Landcross area guide

Landcross

Landcross is a small, peaceful hamlet just outside Bideford, well placed for the Tarka Trail, the beaches around Instow and Westward Ho!, and easy drives deeper into North Devon and over the Cornish border.

It has more history than its size suggests. Holy Trinity Church was rebuilt in 1435 and still keeps its Norman font, while the parish also preserves early 16th-century bench ends in the church and old cottages nearby. Down at Pillmouth, the Rolle Canal reached the Torridge in 1827, and the railway extension followed in 1872; today that old line lives on as part of the Tarka Trail.

Beaches

Westward Ho!

10 minutes' drive

Westward Ho! is a mile further on than Bideford, it is best to drive there, there is ample parking and sand that goes on for miles and miles (when the tide is out!)

Westward Ho! Also has a large nature reserve (the burrows) with a Links golf course and access to the further stretches of the beach. Visitor information: www.visitdevon.co.uk/northdevon/explore/villages-towns/westward-ho/

Instow

10 minutes Drive, 1.5 hour walk along the Tarka Trail, 25 minutes cycling.

You can cycle to Instow beach along the Tarka Trail, it can be tricky to park there when it is busy! There is plenty of sand, ice cream vans and pubs/restaurants.

Braunton Burrows/Croyde

30-40 minute drive

If you feel like venturing further afield (Past Barnstaple) Braunton Burrows offers a nature experience similar to Westward Ho! And internationally recognised surfing at Saunton Sands (although the surfers in Westward Ho say it's better this side of the river!)

Clovelly

30-40 minute drive

Clovelly offers a unique fishing village experience, highly recommended if you are fit enough to handle the steep cobbled streets. Visitor information: www.clovelly.co.uk

Bude

50 minute drive

Bude is another surfing mecca and has a beautiful sandy beach along with an open air beach swimming pool.

Hartland Quay

35 minute drive

Hartland Quay has rock formations that have made it a haven for Film and TV crews, (including a certain Mr Clarkson when his compatriots pushed his inordinately tall white Citroen campervan over the cliffs), Treasure Island was filmed here and many others as you can see at the museum. It has a pub right by the sea and a lovely, sheltered beach with both sand and rocks.

The local council do charge to travel the hill down to the car park at the bottom, but it is worth the visit. It is a couple of miles further on than the village of Hartland.

There are Various pubs who do food in Hartland Village, also the Pub at Hartland Quay "The Wreckers Retreat" does food and is dog friendly.

We recommend Hartland Quay. Hartland Quay Hotel tel: 01237 441218. https://www.hartlandquayhotel.co.uk/

Shops

Bideford is closest (2 miles Drive, 40 Minutes Walk, 10 minutes by bicycle) with a range of shops, garages and supermarkets. Visitor information: www.visitdevon.co.uk/northdevon/explore/villages-towns/bideford/

Food

Takeaways

Just eat and Dominos sometimes deliver, depending on their mood! Describe it as Wood Lodge EX39 5JJ (the place on the left as you leave Landcross towards Monkleigh, before the National Speed Limit sign) and a little further on for Hyacinth the Horse Lorry!

We like:

• Prince of India - 01237 424295
• Mr Ho Chinese - 01237 423382
• The Royal Plaice - 01237 478673 (Appledore, you can eat in the pub opposite!)
• Lamon Thai Kitchen Street Food - 07309 776660 (half way along the quay, cash only!)

You will also find McDonald's, Dominos, and Starbucks at the shopping centre West of Bideford along with a range of Kebab, Pizza and late-night takeaways in the centre of town.

Sunday Lunch

In our opinion The Coach and Horses in Buckland Brewer (01237 451395) does one of the best Sunday lunches in the area, it's a proper low ceiling open fire experience!

Weare Gifford Pub, Traditional Sunday Roasts. About 2 miles towards Torrington.

Restaurants & Pubs

Google is your friend, along with TripAdvisor! But be warned, the really good ones need booking far in advance, but there is always the chance of a cancellation!

