Rivers, beaches, tors and woodland – if you fancy packing up a picnic you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding an idyllic spot.
West Devon and North Cornwall aren’t designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty for no reason! In this article, we’ve compiled a list our favourite spots to enjoy a bite to eat in the great outdoors.
FINGLE BRIDGE, DARTMOOR
Fingle Bridge is a stunningly pretty spot, with miles of footpaths which run through the ancient woodland and along the side of a beautifully clean river. Sit on the banks, dip your toes and enjoy how crystal clear the water is!
INSTOW, NORTH DEVON
One of the jewels in the crown for North Devon, Instow is a picture postcard former fishing village with an incredible beach. Boasting miles of fine white sand and calm waters to dip your toes in, Instow has captured the hearts of everybody who has been lucky enough to visit and is a firm favourite of ours.
MEETH QUARRY NATURE RESERVE, DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST
DWT (Devon Wildlife Trust) acquired the disused clay quarry in Meeth, only four miles north of Westdown Farm Wild Campsite and have since turned it into a nature reserve which is now bursting at the seams with native wildlife. Grab a pair of binoculars for bird watching and keep an eye out for creepy crawlies!
SUMMERLEAZE BEACH, BUDE
If you can imagine a British seaside holiday, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in Bude, a sandy beach, an outdoor salt water lido and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Roughly half an hour from Westdown Farm by car, Bude is within easy reach for a day out.
MELDON RESERVOIR
Arguably one of Dartmoor’s best kept secrets, Meldon Reservoir is nestled on the Northern edge of the National Park and is approximately 10 minutes from Westdown Farm by car. With miles of public footpaths and bridleways, you can lose hours of your day exploring and taking in breathtaking scenery. If you fancy a spot of wild swimming, a dip in the nearby river pools offer a refreshing way to cool down after a long day of exploring!
SCORHILL STONE CIRCLE, GIDLEIGH
Nestled a few miles outside of Chagford, Scorhill Stone Circle is another place steeped in history and mystery. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the circle is recognised as a scheduled monument and is described as Devon’s finest stone circle. When and how it appeared will always be a mystery. But one thing’s for sure, and that is that when you’re in the area you really must pay it a visit.
