Devon Holiday Inspiration

Devon is blessed with a natural abundance of wildlife, which is testament to its varying scenery and climates. The high moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor are prone to cloud snaps while the milder coastal grasslands rarely freeze over. Devon’s sea life is equally as diverse with the coastlines of the choppy Atlantic to the north and the calmer English Channel to the south All in all there are plenty of animal attractions in Devon, however on a sunny day with the kids in tow the chances of spotting a Buzzard or Bullfinch from a coop are slim. To help you fulfill your families animal fixation we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite animal attractions in Devon. Paignton Zoo Pin Colour: Green Address: Totnes Rd, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU (33.8 miles) Paignton Zoo opened in 1923 and was one of the first combined zoolog ical and botanical gardens in Britain. The zoo is home to over 2,000 creatures from 300 species and acts as a breeding and conservation center for endangered animals and plants. The park has 6 animal habitats that include tropics, savannah, desert, forest and wetlands and houses animals that include Cuban Crocodiles, Hamadryas Baboons (pictured), Lions and Cheetah. If you find yourself captivated by the wildlife you can even sponsor individual animals, the proceeds of which to go towards its veterinary care and food – Paignton Zoo’s weekly shopping list includes 800 lettuces! Crealy Family Theme Park Pin Colour: Red Location: Sidmouth Rd, Exeter, Devon EX5 1DR (9.8 miles) When Crealy first opened in 1989 it aimed to recreate a country childhood and has since expanded to include over 60 rides, however the animal park remains a key attraction. Animal lovers can pet guinea pigs, feed goats and visit the Meerkat Manor. Our personal favourites are the small Marmoset Monkeys (pictured) which live within the animal kingdom, be sure to pay them a visit . Crealy is set in 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside and is only a 20-minute drive from Ladram Bay. For more information about the animal kingdom please visit Crealy’s website. The Donkey Sanctuary Pin Colour: Brown Location: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU (8.6 miles) The Donkey Sanctuary is the legacy of Dr Elizabeth Svenden MBE and since it’s founding in 1969 has provided care for donkeys and mules that now spans across the world. The site in Sidmouth is set within a beautiful country house with 8 acres of grounds however guests are asked not to feed the animals as they fall into bad habits and expect food from everyone. Admission is free (with donations welcome) and the site is dog and bike friendly making it an ideal animal attraction for families. The Big Sheep Pin Colour: Yellow Location: Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon EX39 5AP, United Kingdom (70 miles) If you are looking for a day out in Devon the Big Sheep will excite all members of the family with animal entertainment which includes live sheep shows. The shows introduce various breeds of sheep from around the world and include sheep shearing and duck trials. Children (and parents) are welcome to participate by helping the showman and his dog round up the ducks and guide them through the gate. To brush up on your Sheepdog terminology visit the link – Come-Bye! We would highly recommend watching the summer season daily sheep racing which see’s 6 sheep and jockeys compete over a 250 yard course overcoming obstacles that include Shepherd’s Brook, Bo-Peep’s Bend and the infamous Ewe Turn in the quest for victory. Exmoor Zoo Pin Colour: Purple Location: Barnstaple, Bratton Fleming EX31 4SG (60 miles) Exmoor Zoo originally opened as a bird farm but over the past 30+ years has grown in size and shifted its focus to larger animals that now include over 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles. In May 2015 puma triplets were born at Exmoor Zoo, be sure not to miss them while they are still cubs. For information about ticket prices please visit the Exmoor Zoo website.

