Dartmoor on horseback is the perfect way to enjoy the vast Devon moorland
ON a handsome chestnut horse, I start the rocky ascent from the farm to the hilltops of Dartmoor.
Flanked by my husband, sister and guide from the Cholwell Riding Stables, I am riding across the vast Devon moorland with views as far north as Exmoor and south to the Plymouth Sound.
The freedom of being in the middle of such a beautiful and vast expanse is exhilarating and magical.
It’s no wonder Dartmoor National Park is known for its myths and legends.
Pixies, headless horsemen and a pack of supernatural hounds are just some of the creatures rumoured to haunt the area.
Fortunately, we didn’t spot any during our ride, but we did get close to a herd of Highland cows with huge horns, and a tiny, fluffy calf that was only two days old.
Afterwards, we swapped four hooves for two wheels and set off along the Granite Way — an easy cycle route from nearby Okehampton.
Having picked up our mountain bikes from Granite Way Cycles, we began the 11-mile trail that follows the former Southern Region railway line to Lydford.
Once again, the views are superb, particularly overlooking the dam and gorge from the Meldon and Lake viaducts.
We stopped for lunch — and the best scone of the weekend — at the pretty garden of the 16th Century Castle Inn pub in Lydford before taking in more of the rugged granite landscape of this north-western corner of Dartmoor.
HIGHEST MAN-MADE WATERFALL IN ENGLAND
Saddle sore, it was straight into the hot tub when we got back to our accommodation in one of 12 luxury lodges at Cofton Holidays near Dawlish.
These sleek, cedar-clad lodges at the family-owned holiday park have large private decking areas with Jacuzzis and rattan garden furniture.
Inside, a well-equipped kitchen and dining area and spacious lounge offer buckets of room where guests can unwind in front of the fire.
While the swish lodges are the most expensive accommodation on site, there are also more affordable mobile homes and pitches to bring your own caravan or tent.
The site also has pools, bingo, karaoke and coarse fishing.
Five lakes are well-stocked with carp, tench, roach, rudd, bream and eels.
Keen anglers can book in for special festival weeks and regular competitions and there’s even tuition for novice fishermen.
If you don’t fancy cooking, there are three restaurants on site.
Try Amelia’s Cafe for all-day dining, the Swan Inn for a pint of local cider with lunch, or The Warren Retreat for a cracking carvery and entertainment.
There’s also much to explore in the surrounding area.
Canonteign Falls is the highest man-made waterfall in England. Follow the snaking trails past lakes and up through the ancient woodlands and fern gardens that belong in a Jurassic Park film.
Watch as water tumbles and crashes over jutting outcrops of rock, and at the top, Buzzard’s View provides a spectacular view across South Devon and Dartmoor.
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Our final afternoon saw a trip to the Turf Hotel, marooned between the Exeter Ship Canal and the River Exe.
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Its watery location means you can’t drive there, so must walk, cycle, take the boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, paddleboard.
But it is worth it just to be able to bask in the sunshine in the beer garden, gazing at the boats on the Exe Estuary and tucking into something from the BBQ, it’s hard to imagine this isn’t Devon sent.
GO: DEVON
STAYING THERE: The Cofton Copse Lodge collection is Cofton Holidays’ premier accommodation, offering two and three-bedroom lodges from £555 for a three-night weekend break, £500 for a four-night midweek stay and £756 for seven nights.
For details see or call 01626 890 111.
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