terrain Quads - Keypitts Farm - Ilfracombe Something for everyone Childrens rides, novice rides with tuition, challenging rides with plenty of mud, water and exlilarating speed. There are even night rides for the most daring. Tel 01271 862247

North Devon Karting Centre - Barnstaple Go-Karting - great fun for everyone. 200 metre family fun circuit and 400 metre pro circuit. Helmits provided Tel 01271 328460

MadTrax - Off road Go-Karts - Beaworthy Races under Grand Prix rules. Practice and tuition is given before racing. Tel 01409 231498

 ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Skern Lodge - Appledore, Bideford - CANOEING, SAILING, SURFING, ABSEILING, HIGH ROPES, CLIMBING, ARCHERY. Daily rates including lunch 8.00 - 5.30, every day, all year. Tel 01237 475992

 10 PIN BOWLING

Superbowl - Barnstaple Fun for all the family. Also lazer magazone, softplay funzone, pool tables, amusements, bar and diner. Tel 01271 321 123

INDOOR BOWLS

Kingsley Indoor Bowls Club -Westward Ho! Bowls for hire - no special shoes Tel 01237 472507

 MICROLIGHTS & PARACHUTING

Eaglescott Microlights - Burrington, Umberleigh The airfield is situated in picturesque North Devon and offers unrestricted air space. Trail flights available. 0850 640268/01769 520404

Get ready to skydive
We offer many exciting ways for novices to experience the art of skydiving and can accommodate up to twenty four persons on each weekend course.
Courses we offer
We run Tandem skydiving and Static Line (RAPS) courses, operating from the airfield in Dunkeswell, near Honiton in Devon. We are the only civilian skydiving school south of the M4 motorway
Flexibility
We are open from Wednesday to Sunday - courses can be arranged to suit client's individual requirements.
Experienced
You are in safe hands with our experienced team, most of whom have represented Great Britain at World Championship level. They are led by Chief Instructor, Andy Guest.

 WALKING

This region of the west country has some excellent long distance walks - The Tarka Trail - South West Coast Path - Two Moors Way - Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk. Send for the Devon County Council Leaflet - Now You're Really Walking - from Devon Tourist Information Service, PO box 55, Barnstaple, EX32 8YR. For a variety of shorter walks click here. Also forest walks at Eggesford

Guided Walks Fancy a day or two walking in wonderful scenery but don't know where to begin? Whatever you want, it can all be arranged - accommodation, local transport and, of course, the walking with an experienced guide

Combe Walks offers easy to follow and accurate self-guided walks around North Devon, Exmoor and Tarka Country. We also provide tailor-made supported self-guided walking holidays along the South West Coast Path and on Exmoor.