Ever keen to lend a helping paw, our very own in house swimming expert Ozzie the Otter chipped in to give us some of his swimming tips. Whilst he is not actually allowed in the Ladram Bay swimming pool his years of experience on the River Otter make his advice partially credible. How to swim in a straight line Who wants to zig-zag their way through a swimming pool? Positioning your head is key to swimming straight, if you move your head from side to side you will throw yourself off balance – and disorientate yourself in the process. Ensure that your hands enter the water evenly. Imagine each side of your body mirroring the other, this will ensure that your strokes (breast stoke or front crawl) are even and consistent. Avoiding misty goggles When swimming with Goggles squint slightly, this will let allow little bit of water to seep in and will keep your vision fog-free. Avoiding foot cramp when swimming Cramp generally occurs when muscles are tired or overused. Drink plenty of water (with electrolytes) and remember to warm up and warm down before and after swimming. Swimming Tips: Improving your front crawl Try and keep your body position flat, this will streamline your body creating less drag. If you’re still learning, try putting a float between your thighs – this will allow you to maintain a flat position with minimal effort. Keep your head and back relaxed; your shoulders (and to a lesser extent hips) should be generating the momentum that pushes you forward. Keep your elbow slightly bent as your hand reaches in front of your body. Your hand should be entering the water in line with the palm facing down and the thumb should be the first part of your hand that enters the water. Once your hand is in the water do not instantly pull, give yourself extra room to reach forward and then bring your hand back towards your hips. Only bring your arm out of the water once it reaches your leg.  (repeat) Happy splashing!    

One of the things that makes Devon such a great place to go on holiday is the county’s diverse landscape. At Ladram Bay we’re big on beaches but if you’re after a change of scenery, there is nothing quite as unique as Dartmoor National Park. The UK is home to 10% – 15% of the world’s moors and here in the Southwest we’re lucky enough to have three of them; Exmoor, Bodmin Moor and the focus of this post, the stunning Dartmoor. Dartmoor in south Devon covers 368 square miles and is protected by National Park status as Dartmoor National Park. It’s home to the highest point in Southern England – High Willhays (see map: yellow pin) which at 2,037ft above sea level provides a dramatic backdrop. With this adventurous, beautiful and wild area on our doorstep, we thought we’d put together some of the best activities Dartmoor has to offer, including walking, animals and of course food. Walking on Dartmoor Dartmoor has a range of walks for all abilities, we’ve added 3 of our favourite routes into an interactive map so you don’t stray too far off the beaten track. Fernworthy Reservoir Pin Colour: Green If you aren’t looking for anything too strenuous, a relaxing 2.7 miles (4.36 km) route, is Fernworthy Reservoir. The route is largely flat with a few steps, gates & stiles. There is a great picnic spot with benches overlooking the water and also has bird hides and brown trout fishing nearby. The nearby village of Chagford has some lovely pubs, the pick of the bunch being The Three Crowns.  Short Stroll:  Ilslington Trail Pin Colour: Blue For a longer walk, the Islington Trail is a moderate 4.3 mile (6.89 km) circular walk that takes you through south-east Dartmoor. It’s starts & ends at the Carpenters Arms which means you can reward yourself afterwards with one of their fine locally-sourced pub lunches! Mid-Length Ramble:  Teign & Turrets Trail Pin Colour: Orange If you’re after something more challenging and to experience undulating countryside the Teign & Turrets Trail starting at Chagford square is for you. A good four hours & 5.8 miles long (9.44 km), this walk follows the Teign, one of Dartmoor’s most iconic river and is packed with inclines, fun descents and breath-taking views. Longer Jaunt:  Guided Tours of Dartmoor A full day trip, Dartmoor Safari covers all the best bits of Dartmoor with a guided tour. You will be shown the sites that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’, be led through an exploration of the rugged landscape & historic villages and even introduced to the beautiful Dartmoor ponies. A good mix of walking & a private car to take you to the next spot, this is a very convenient way of seeing all that Dartmoor has to offer. Animals on Dartmoor While you may be lucky to spot a Dartmoor pony on a walk, there is nothing as good as seeing ponies first hand at the Miniature Pony Centre. As well as ponies, there is a range of animals to see and care for, as well as gardens, walks and a good spot for cream tea! Pin Colour: Brown The locations we’ve picked are just a few of our favourites. Dartmoor has lots to offer but go with a plan – its a big area and quite remote in parts so the last thing we want is for you to get lost. A member of the Ladram Bay Reception team are always available to offer advice and point you in the right direction.

