Head for the hills!
Countryside and Moorland
When it comes to National Parks, moorland, and vast countryside, Devon truly is spoilt! So many visitors head to the county to explore its dramatic coastlines without stopping to appreciate the endless rolling green hills that span across Devon. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new hiking route, walking the dog, or simply on a spontaneous adventure in the countryside, you’re sure to find your ideal spot that will blow you away! With so much wildlife and nature on offer, here are some of our favourite locations to explore…
Exmoor National Park
Just over 11 miles from Eastacott is one of the West Country’s gems… Exmoor National Park! Spread across 267 square miles of wild moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, the stunning landscape of the National Park boasts so much wildlife, so many quaint villages, and trails to discover! Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for red deer, birds of prey, and the famous Exmoor ponies that roam freely over the moors. At night there are dark skies full of stars like you’ve never seen!
North Devon Coast AONB
Wherever you go in North Devon you’re greeted with sites of outstanding beauty, so it isn’t much of a surprise that most of the coastline has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! And in this AONB is a nationally protected landscape of 66 square miles thriving with wildlife, nature, and incredible scenery… making the area perfect for walkers! Of course, you can just follow your feet and explore this region how you want… but if you’re looking for suggested trails, there are dozens of routes to explore; suitable for all abilities!
Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve
Just over 20 miles away from Eastacott is the Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve, the largest of its kind in England. Thriving with wildlife, and with a wide range of habitats such as high moorland, wet and dry heathland, ancient woodland, and sloping grassland, this truly is a paradise for nature lovers and walkers. With hundreds of red deer, wild ponies, rare butterflies, 330 species of lichen, ancient trees and so much more to discover; we’d recommend switching your phone off and simply losing yourself in this beautiful wilderness.
Dartmoor National Park
The world-famous Dartmoor National Park is one of the largest great wildnesses in the UK. With open moorlands, deep river valleys, rare wildlife, and a rich history, this is a unique area of beauty ideal for long walks and scenic drives. Spot the wild ponies and other animals roaming free across the National Park, stop off at beauty spots for picnics, and discover picturesque towns and villages such as Chagford, Princetown and Widecombe in The Moor. To learn more about this incredible landscape, head to the National Park Visitor’s Centre in Princetown where you can discover suitable trails to walk, learn the local history, or just chat with the locals!