Best is "Number Eight" (Bideford) Michelin star wannabe, Pricy and needs a reservation - 01237 237589

Italian - Belluno (Bideford) - Good all-rounder, Easy to reserve - 01237 473233

The Royal George (Appledore) - Posh pub (reservations again!) - 01237 424138

The Boathouse (Instow) - Good firm favourite, plenty of fish! - 01271 861292

Morans (Westward Ho!) - Thai, one of our favourites (reservations usually required) - 01237 472070

For Pubs you are best driving to Appledore or Instow, but the nearest pub along the Tarka Trail is the Blacksmiths Arms which can be walked in about 30 minutes.

The most authentic Old Coaching Inn you are likely to find can be found at The Coach and Horses in Buckland Brewer, well worth a visit.

Weare Gifford

A 5 minute drive towards Torrington (You can see the village, South through the trees) You can also walk there along the Tarka Trail (Take a left when the bridge crosses the little lane towards Weare Gifford) but it is a good 30 minute walk, 15 minutes by bicycle.

The Cyder Presse does pretty good roasts and large portions, they have a wide range of delicious local cider!

Bideford

3 minutes' drive, 30 - 40 minutes' walk along the Tarka Trail, 10 - 15 minutes cycling.

The First Pub you find on the Tarka Trail is The Blacksmiths Arms, It's bright Orange (You can't miss it!) It's a little hit-and-miss but it has improved over the last few years for people traveling the Tarka Trail.

It's difficult to recommend pubs in Bideford, the most obvious Pub is the Kings Arms on the quay, unfortunately, this is one to avoid as it can be quite rough. A more welcoming pub can be found further along the quay, past the High street and small square, then behind the Solicitors (Peter, Peter & Wright) where you will find the White Hart, but hunt around; the last resort is of course, Wetherspoons!

Bideford has quite a few Indian and Chinese Restaurants, an Italian and assorted other pubs, plus a couple of fish and chip places, there is a McDonald's at the top of Bideford. You will also find a Wetherspoons on Bridgeland Street. There is parking all over the place! For something more fine-dining, see Le Petit Monde.

Appledore

10 Minutes' Drive.

Recently many of the more traditional fishermen's pubs have gone upmarket (the Seagate and the Royal George being notable examples) but the village is well worth a visit for an evening's walk through the backstreets to discover little restaurants (See if you can find The Yard, it is getting good reviews!) There is a large car park on the quay. Visitor information: www.visitdevon.co.uk/northdevon/explore/villages-towns/appledore/. For a long-established pub stop, see The Beaver Inn.

Instow

10 minutes Drive, 1½ hour walk along the Tarka Trail, 25 minutes cycling.

Traditionally, this is the place to go for an evenings walk along the beach then pop in to one of the many pub restaurants. We like the boathouse, but there is also the Wayfarer, Instow arms and The Quay.

Parking can be painful here, watch out for parking wardens and automatic car-park fines!

The Instow Arms - 01271 860608. The Wayfarer - 01271 860342. The Boathouse - Good firm favourite, plenty of fish! - 01271 861292

Westward Ho!

10 minutes' drive

A traditional Victorian holiday destination with a beach that extends for several kilometres. Westward Ho! has a mixture fine dining and holiday-park fare, but there is plenty of parking and beachside cafes & restaurants. If you want something very local on the way out towards the coast, The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham is a useful nearby option.

Torrington

5 minutes' drive, 60 minutes' walk via Tarka trail 15 minutes cycling

Torrington is a more traditional farming town, it has a couple of fish and chip shops and Indian takeaways along with a range of pubs near the square. It also has a vibrant artist following with various specialist shops and markets.

At the bottom of Torrington, on the Tarka Trail you will find the Puffing Billy which tailors to adventurers on the Tarka trail and has a good range of snacks and sit-down meals.

For the slightly more adventurous cyclist, carry on past Torrington for another 8 miles to find the Yarde Cafe (https://www.yarde-orchard.co.uk/) it's well worth the journey and makes a good day out.