There are so many reasons why people flock down to Devon on holiday each year, from surfing, coastline footpaths to moorland walks. Having experienced the best of what Devon has to offer, you’re likely to be slightly jaded and require something to recharge your family’s batteries, which is why we’ve put together a guide of another of Devon’s great attractions, its farmers markets. With so much of our food coming from supermarkets modern society can often feel detached from our culinary heritage and customs. Farmers markets provide a great platform for food artisans to showcase some really tasty stuff. They are also a great way for holidaymakers to delve into local cultural traditions and reconnect with seasonal food that is produced locally and enjoyed at the source. To help you along the way we’ve put together an interactive map, that way you’ll spend more time tasting and less time sitting in traffic. Budleigh Salterton Farmers Market Pin Colour: Red When: The last Friday of every month from 9am – 1pm Location: Rolle Mews Car Park, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6NG Just down the road from Ladram Bay, the Budleigh Salterton farmers market has a wide selection of produce from Clinton Devon Estates, including a range of venison via the estates deer management program. Exeter’s Farmers Market Pin Colour: Yellow When: Every Thursday 9am – 2pm Location: Bedford Square, Exeter, EX1 1QA Foodies keen on tasting the Westcountry’s best offerings can try and buy a wide range of food and drink at the Exeter Farmers Market. The market is in the heart of the city centre and provides a great setting as a food destination. Visitors can browse a delicious range of meats from chicken, pork, lamb, venison, beef and fish, to organic fruit and vegetables, apple juice, preserves, bread, pies and cakes. Local knowledge: Farmers markets provide a great place to talk directly to the people who know a lot about food and how it is made, even if you don’t buy you can still get tips to improve your home cooking! Exmouth Farmers Market Pin Colour: Pink When: Second Wednesday of each month 9am – 1.30pm Location: Strand Gardens, Exmouth, EX8 4NP Exmouth Farmers Market is located in the recently redeveloped Strand Gardens right in the heart of Exmouth town centre. The market was started in 2003 and provides a great range produce from fish, meat, fruit, vegetables to dairy products and much more. All product is of a fantastic standard with traceability at the heart of this, just ask the stallholders who have been directly involved in producing the goods on offer to their ever growing fan base. Local knowledge: Do you keep animals yourself? Ask the producers about their organic and free-range conditions and see if you can pick up any tips to take home with you? Honiton Farmers Market Pin Colour: Light Green When: Third Thursday of each month 9am – 1pm Location: Lace Walk Car Park, Honiton, EX14 1LT Honiton Farmers’ Market offers a very agricultural experience with local meats being brought straight from the farm. Other tasty goods on offer include fresh organic bread and vegetables. The market also has some specialist produce that include rare breed pork, venison and wild boar. For those less concerned about meat there are also a lovely range of local flowers, fruit and local honey’s to take home. Flowers, Herbs, Fruit and Honey. Killerton House Farmers Market Pin Colour: Orange When: Third Saturday of each month March – October 10.30am – 2.30pm Location: Killerton House, Broadclyst, EX5 3LE Can you picture a better place to sample local farming produce than the grand setting of a beautiful National Trust country house? Nope, neither can we. Don’t worry of your holiday doesn’t match up with the 5 suggestions above, here are a few other recommended farmers markets dotted around beautiful Devon. Ashburton Farmers Market Pin Colour: Navy Blue When: 5 days a week Tuesday – Sunday – open all day Location: Library end of the West St Car Park, Ashburton, TQ13 7QH Barnstable Farmers Market Pin Colour: Brown When: Every Tuesday and Friday Location: Pannier Market, Barnstaple, EX31 1SY Dartmouth Farmers Market Pin Colour: Lavender When: Second Saturday of the month Location: The Old Market, Dartmouth, TQ6 9QF Paignton Farmers Market Pin Colour: Light Grey When: Held every first and third Wednesday of each month from 9.30am – 2.30pm Location: Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, TQ3 1RN Greendale Farm Shop Pin Colour: Dark Green If you find there’s simply too much to do in Devon and can’t make it to a farmers market then be sure to try Greendale Farm Shop, it is open 7 days a week and is less than 20 mins from Ladram Bay. The shop has a tasty selection of meat, game, seafood, fruit and vegetables from trusted local producers.

