Unveiling the Allure of Bothies: A distinctive Journey in North Devon
What year marked Wilhelm of Prussia’s ascension as the German emperor? When did Ian Botham make his Test match debut? And how long can a sea anemone live? These captivating queries danced through our minds as we lounged outside Heddon Orchard Bothy, serenaded by the soft murmur of a river meandering through a steep valley (for answers, see * below). I had a well-thumbed Penguin trivia book (1991 edition) resting on my lap, a thoughtful gift from a previous guest who had inscribed on its faded flyleaf: “This is your only source of entertainment.”
The visitor was not entirely mistaken. The bothy—a rustic apple storage facility dating back to the 19th century—offers very few amenities. There’s no electricity or running water; it simply provides sleeping quarters and access to an outdoor toilet located about 100 meters away. Yet, in many respects, it embodies everything necessary for an escape.
A Fresh Chapter for Bothies in South-West England
Once primarily linked with Scotland, bothies have made their way into South-West England due to initiatives by the National trust as 2015. They have introduced several bookable “camps with walls,” including Heddon Orchard and Foreland (a converted stable). This spring saw the unveiling of another site at West Challacombe, perched above Combe Martin village and offering breathtaking views for just £15 per night for exclusive use. Strategically positioned along North Devon’s Exmoor coastline, these three sites facilitate planning an affordable weekend walking adventure between bothies via trails like the South West Coast Path. Public transport options provide easy access from Barnstaple station to Combe Martin and Lynton (situated between Foreland and Heddon), eliminating any need for driving. Despite their secluded feel, each bothy remains within walking distance of local pubs.
“The aim behind these bothies is to inspire more people to connect with nature—we’re dedicated to providing affordable lodging options here,” explained Amy U’Ren, Volunteering & Community officer at National Trust’s west Exmoor division. She guided my husband and me across vibrant green hills adorned with gorse at West Challacombe—a sprawling 41 hectares (100 acres) that was once sheep pasture but is now being revitalized for biodiversity enhancement. “It’s exhilarating—we’re just beginning this project,” Amy continued enthusiastically. “Our focus lies in restoring natural habitats through various methods such as sowing wildflowers and creating ponds while utilizing livestock like pigs and Exmoor ponies.” To date, they have planted around 20,000 trees on-site.
Centrally located amidst this rejuvenation stands our cozy stone barn transformed into sleeping quarters featuring wide doors that open up invitingly towards nature’s embrace. The restroom facilities are situated about a quarter-mile away within an outbuilding belonging to West Challacombe Manor—a more upscale National Trust accommodation option—but we felt perfectly satisfied with our surroundings nonetheless.
An Evening Toast amidst Stunning Scenery
After thoroughly exploring this expansive area, we ventured into Combe Martin seeking essential supplies—wine and beer—and climbed up little Hangman cliff where we raised our glasses against breathtaking views during twilight hours; low sunlight scattered diamonds across Bristol Channel while rugged headlands framed either side beautifully before us! We returned later that evening back towards our humble abode where dinner awaited us prepared over camping stove under exploding night skies illuminated by moonlight casting shadows upon grass beneath us.
A Morning Like no Other Awaits You!
I struggled somewhat during sleep due largely due thin mat beneath me coupled alongside spine-chilling owl calls echoing throughout night hours—but oh what joy greeted me come morning! Dew-kissed grass sparkled under radiant blue skies filled songbirds chirping sweet melodies—it felt akin stepping directly inside one Coleridge’s poems! Truly perfect day ahead beckoning exploration!
The Thrill Of Adventure Along Coastal Trails
The journey from West challacombe stretches approximately seven miles eastward along South West Coast path leading toward picturesque Heddon Valley followed closely thereafter by another nine-and-a-half miles reaching stunning foreland Point—an exhilarating two-day trek awaits those willing! Though rather opting customary route back homeward after parking previously near Heddon yesterday afternoon—we chose bolder path traversing atop majestic Holdstone Hill measuring 349 meters high continuing onward toward destination point staying overnight before returning again making most out scenic trails offered throughout Exmoor region itself!
This route proved delightful to; blending highlights found upon coastal paths—including hidden Woody Bay alongside charming Lee Abbey Tea Cottage—with other treasures waiting finding nearby! As notable example even though mere millimeters off official coast path depicted Ordnance Survey map—the broad higher trail rising eastward leads towards ancient Roman fortlet providing remarkably different vantage point altogether compared standard routes taken elsewhere around here too!
Tired yet fulfilled when finally arriving at Foreland’s secluded location nestled within cleft offering splendid sea vistas despite exhaustion still managed trek mile further down road reaching Countisbury’s renowned Blue Ball Inn – savings made regarding accommodations allowed indulgences dining out rather! As strolled there low mist enveloped shoreline creating romantic ambiance deer grazed peacefully basked golden rays surrounding them all around us too… On return journey nautical twilight painted horizon peach hues full moon glowed brightly resembling second sun illuminating pathway ahead without need torches whatsoever—it truly felt magical moment shared together if hadn’t chosen stay here would’ve missed entire experience entirely!
I didn’t fare much better concerning sleep quality but remained eager embark upon third day adventures ahead awaiting eagerly ! First headed eastward passing fellow traveler hailing from Australia also embarking her own third consecutive day though hers consisted full-fledged hike spanning impressive total length encompassing entire stretch measuring roughly630 miles long covering whole expanse known collectively referred-to-as-Southwest-Coast-Path .I envied her undertaking while she expressed admiration regarding choice opting stay within cozy confines provided respective locations chosen thus far during trip thus far ! We bid farewell allowing continue epic journey eventually circling back westwards utilizing Coleridge way taking-in swollen hills dipping downwards flanked either side lush greenery surrounding East Lyn River swirling gushing forth through plunges gorge below . Stopping lunch break enjoyed delightful meal served Watersmeet fishing lodge converted tearoom nestled deep wooded valley where blue tits eagerly devoured crumbs dropped carelessly nearby then resumed following coast path once again arriving Lynton retracing classic route leading back toward original starting point known simply as ‘Heddons’ mouth’. Brief rain shower occurred adding enchanting touch moss-covered sessile oaks appearing even more fairytale-like than usual! As climbed primrose-lined ascent leading directly towards final destination itself—the beloved ‘Heddons Orchard’ particularly favored families according Amy mentioned earlier due presence numerous nature trails beach proximity plus popular pub named ‘hunters Inn’ conveniently situated opposite establishment itself indeed sitting outdoors enjoying trivia book observed Derek peacock residing pub curiously peeking windows guest rooms resembling majestic peeping Tom suddenly buzzard soared overhead wood pigeons began coo softly sun gradually emerged creeping slowly upward illuminating valley surrounding area providing ample entertainment opportunities abound everywhere present right before eyes!” * Answers:Versailles; 1977; 100 years;