The Puffing Billy - On the Tarka Trail - 01805 623 050

Barnstaple

15 minutes drive, 2-3 hour walk, 45 minutes - 1 hour cycling.

Plenty of themed restaurants and a few Michelin Star wannabes! Along with the usual Taco Bell, multiple McDonald's, KFC and Burger kings that have not quite made it to Bideford.

Barnstaple is the nearest large town and is about 15 miles away. You will find a shopping centre, cinema and various chains like Next and M&S. Whilst it does not compare to Exeter or Bristol, it does get reasonably busy on the weekends.

Supermarkets

Google is your friend, all are easily accessed and Google knows where they are!

Bideford

• Morrisons - Straight through town past the quay on the right
• Co-op
• Mill street - Just off the bottom of the high street (pedestrianised during the day)
• Half way along the quay, turn left on to the High street, then almost immediately right.
• Asda
• Turn left once you get to Bideford - at the very top of Town (about a mile) opposite the McDonald's
• Aldi
• Next to McDonald's (see above)
• Lidl
• Just before McDonald's on the right
• Tesco - Go into Bideford, cross the bridge and turn left. Turn right at the next major junction on your way out of town, up the hill on the left
• Morrisons Local - Late night opening. Half way along Bideford quay

Torrington

Has a Lidl and an M&S Express

Barnstaple

The nearest large(ish) town, it has everything except a Waitrose!

Holsworthy

Has a Waitrose!

Swimming Pools

Bideford/Northam

Torridge Swimming pool in Northam is the nearest Public Swimming Pool with Gym, Sauna and Fitness classes

Torrington

Public swimming pool with Sauna

Barnstaple

Newly Built Public Swimming Pool, gym and tennis centre (No Sauna though!)

Bude

Public swimming pool with Wave Machine, open air Tidal pool on the beach

Walks nearby

There are several walks nearby, the most popular are Scratchface lane & the Tarka Trail.

All the trails are marked on the map at the end of the guide.

Generally speaking, if a gate is locked, don't try to go through it!

Please close gates behind you.

Scratchface Lane (about 1km)

Accessed From the same entrance as Tarka trail, across the fields and back at the top of Landcross (See individual guides for detailed directions)

Tarka Trail (about 180 miles)

Accessed at the entrance to Landcross Village (See individual guides for detailed directions and the Map at the end of this guide)

From http://www.Tarkatrail.org.uk

Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.

For a broader landscape view of the route through the biosphere reserve, see North Devon Biosphere: The Tarka Trail.

Visitor Attractions

RHS Rosemoor

01805 624067 - 15 minute drive

A beautiful place to visit for the day, it's so relaxing. There are many types of garden, i.e. water garden, rose garden etc all immaculately tended. There are streams and a lake and an underpass to get to lady Anne's gardens on the opposite side of the road. There is also an orchard and veg garden as well as Restaurants/coffee shops. Plenty of parking but dogs are not permitted. Official site: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor

Dartington Crystal

For glassmaking demonstrations and a slightly different kind of day out, see visitdartington.co.uk.

Arlington Court

For a National Trust day out with house, grounds, and the carriage museum, see Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum.

Tapeley Park Gardens

01271 860897 - 10 minute drive

Located on the top of the hill overlooking the River Torridge in the parish of Westleigh. There are lovely formal gardens and a wooded walk down to a lake at at the bottom of the hill. There is a restaurant and dogs are welcome. These gardens do not open until 31st March and are smaller and cheaper than Rosemoor gardens.

Clovelly Court Gardens

24 minute drive

These gardens are smaller than Rosemoor and Tapeley, and are carefully tended with a restored Victorian greenhouse within its old walls. Admission is £5 and they are open everyday except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Web site: www.clovelly.co.uk

Lundy Island

Lundy island is an English island in the Bristol Channel. It's has more shipwrecks per mile of coastline than anywhere else. There are daily trips to the island from either Bideford or Ilfracombe depending on tides etc. you will need an entire day to visit and visiting is dependant on the weather, tides and sailing times.