There are plenty of seasoned fishermen in the Ladram Bay team so we thought that we would share their local knowledge. Here we’ve put together a guide that any budding angler might need to know before they cast their lines off our famous pebbled beach. What you can catch: For anyone wondering what they can expect to land at Ladram Bay here are a few of the potential catches: bass, mackerel, conger eels, plaice, pout whiting, wrasse, dogfish and pollock. Obviously attaching the tag ‘prized fish’ to any catch carries a certain degree of subjectivity but landing a bass will earn instant admiration amongst your angling peers. Any anglers we asked also put mackerel and conger eel on their list of preferable catches. The weather: The weather effects the way fish behave and subsequently what you can expect to catch. Bass are generally easier to catch in stormy seas, while mackerel are better on a clear day during a high tide. Timing: Fish can be caught around the clock making it a great activity for any nocturnal types, if you’re a beginner its probably best to start off in the daytime for obvious reasons. Record breakers In 2014 one lucky angler landed an 8¼ pound bass – we have the photo to prove it too. Mythical Sea Creatures Shortly after this record-breaking bass was landed, an unnamed local source claims to have landed a mermaid at Ladram Bay however due to their catch and release ethos there is no evidence to back this story up! Even if you don’t have a day of tight lines your experience can still be special. In the autumn of 2014 a pod of dolphins paid a visit to Ladram Bay, apparently they weren’t shy at all as they swam alongside the fishing boat – they obviously didn’t try and catch them! Ladram provides a very picturesque fishing location but in East Devon we are fortunate to have numerous locations that are great for fishing, these include; the mouth of the River Otter, the beach of Budleigh Salterton and Littleham Cove in Exmouth. We’ve put together an interactive map so you can spend less time sussing out locations and more time casting lines. When it comes to equipment anglers generally have their own particular setup. For those new to fishing its best to ask our helpful team at the Seaview Shack. Now you have the knowledge, all that remains is to go and catch something, but just before you head out bear in mind the local saying ‘fish don’t bite so well in the east wind’. For those that come back with a successful catch you might want to read some of our holiday cooking guides for fish: • Holiday Cooking Guide for Mackerel

In recent years pollock has been touted by the Marine Conversation Society as a sustainable alternative to cod. Sainsbury’s tried a marketing ploy designed to give it some gallic flare through renaming it ‘colin’ – the French word for hake. At Ladram our anglers know it as pollock and they are often in ready supply off our pebbled beach. So, if you are fortunate enough to land a pollock and are thinking ‘what comes next?’ this tasty recipe should help you out. Lemon & Parsley Pollock Recipe BBQ or grill 15 mins cooking time Serves 4 people    Sustainable seafood Ingredients for the marinade 1 lemon Knob of butter Small handful of parsley 12 small vine tomatoes Ingredients 2 pollock / 4 pollock fillets (1 per person) Salad Boiled potatoes Preparation Instructions Place fillets in a bowl and add squeezed lemon and chop parsley  – leave to marinate for 20-30 minutes. Take 2 sheets of tin foil and turn up edges to avoid any juice spilling. Lay 2 fillets on each sheet, add the vine tomatoes and any left over juice and then place a small knob of butter on each fillet. Carefully wrap up tin foil to create a sealed parcel that can be placed onto the grill or barbecue. Place the 2 tin foil parcels onto a pre-heated grill or barbecue and leave to cook for 15 mins. Once cooked carefully remove parcels from grill and leave for several minutes to allow the foil to cool. Serve fish and vine tomatoes with boiled potatoes and green salad.    

