Ultimate Walking Guide for Your Stay at a Luxury Devon Holiday Home
Mid Devon offers an authentic, tranquil countryside experience, making a luxury Devon holiday home like Rendezvous (Homecroft House) the ideal base for exploring scenic walking trails across Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Table of Contents: Guide to Walks Near Your Devon Holiday Home
Premier Walking Trails Near Your Devon Holiday Home
Devon is renowned for its contrast of ancient national parks and dramatic coastlines. Whether you are traversing rugged tors or wandering along cliffside paths, these walks represent the very best routes within easy reach of your Devon holiday home.
Hunter’s and Fisherman’s Path to Castle Drogo: A Scenic Walk Near Your Devon Holiday Home
Key Specification | Route Detail |
Distance | 7.4 km |
Elevation Gain | 350 m |
Estimated Time | 2.5 – 3 hours |
Route Type | Loop |
This shaded trail through the Teign Gorge in Dartmoor National Park combines woodland river paths with grand architectural views.
Trailhead & Facilities: The walk begins at the Castle Drogo car park, which offers a cafe and toilet facilities.
The Route: Head down the valley slope onto Hunter’s Path along Sharp Tor, enjoying expansive views over the woodland valley and Dartmoor countryside. Continue into the woodland, descend to the road, and reach the riverside by Fingle Bridge.
Return Journey: Without crossing the 13th-century packhorse bridge, pass through the gate opposite the pub to join Fisherman’s Path. This path hugs the River Teign, passing meandering waters and quiet spots for paddling.
Terrain & Alternatives: The northern bank features rocky, jagged, and steep sections requiring sturdy footwear. The southern side of the river provides an easier, flatter alternative.
Points of Interest: Castle Drogo, managed by the National Trust, was built in the early 20th century and inspired by Dartmoor's granite tors. The River Teign is rich in wildlife; keep an eye out for salmon and trout jumping after heavy rain, particularly in September and October.
Haytor Vale and Hound Tor Circular: Legends Near Your Devon Holiday Home
Key Specification | Route Detail |
Distance | 7.4 km |
Elevation Gain | 308 m |
Estimated Time | 2.5 – 3 hours |
Route Type | Loop |
Immersed in Dartmoor folklore, this circular route takes walkers past granite outcrops and medieval ruins.
Historical Ruins: The path leads to Hound Tor, passing the deserted medieval settlement of Hundatora, abandoned around 1350 due to climatic shifts or the bubonic plague.
Local Folklore: Legend says Hound Tor was created when the hunter Bowerman interrupted a witch coven with his dogs; in retaliation, the witches turned the hunter and his pack to stone. Bowerman’s Nose, a striking granite stack, stands a mile away towards Manaton village.
Literary & Supernatural Connections: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle drew inspiration for The Hound of the Baskervilles from Hound Tor. A short path below the tor leads to Jay’s Grave, a crossroads burial site where locals frequently report fresh flowers left by unknown hands and sightings of a dark hooded figure.
Valley of Rocks and Lynton Circular: Coastal Beauty Near Your Devon Holiday Home
Key Specification | Route Detail |
Distance | 4.2 km |
Elevation Gain | 108 m |
Estimated Time | 1 – 1.5 hours |
Route Type | Loop |
Located in Exmoor, North Devon, this coastal walk offers geological drama, ocean vistas, and free-roaming wildlife.
Valley Geology & Wildlife: Starting in the dry Valley of Rocks, tarmac paths wind past towering rock formations, home to a famous herd of feral goats.
Cliff Railway: The route heads towards Lynton and crosses above the historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Opened in 1890 and funded by Sir George Newnes, this water-powered funicular railway connects the harbour at Lynmouth with cliff-top Lynton.
Accessibility & Safety: The route features tarmac paths for most of its length, preventing muddy shoes. While there are single gates and no stiles, the sharp drop-offs along the cliff edge require caution with children and dogs. The paths are at least one metre wide (suitable for pushchairs), but a lack of wide passing places makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Rendezvous: The Story Behind Our Luxury Devon Holiday Home
Read more about our property story to understand why Homecroft House stands apart as an authentic countryside sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of Mid Devon, this 100-year-old family residence sits just a ten-minute walk from Cheriton Fitzpaine—a historic village mentioned in the Domesday Book featuring two local pubs and a community shop.
