EXPLORE THE MOOR!

CYCLE, WALK, HIKE, ENJOY

We can provide you with:

  • A workshop and secure lock up for your bikes

  • Recommendations of some good cycle hire companies on the Moor itself.

  • Maps of cycling, walking & hiking routes and local information.

  • The Mill Cottage has a small boot room for muddy boots and coats.

Cycling, walking and hiking on Dartmoor, across the moors, fuelled by a pub lunch and pint of ale (We recommend The Carpenters Arms in Ilsington) – or if you’re looking for something more action packed/high energy, you can find some challenging off road routes.  The old disused railway lines that pop up all over Dartmoor can be great for beginners, whilst the route of The Old Dartmoor Way (all 90 miles of it!) is a great challenge for those more experienced cyclists.

Ashburton – Lurcombe’s favourite for a spot of country shopping and a glass of vino! (distance from Lurcombe – 3 miles/ 7 minutes) Ashburton is a lively centre for inland tourism, with walking, canoeing, pony trekking and fishing bringing many visitors to the town. Beside specialist shops for walkers, there are plenty of antique shops, galleries and a variety of eateries to sustain your interest, as well as some unusual ceremonial events dating from the stannary days, including an ale tasting and bread weighing ceremony (3rd Sat in July). There’s also a sports centre, a weekly flea market and a museum covering the history of mining and wool processing in the town. With a fabulous fish deli and wine shop its one of our favourites. We recommend a drink in ‘No 14’, wine bar on the main street (North Street).

Haytor—A steady yomp to blow away the cobwebs. (distance from Lurcombe – 4 miles/11 minutes) A natural beauty spot, easily accessible by road. At a height of 457 metres and situated right on the eastern side of the moor, it provides excellent views of the coastline, the Teign estuary and the rolling countryside between. You can climb Haytor which gives you wonderful views across the Moors. Take the car up and park in the carpark opposite. Please grab a map from the bookshelves and explore the Moor.  We recommend rock climbing with The Rock Centre— Chudleigh, TQ13 OEJ— 01626 852717

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

With oodles to see and do, start planing your stay…let us help with a few ideas…

Dartmouth – (distance from Lurcombe – 24.1 miles/ 43 minutes) You have to go a long way to find a town as pretty as Dartmouth. Overlooking one of the finest natural harbours in the UK, Dartmouth has a strong maritime heritage and is packed with events and things to do throughout the year, from sailing to arts and cultural festivals. We recommend Sea Kayaking with Seals—a wonderful way to explore Devon’s coastline—01392 580535

Totnes – (distance from Lurcombe – 11.7 miles/ 21 minutes) This unique and charming market town sits in the heart of South Devon and has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan but with a distinctly rustic West Country flavour, and this makes it a remarkable place to visit for its heritage, culture and very pretty setting. For shopping addicts, Totnes offers an exceptional range of small independent retailers and is famed for its promotion of ethical products, wholefoods and fair trade goods. River trips on the Dart, plenty of museums, a steam railway and many arts galleries mean that you’ll never run out of things to do in and around Totnes. We recommend the restaurant/wine bar ‘Rumour’ at the top of the high street. Contact them on 01803 864682.

The ferry from Totnes to Dartmouth is a must! – fabulous views and scenery along the River Dart. Agatha Christie’s holiday home ‘Greenway’ is also visible from the ferry. It’s a no-fuss Georgian house, the colour of clotted cream! Locate Steamer Quay in Totnes for departures or call the Ashburton ‘South Devon tourist board’ on 01364 653426. 

Exeter – (distance from Lurcombe – 17.2 miles/ 25 minutes) Exeter offers a huge range of attractions and events for visitors all year round. With a strong cultural heritage, the city has theatre, art, and gourmet dining all inspired from its West Country surroundings. Although the area had been inhabited from at least 250 BC, Exeter was founded by the Romans who named it Isca, and was the strategic centre for South West Roman Britain. If you love history, you’ll love Exeter. It’s steeped in fascinating history, and there is a range of historical tours to show you the best bits. Key attractions include the Exeter Cathedral, Exeter Quay and the Underground Passages, which were originally medieval water tunnels. We recommend Turf Lock in Exeter—The pub boasts a huge beer garden bordered by the Exe Estuary—01392 833128.