Looking for all-weather family fun in Devon? Woodlands Family Theme Park is set in over 90 acres of Dartmoor countryside, with 16 rides and about 500 animals, including 50 birds of prey. Other interesting animals include eagle owls, swooping Falcons, cute rabbits and giant tortoises. Those seeking an outdoor adventure will not be disappointed by the Ninja Tower, Bumper Boats, Sea Dragon Swing (picture below) or the Commando Course. If the weather doesn’t not play ball then visitors can occupy themselves in one of the largest indoor play areas in the UK, which includes; slides, ball blasting, net climbs and a mirror maze. Planning a day trip from Ladram Bay? Use the interactive map below to find your way and minimise your journey time. Useful Information: Approximate journey time: 1 hour 5 mins Distance: 46 miles / 75 kilometres No dogs (with the exception of guide dogs)    

With 80 years experience in all things camping, caravanning and holiday home related, Ladram Bay know a thing or two about what makes our holiday park accommodation special. However, we thought we’d take a step back and ask a higher authority about what goes into making a holiday home and where better to start than the source – a holiday home manufacturer. We’ve found interviewing people at Ladram that over the years holiday lodges provide the backdrop to some of their most cherished memories. They become part of the family, a meeting point for families that are scattered around the county for much of the year. The folks over at Victory Leisure Homes put roofs over the heads of plenty of our loyal residents so we asked Victories managing director Peter Nevitt for some insights into the process of building holiday lodges. The floor plan drawing you sent us (above) looks great, is this a classic design that is tweaked each year or do you start with a blank canvas each time? When introducing a new model we start from a blank canvas but once a model has been successfully launched it will just receive a few model tweaks each season How long does a lodge take from design, manufacture & delivery? This varies from model to model but on average about 16 weeks for the development model, thereafter it takes about 4 weeks. How many people does this involve? Currently we employ just over 100 people across two production lines, one for lodges and one for static caravans. How many countries do you sell in? We currently deliver units to Spain, France, Belgium & Germany. Where’s the furthest afield you’ve sold to? The South of Spain If shipping abroad is done, are the homes delivered flat packed and constructed upon arrival? All lodges are delivered as completed units, lodges are delivered in two parts and then put together on the park Do people specify their own floor plans? (if yes) what is the wackiest idea that someone has requested from you or do they simply choose around a size & then the number of rooms? We produce standard models with set floor plans so changes are very limited and generally very expensive. What is the hardest part in the leisure home manufacture process? With well over 100 years production experience within the team we have removed the difficult production areas. Are any markets more demanding than others? Some countries have their own specification such as gas pipes and electrics but we take these changes in our stride. What is the most striking or unusual location a Victory leisure home as been placed in.  The views from the new development at Ladram Bay have to be some of the best that I have seen during my travels around the country What is the biggest difference from designs that might have been around in the 80’s & 90’s? Over recent years units have increased in size which has enabled us to introduce utility rooms, separate shower rooms and bigger bedrooms offering more comfort. Are there any materials that have changed the way lodges are designed? The traditional static caravan is still made from aluminium but we are receiving more and more requests for soft vinyl or canexel Do you have any industry facts about UK leisure home ownership, numbers, facts or trivia? Some model trivia that will surprise is that in one lodge caravan we use about 480 metres of electrical cable, 8542 component parts, and 1500 metres of timber. Is technology changing the way you design and manufacture lodges?           No, by the very nature of the product it is for holidays and customers seem to like having comfort without the technology, such as USB ports or phone chargers. Are the Victory team big leisure home fans themselves outside of work? Quite a lot of our staff do book holidays with the family on parks around the country Where was your first leisure home holiday & when? My first leisure home holiday was in the South of France back in the late 70’s What is the nicest complement a Victory customer as ever told you about one of your homes? This purchase has given us so much family enjoyment and freedom.

