Hello everyone, we hope you are all keeping well. Did you get a chance to read last week’s blog on cooking with Ruth at East Hook Holiday Cottages? If not be sure to give it a read by clicking here and discover how to make Devon Custard. This week we are helping you to escape to Exmoor by exploring the breathtaking location of Doone Valley.
Where and What is Doone Valley
Doone Valley, also known as Badgworthy Valley is a mystical valley located in Exmoor which is famous for the novel Lorna Doone written by R D Blackmore. The area is spoilt with outstanding views from rolling green hills to a beautiful river. Within the valley is a small village and Lorna Doone Farm which the National Trust maintain. The site includes a tea-room, a shop, a car park and public toilets. This site is also a great location to enjoy several walks.
The Walks
The National Trust recommend three different walks near Doone Valley all of which take in beautiful countryside.
Lorna Doone Farm to Cloud Farm
If you are looking for a relatively easy walk to explore the beautiful valley then the walk from Lorna Doone Farm to Could Farm is an excellent choice. It is a 2-mile walk and takes around 40 minutes. It follows the river and is the perfect location for a hot summer’s day walk. For more information on the walk click here.
Doone Valley Circuit
The Doone Valley circuit is a more moderate walk taking in 8 miles of stunning scenery and taking around 3 hours to complete. Parts of the walk are along the river making for a very peaceful walk. For more information on the walk click here.
Circular walk from Lorna Doone to Foreland Point
For those wanting a more challenging walk then the circular walk from Lorna Doone to Foreland Point is an excellent choice. It is 10 miles long and takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes. The walk starts gently along the East Lyn River towards Watersmeet. Watersmeet is another National Trust site which has an excellent tearoom which is perfect for a lunch spot. Then the walk becomes more challenging but as you climb you are rewarded with stunning views at Foreland Point and County Gate. For more information on the walk click here.
Other things you can do
As well as walking there is also a cycling and horseriding route you can enjoy which also takes in the breathtaking views that make up this part of Exmoor. For those of you who love wildlife then you are in luck as there is so much wildlife to see at Doone Valley. Wildlife includes red deer, butterflies, Exmoor ponies and a variety of different birds.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and have hopefully discovered somewhere new you might like to explore. If this beautiful valley has charmed you into making a visit then be sure to take a look at our accommodation in the nearby area by clicking here.