Web site: www.lundyisland.co.uk email: info@lundyisland.co.uk

Booking - tel: 01271 863636

Dragon Archery Centre

Available by prior booking only.

This is located at Brandis corner which is 11 miles inland about 20 minutes and has been enjoyed and recommended by our guests

www.dragonarchery.co.uk

email: info@dragonarcherycentre.co.uk

mob: 07500112834

North Devon Wake Park

about 20 minutes away and associated with the Milky Way.

It has a number of actives and is an Aqua Park. It also has a Cafe.

https://www.northdevonwakepark.co.uk Telephone number 01237 751517 email: info@northdevonwakepark.co.uk

We recommend contacting/booking prior to arrival.

The Big Sheep

Early February and into March the big sheep have new born lambs and throughout the year are known to have Sheep races. They are a great visitor attraction for families.

https://www.thebigsheep.co.uk

There are various email addresses on the web site and online booking is available.

The Ultimate Adventure Centre

Associated with the Big Sheep but about 200 yards away they have a wide range of adventure experiences.

www.ultimateadventurecentre.com email: centre.nd@inspiring-learning.com Telephone: 01237 880028.

We recommend contacting/booking prior to arrival.

The Milky Way

This is about 20 minutes

Farm turned adventure park, again various activities and ages are supported.

www.themilkyway.co.uk

Exmoor Zoo

About an hour away by car, this is our closest zoo and isn't far from Woody Bay Station. If you want you can book to be a "keeper for a day".

www.exmoorzoo.co.uk Tel: 01598763352 email: info@exmoorzoo.co.uk

Woody Bay Station

This is a very small station and steam train attraction which is a growing facility. It has interests for children and those interested in steam trains.

www.lynton-rail.co.uk Tel: 01598763487

Exmoor

Everyone has of course heard of the UK National Parks of which we have three relatively close.

Exmoor is available from various routes and is a huge area of outstanding natural beauty. It can easily be reached within about an hour depending on where you wish to go in it.

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Dartmoor

Our second local National Park and a very different type of landscape. Dartmoor for us is much more rugged and open. Web site: www.dartmoor.gov.uk Over the years I have done driving tours for the BMW Zroadster club over Dartmoor and have a treasure hunt that is available if you would like.

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk

Bodmin Moor

Our third major moor is less than an hour.

www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/bodminmoor

Roadford Lakes

42 minute drive

Is a man made reservoir fed by the River Wolf. It is located to the north-east of Broadwoodwidger in west Devon and is the largest area of fresh water in the south west of England. It is a local nature reserve. There is a Lakeside cafe and lots of water sports, fishing, footpaths and a cycleway.

www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Tamar Lakes

25 minute drive

Nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history rich in flora and fauna. There is a circular route around Upper Tamar Lake which is about 2.8 miles which is suitable for walking, cycling, mobility scooters and wheelchairs. If you walk half a mile from Upper Tamar Lake on an off road woodland trail you will find lower Tamar Lake. There is also, water sports, and fishing.

www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Cycle hire

Due to the prolific amounts of cycle trails we have there are a good source of bike hire places available depending on where you wish to cycle. Of course you can always bring your own.

Bideford

https://www.skernlodge.com/tidal-trail Torrington Street, Bideford EX39 4DR 01237 425437 or 07823 591416

Torrington

www.torringtoncyclehire.com 1 Station Hill, Torrington, Ex38 8JD 01805 622633

Barnstaple

www.tarkabikes.co.uk Barnstaple Railway, Barnstaple EX31 2AU 01271 324202

www.watersidebikehire.co.uk Unit 15b Chivenor, Braunton, Barnstaple EX31 4AY 01271 545019

Wildlife

DO NOT FEED ANY WILDLIFE

Whilst the wildlife may like to steal food from you, please be very careful, most wildlife cannot tolerate processed food (or what they think looks like food)

Please dispose of any packaging as wildlife will attempt to eat it, which can cause severe issues.

