Woody Bay is a remarkably secluded, peaceful spot. It does require a long, winding walk down a cliff to get to it - but do not let that deter you.

Every minute you spend with the kind of quiet you will find there makes it worth the effort.

Near Lynton

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If you’re driving around north Devon, then you can easily be crossing Exmoor without realising it. It’s a National Park that extends from the Lynton and Lynmouth coastline to the Quantock hills of Somerset and features some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in England.

It offers some spectacular walks and is home to a huge range of wildlife, not least its very own Exmoor pony.

North Devon
www.visit-exmoor.info/

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Up on Exmoor, which lies a few miles inland from Lynton, is an area called Badgworthy Valley. Due to the efforts of the writer R D Blackmore however, it has become known as Doone Valley, being largely the setting for the novel Lorna Doone.

The countryside here has an extraordinary wild beauty and whether you want to do some serious walking or just linger around Malmsmead, the village at the heart of the area, you won’t fail to share in the enchantment that inspired Blackmore to write his book.

There is a memorial stone to Blackmore on one of the footpaths and if you’re going to indulge in a cream tea, then Lorna Doone Farm is the place to have it while admiring the view over the little river valley.

Take the turning to Oare from the A39 just east of County Gate. After one mile fork right at Oare and into Malmsmead.

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Not far along the coast road from Lynton you’ll find a signpost for Hunters Inn, which as well as being a pub-restaurant and place of accommodation, is also a beauty spot near the bottom of the alarmingly steep and deep Heddon Valley.

The walks in this area are spectacular, whether you follow the river path down to the sea or climb the cliff paths which cut narrow tracks along steep, heather-covered inclines.

This is a truly beautiful place to spend some time, just make sure that your car brakes are in good working order before you make the journey.

Take the coast road from Lynton towards Ilfracombe. Watch for the signposted road for Hunters Inn.

www.thehuntersinn.net/

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