Positioned away from high-density tourist hotspots, Mid Devon boasts rolling farmland, quiet single-track canopy lanes, and a mild climate. Guests staying at our Devon holiday home enjoy views stretching 20 miles to Dartmoor in winter, while summer views frame the local church spire. The grounds host diverse wildlife, including deer, badgers, foxes, hares, stoats, and native birdlife. Geese graze in the adjacent field, while friendly hens produce fresh eggs for guests to collect daily.
Bedrooms and Accommodation at Our Devon Holiday Home
Explore our complete list of accommodation options designed for large families, friends, and multi-generational groups.
Room Name | Bed Layout & Sleeping Capacity | Room Features |
Room 1 | 2 Single beds, 1 Fold-out bed | Bright and versatile twin room with natural light. |
Room 2 | 2 Single beds, 1 Window bed, 1 Pull-out single bed | Charming layout featuring a dedicated window seat bed. |
Room 3 | 1 Double bed, 1 Sofa bed | Comfortable, light-filled retreat for small families or couples. |
Room 4 | 2 Single beds | Cosy room tailored for friends or children. |
Room 5 | 1 Super King bed, 1 Pull-out single bed, 1 Sofa bed | Spacious suite ideal for larger family groups. |
Room 6 | 2 Double beds, 1 Pull-out single bed | Generous room with flexible sleeping arrangements. |
Bathroom Facilities
Downstairs shower room and toilet
Upstairs main bathroom with shower and toilet
Second upstairs shower room and toilet
Ensuite bathroom and toilet
Includes complimentary bed linen, towels, extra blankets, pillows, and shampoo.
Premium Amenities and Outdoor Facilities at Our Devon Holiday Home
Review all available luxury amenities and our outdoor kitchen and dining area to plan your itinerary.
Heated Outdoor Swimming Pool: A large, deep, outdoor pool surrounded by gardens for relaxation and family fun.
Scandinavian Hot Tub: Authentic wood-fired hot tub tucked away in a quiet corner of the grounds.
Outdoor Kitchen & Dining: A roofed pizza oven area, outdoor BBQ grill, and a 20-seat dining table positioned beneath fairy-lit trees. A covered patio and deck provide options for al fresco meals in all seasons.
Children's Fenced Play Area: A secure, enclosed play space featuring a mud kitchen and comfortable seating for supervising parents.
Games Room & Entertainment: A dedicated indoor recreational space featuring a pool/snooker table, darts, bar seating, and a versatile area suited for family theatricals. Floodlit table tennis and an outdoor fire pit complete the outdoor setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at Our Devon Holiday Home
What makes Mid Devon an ideal location for a walking holiday?
Mid Devon provides easy access to both Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park, while offering quiet, uncrowded countryside paths, historic villages, and local farm shops directly on your doorstep.
Is Rendezvous suitable for large group gatherings?
Yes. Homecroft House features six versatile bedrooms accommodating various group sizes, multiple bathrooms, a 20-seat outdoor dining table, and extensive indoor/outdoor entertainment facilities designed specifically for family groups and gatherings.
Are children and families catered for at the property?
Absolutely. The property includes a fully fenced play area with a mud kitchen, a large heated swimming pool, an indoor games room, and safe farmyard experiences like collecting eggs from the resident hens.
Key Takeaways for Booking Your Stay at Our Devon Holiday Home
Prime Walking Location: Access top-tier Devon walks including Castle Drogo, Hound Tor, and the Valley of Rocks within easy driving distance.
Comprehensive On-Site Amenities: Enjoy a private heated pool, Scandinavian hot tub, pizza oven, games room, and floodlit table tennis without leaving the estate grounds.
Authentic Countryside Charm: Situated in Cheriton Fitzpaine, offering peace, rural views, abundant wildlife, and local pub dining nearby.
To check availability or contact us to book, please visit our contact page. For any tailored enquiries or questions regarding your stay at our Devon holiday home, feel free to get in touch via email directly at macaulayassociates@gmail.com.
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