For those wanting to take in a bit of local history, few places in Devon provide such an enduring legacy as Powderham Castle, one of England’s oldest family homes. Sir Philip Courtenay began building it in 1391 and it has remained in the same family to this day, currently home to the 18th Earl & Countess of Devon. Did you know: The seat of ‘Earl of Devonshire’ is actually based in Derbyshire and should not be confused with the Earl of Devon. Interesting facts: Their are 650 follow deer within Powderham’s grounds. Until 2004, Powderham was home to Britain’s oldest resident Timothy the Tortoise (1839-2004). She was actually female, but this was only discovered in 1926 when it was decided ‘he’ should mate. Located in beautiful surroundings just 40 minutes from Ladram Bay and beside the Exe estuary, Powderham Castle is truly a Devon must see and great family day out. Visit one of the regular family events that take place throughout the year, take a guided tour of the grounds that are steeped in 600 years of history, stroll through the Walled Garden Play Area & Pets Corner or take a safari in the Deer Park. There is certainly lots to do and see at Powderham Castle. Local knowledge: The Exe Estuary Cycle Route runs right past Powderham Castle, cyclists can travel from Exmouth > Topsham > Countess Wear > Powderham > Starcross (via ferry) > Exmouth. To plan this trip read Route A of Ladram’s ‘family cycle routes of Devon‘ blog post. Planning a day trip? Use the interactive map to find your way from Ladram Bay Holiday Park to Powderham Castle. Approximate journey time: 35 minutes Distance: 17 miles / 28 kilometres No dogs (with the exception of guide dogs)

When on holiday, creating a Bolognese early into your trip is a prudent move. This dish is filling, uses few utensils, is healthy, can be quickly reheated and portion sizes are easily scalable. Ladram have put together a super simple spaghetti Bolognese recipe to get you started. Simple Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe   1 hour cooking time  Serves 4  Vegetarian adaptable    Simple to make  Ingredients 400g minced beef (V. use Quorn) 1 onion (diced) 2 garlic cloves (chopped) 100g carrot (grated) 2 x tins chopped tomatoes (400g) 400ml stock (x1 stock cube) 400g dried spaghetti 2 tbsp olive oil Salt & pepper Parmesan (grated) Preparation Instructions Over a medium heat place a large saucepan. Add a tbsp of olive oil, (once hot) add beef, salt & pepper. Cook the mince until it browns before removing from heat and setting aside in a bowl. Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan (medium heat), add onions, salt & pepper – fry for about 5 mins until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a further 2 mins before adding the grated carrot and mince into the pan. Add all the tomatoes (stir well), add stock and bring pan to a simmer before reducing the temperature. Simmer for 45 mins until the sauce has reduced. When ready to cook the spaghetti, bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook to the packet’s instructions. Once cooked, drain and add spaghetti to the pan with the Bolognese. Mix well before serving. Add grated Parmesan.  

Cycling, be it as a tourist or local, gives you a totally different way of interacting with your surroundings, getting fit and embracing the great outdoors. Over the past few years, extensive work to the National Cycle Network 2 (NCN 2) has created a network of cycle paths which, once finished, will stretch from Dover to St. Austell. All this means there has never been a better time to take up cycling. We’ve put together four local routes in an interactive map to suit all abilities, plus a few stop offs enroute to break up the journey and let you take in your surroundings – otherwise known as catching your breath. Short Ride:  Mid-Length Journey:  Tour de Devon:  A: Exe Estuary Cycle Route – NCN 2 This route along the Exe Estuary offers a 16 mile circular lap of designated cycle (and walking) routes. We’ve mapped out the loop starting by a public car park (next to the train station) on Royal Avenue in Exmouth. Bike hire is available at numerous points along the route, but for convenience sake, try Exmouth Cycle Hire. From Exmouth, cycle up to Countess Weir and down the Exeter Ship Canal tow path towards the Turf Hotel. The Turf Hotel is one of the few pubs in the UK that is only accessible by foot, bike or boat and it’s this lack of simple accessibility that makes it such a great stopping point for cyclists and watersports lovers alike. From Turf continue along the cycle path to Starcross and embark the ferry back to the finishing line in Exmouth, alternatively ferries do run between the Turf & Topsham. Ferry information: cost £4.50 adult / £3.50 child / £1 per bike / journey time 15 – 20 mins. Route Info – 16 miles / 1 hr 45 mins of cycling / flat / child friendly Mid-Length Journey:  B: Haldon Forest, Exeter The Haldon Forest offers 3,500 acres of woodland just 15 mins from Exeter and the perfect place for families to spend a day cycling in safety. We’ve picked the shortest and most friendly route known as the Discovery Trail, however there are five others to test all experience levels – click on this Haldon Cycle Trails map for a full breakdown. Route info (1 of 6) – 1.5 miles, 30 mins of cycling Short Ride:  C: Otterton to Exmouth – NCN 2 This route predominantly uses the National Cycle Network 2, with a very brief crossing of the  B3178 between Knowle and East Budleigh. You can find further details on Exmouth’s cycle route by clicking here (Exmouth). This route features a wider variety of gradients than the Exe Estuary Route, but suitable for cyclists of all abilities – just remember you share the path with pedestrians. Route info – 8 miles, 50 mins of cycling (one way) Route info – 16 miles, 1 hour 40 mins of cycling (return) Mid-Length Journey:  D: Ladram to Sidmouth This final route is an all road affair from Ladram to Sidmouth via the winding climbs and descents of Peak Hill. This route, while not especially long does contain some challenging sections, but freewheeling into Sidmouth and on return into Ladram will give your legs a much needed respite. Route info – 4.4 miles, 40 mins of cycling (one way) Route info – 8.8 miles, 1 hour 20 mins of cycling (return) Tour de Devon: 

Camping for the first time can seem like a daunting prospect but it needn’t be. All you need to do is be prepared! The following guide will help you get the best out of your trip. The Tent: If you’re new to camping you may be borrowing a tent, make sure you have all of the pieces if this is the case! Being short of pegs can be easily fixed, missing the inner lining not so much! Select your spot carefully, check for any large or awkward rocks in the ground that could be uncomfortable to sleep on before pitching. If you forget a mallet, to help with the pegs use the bottom of a tough shoe – such as a walking boot. If you’re limited for space, prioritise bedding. Nothing will make or break your trip like a good nights sleep or lack of. Roll mats are useful, but a double-sided blanket with waterproof material underneath can be reused for picnics, the beach or outside of the tent in the day. Easy to dust off, they make for a great extra layer to sleep on. Also bring extra blankets, at night it can get very cold and these will double up for warmth or extra layers underneath. If you prefer the idea of an air mattress, bring a puncture kit. Can’t find the hole? Place it in a bucket of water – where the air bubbles come out is where you’ll find your puncture. If you’re a beginner, you’re probably camping in summer so you won’t need an expensive sleeping bag. A lightweight rectangular sleeping bag will do just fine. But don’t forget pillows! Clothing: Bring comfortable clothes that can be layered. Extra socks and jumpers are small things that will make a big difference if it gets cooler in the evening. Jeans are fine but can take a long time to dry if they get wet and aren’t the warmest material. Having a spare pair of leggings, tracksuit bottoms or shorts for when you get back to the tent will keep you comfortable even if there is a surprise downpour. Cooking: Check out what facilities are available at your campsite. Some will have BBQ areas or restaurants onsite. If you’re planning to use a camp stove for the majority of your trip, check out our top recipes. Bring the basics like salt, pepper, butter/oil, teabags and UHT milk with you or pick up at a store nearby or onsite. A lemon is a great extra, the juice can be used to season food and keep salad from going limp! Camping cutlery and crockery can be metal or plastic, leave any china at home as it can be easily broken. Bowls are best as they catch any mess if you’re eating off knees, be it burgers or pasta! A set of mugs are also essential for cups of tea, soups or any drinks.  To save packing too much, bring saucepans with a pouring lip as this will make for easy pouring and double up as a kettle for boiling water. Tupperware is also useful to keep food fresh or for saving any left overs for the next day. Extra bits: A torch will be very useful once things get a bit dark in the evening. A gas lighter is also good for any fires or BBQ’s without the risk of matches or short lighters. If you’re short of space, microfibre towels are a great investment as they dry super quick and can be rolled up very small. Ziplock bags: http://www.polybags.co.uk/shop/slidergrip-ziplock-bags_c105.htm And there you have it, some basic tips to make sure your first camping trip goes as smoothly as possible! Image via Pat David