What is so special about North Devon and Exmoor?
This area was recently voted the 2nd most scenic area in the UK (Collins Atlas), close behind the west coast of Scotland. As guides, we can vouch for this and can also show you the best bits, which are not necessarily where the tourists go.
This is also backed up by a survey undertaken by Country Life, May 2003 confirming Devon officially to be the Best County in England. Another survey chose this area as one of three of the most tranquil areas in UK (CPRE).
Why is it so special?
North Devon has 171 sq km of coastal Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This includes:
• UK’s only International Biosphere Reserve which covers 3120 hectares. At the heart of this is Braunton Burrows, one of the largest dune systems in the UK. This designation means this area ranks alongside Mount Vesuvius and the Danube Delta. It has over 500 species of flowering plants, some unique to this area.
• The Atlantic Heritage Coast, confirming the quality of our coastline. It is partly covered by the North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area, recognising the importance of its wildlife. One of the best ways to see this is along the South West Coast Path. This is the longest National Trial, some 630 miles long, which starts in Exmoor. It is arguably the most scenic long-distance footpath. It certainly is the most challenging; it is reckoned those who walk the whole path will have climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest 4 times from sea level – not base camp!
• A whole range of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). These cover different habitats and areas, from heathland to valleys and dune systems to culm grasslands and coastal regions.
Then there is the Exmoor National Park. Designated in 1954, it is one of the smaller National Parks covering 267 sq miles. It is 1/3 in Devon, 2/3 in Somerset and made up of red sandstones, shale and some limestone. Its highest point is Dunkery Beacon at 1704 feet (519m). It has the highest sheer cliffs in the UK at 800 feet (244m), on the side of Great Hangman. It also has the highest point beside the sea in UK at the neighbouring Holdstone Down. It is also home to red deer and Exmoor ponies, both of which our guides have good knowledge. Exmoor is one of the most scenic National Parks, bordered by high cliffs down to the sea, deep wooded river valleys and open moorland. Dotted with attractive villages, blessed with a low human population and a high wildlife population.
This area was recently voted the 2nd most scenic area in the UK (Collins Atlas), close behind the west coast of Scotland. As guides, we can vouch for this and can also show you the best bits, which are not necessarily where the tourists go.
This is also backed up by a survey undertaken by Country Life, May 2003 confirming Devon officially to be the Best County in England. Another survey chose this area as one of three of the most tranquil areas in UK (CPRE).
Why is it so special?
North Devon has 171 sq km of coastal Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This includes:
• UK’s only International Biosphere Reserve which covers 3120 hectares. At the heart of this is Braunton Burrows, one of the largest dune systems in the UK. This designation means this area ranks alongside Mount Vesuvius and the Danube Delta. It has over 500 species of flowering plants, some unique to this area.
• The Atlantic Heritage Coast, confirming the quality of our coastline. It is partly covered by the North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area, recognising the importance of its wildlife. One of the best ways to see this is along the South West Coast Path. This is the longest National Trial, some 630 miles long, which starts in Exmoor. It is arguably the most scenic long-distance footpath. It certainly is the most challenging; it is reckoned those who walk the whole path will have climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest 4 times from sea level – not base camp!
• A whole range of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). These cover different habitats and areas, from heathland to valleys and dune systems to culm grasslands and coastal regions.
Then there is the Exmoor National Park. Designated in 1954, it is one of the smaller National Parks covering 267 sq miles. It is 1/3 in Devon, 2/3 in Somerset and made up of red sandstones, shale and some limestone. Its highest point is Dunkery Beacon at 1704 feet (519m). It has the highest sheer cliffs in the UK at 800 feet (244m), on the side of Great Hangman. It also has the highest point beside the sea in UK at the neighbouring Holdstone Down. It is also home to red deer and Exmoor ponies, both of which our guides have good knowledge. Exmoor is one of the most scenic National Parks, bordered by high cliffs down to the sea, deep wooded river valleys and open moorland. Dotted with attractive villages, blessed with a low human population and a high wildlife population.
Its history, geology and archaeology add to the interest our guides can reveal. Bronze Age settlements, mining, limekilns, fishing villages, WW2 events, Devon banks, ancient woodlands - the list goes on.
Without a guide, think how much you will miss as you pass through this special countryside. Think how much more enjoyable and interesting it could be with a guide.
For a selection of useful links go to this page.
