Activities

Walking

This is the view from Molland moor one of the nearest parts of Exmoor to South Molton looking south across Devon to Dartmoor in the distance. Printed walks are available for all types of walking, long walks or short strolls, on the moors or across the farmland or in the case of the Two Moors Way walking across the two moors and everything you can see in between. If you prefer the coast then we have the South West Coast Path running from Somerset to Dorset around Devon and Cornwall about 630 miles with a mixture of some of the highest cliffs with stunning views in the country as well as miles of sandy beaches in our North Devon area.

The walks on Exmoor are especially popular with stunning scenery and the wildlife including the Exmoor ponies, the wild red deer and the buzzard hawks circling above.

The Tourist Information at South Molton has a wide selection of books and leaflets dedicated to all types of walks to suit all needs, please call in and browse and our helpful staff will guide you to walks that suit you.

Cycling

There are various cycle routes across North Devon and Exmoor both on and off road.

The Tarka trail is about 27 miles of easy cycling much of it on an old railway line which has been resurfaced and adapted for walking and cycling.

There is the Sustrains no 3 cycle route for the longer riders which uses part of the Tarka trail as it comes up across Devon and then crosses Exmoor and on into Somerset.

Cycling along the Devon country lanes can be rewarding with different things to see around every corner although planning your route to stay on the ridges makes things easier as we have a lot of hills and deep valleys in North Devon.

Cycle hire is available especially on the Tarka trail in various locations but is also available in one or two places nearer to Exmoor to give access up onto the ridge roads of the moor where the views are amazing.

Some of the best off roading can also be found on the moors.

Routes, maps etc available in the Tourist Information Centre.

Horse Riding

We have a choice of horse riding in our area from riding through the country lanes to trekking across Exmoor. Most riding stables cater for all ages and abilities and have horses to suit plus hard hats available. Some stables also have qualified instructors and are happy to give tuition or advice if required.

Fishing

Fishing is very popular in this area with lakes and reservoirs for coarse and still water trout fishing plus rivers for wild trout and salmon. On the coast there is ample opportunity for sea fishing either beach casting or boat fishing.

Golf

We have many golf courses in North Devon from par 3 short courses to suit the beginners, a variety of very good parkland courses some with wonderful views and to suit the more discerning golfer there are the links courses at Royal North Devon and Saunton which has two courses among the best in the country.

Watersports

On the west coast at Saunton, Woolacombe and Croyde we have ideal beaches for all types of surfing and with the surf schools the opportunity is there for everyone to have ago.

Inland on the reservoirs there is the opportunity to try sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.

Quad Bikes & Go Karts

Test your skills on this new 650 metre track at Barnstaple custom built with all the latest equipment and high performance karts but with marshals, helmets and instruction the safety is a priority.

There are several centres offering quad biking there again with helmets and tuition. All off road on there own tracks this can be an exciting and mud flying experience for all the family.

Shooting & Archery

Clay pigeon shooting is available at several centres with qualified instructors if necessary with trap and sporting layouts. Paintballing is available sometimes at the same venue as the clay shooting , fast and furious chasing through the woods.

There is an archery club in South Molton which meets regularly and also a venue near Kilkampton where you can take a 2 hour session and learn to use a bow and arrow and follow a target course through the woods.

Bowls & 10 Pin Bowling

South Molton has an outdoor bowling green for the summer and in the clubhouse have short mat bowls in the winter.

There is an indoor bowls club in Westward Ho and also at one of the local village halls where you can try your hand at bowling for fun. Barnstaple has a 10-pin bowling alley with several lanes available plus other entertainment under the same roof.

Flying

The opportunity is here at airfields not far away for Gliding, Microlights, Ballooning or flying in a genuine vintage open cockpit biplane.

Eaglescott airfield has small planes and microlights and gliders and also offers training for flying any of these. The vintage plane ride is available from Dunkeswell and the Balloons are based in Honiton but fly from different venues.

Horse Racing

The nearest racecourses are all National Hunt racing and these can be found at Taunton, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Wincanton. The meetings here are mostly during the winter months except Newton Abbott where they hold some meetings during the summer.