You are right in the middle of the countryside, next to wild woods... Consequently, you will almost certainly come across some local wildlife, including:

• Spiders
• Moths
• Bats
• Slow-worms & Grass Snakes
• Ants
• Moles
• Field Mice
• Small Birds (Finches and Magpies)
• Big Birds (Owls and Buzzards)
• Deer
• Badgers
• Rabbits
• Sheep
• Goats (these are the most dangerous of all!)

Wildlife is often attracted to the warmth and shelter offered by the horse lorry and it is not uncommon to find them near or even in the lorry.

If you find any wildlife close by, don't panic; they are more scared of you than you are of them. If some get in or near the accommodation, feel free to call us and we will invite them to leave and offer them more appropriate accommodation.

Whilst the wildlife may like to steal food from you, please be very careful, most wildlife cannot tolerate processed food (or what they think looks like food)

Please dispose of any packaging as wildlife will attempt to eat it, which can cause severe issues.

Main Culprits

Goats

There are goats in the nearby fields, please ask if you would like to meet them as they have a tendency to butt the unwary.

GOATS BITE! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TOUCH THE GOATS WITHOUT SUPERVISION.

Livestock

There are often cattle and sheep in the nearby fields. Please do not attempt to touch them or enter the field as they can chase you and cause injury.

DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS!

Deer

There are a lot of Deer in the area this year, please keep dogs on a lead if you spot any and do not approach what may seem like docile animals. Deer go into shock very easily, if you spot any that look sick and/or approachable please call us.

Rabbits

There are lots and lots of rabbits in the fields, mostly you won't be able to get near them; occasionally you may see a sick rabbit. Do not touch rabbits if they look sick! (just give us a call and we will sort it out)

Insects

There are insects everywhere in the countryside, whilst we check and clean the accommodation of all spiders, moths, ants and beetles, you may come across them as they love the little hidey holes on the lorry, particularly the skylights; where little flies will sun themselves, leading to bigger spiders that love to put webs up just beyond reach. If these bother you, please call us and we will bring a vacuum.

Other Wildlife

There are lots of rabbits, cats, badgers, weasels and deer in the woods and surrounding fields, mostly you won't be able to get near them; occasionally you may see a sick rabbit. Do not touch rabbits if they look sick! (just give us a call and we will sort it out)

Dogs

We have lots of fences to keep dogs safe, there is no problem with dogs off the lead in the garden, but when in fields or walking please keep your dog on a lead.

Please remember to clean up after your dog and keep all gates closed.

Please do not leave dogs unattended, whilst the Garden and house has coped with our dogs for many years, dogs will find a way out if they are determined enough!

Please keep dogs off the soft furnishings.

Car Charging

We have a charger for electric cars located in the yard next to the lodge (behind the big wooden gates.) You will need to pay in advance for electricity at 75p per KWh as Airbnb do not cover electricity or fuel.

You have access to the charger via the locked gate beside the barn, there is also a fob to open the gates which we will lend out if you need the charger or extra parking.

The charger is linked to our Solar panels, which means there is not as much power at night as there is during the day.

• Night time charging is limited to 3.6kW
• Daytime charging is available at 7.4kW if it is sunny (otherwise 3.6kW)

Public Charging is also available in Bideford, primarily at the end of the quay next to the park (85p/kwh) also at Tesco and Blights Garage (Near Asda)

Taxis

• Number 6 Taxis are used to picking up from Wood Lodge - 01237 666666
• All Area Taxis 01237 470211

Garages

The nearest Garages are in Bideford (Go straight through town past the quay, first garage is on the right) others are available at the top of town

The supermarkets have the cheapest fuel in Morrisons and Asda.

Emergencies

In the event of an emergency (e.g. Fire, smoke, flood or life threatening wild animals) leave by the nearest available safe exit (door, window etc) and dial 999

In non emergencies, (e.g non-life-threatening goats or first aid) please feel free to contact us and we will help as best we can.