On Wednesday 17th July 2019 Mascots from across Devon participated in the annual Adventure Golf championship. Prior to Shane Lowry’s success at the Royal Portrush on Sunday, the golfing world’s attention was focused Ladram Bay – it just wasn’t picked up mainstream media. Many in the club house (also known as the swimming pool complex) were calling this the unofficial 5th major of the year & looking at the team lineups it was easy to see why. Our player guide certainly demonstrates the stiff competition Pickles, Ozzie & Captain Scratch were up against. With so many plots & sub-plots, a riveting narrative surrounded the 2019 event, held one one of Devon’s most famous links course. Could Crealy’s Blossom Bear emulate the form Buddy the Bear, which had seen him win in 2016 & 2017, or would Gilbert the Station Master become only the second entrant (after Buddy the Bear) to win back-to-back tournaments? Being super profession partiality was required on our behalf, but only the most partisan fan would begrudge ‘Appy Angus a victory – having finished on the podium in 2016 (3nd) & 2nd in 2017 & 2018. The Winner: Pickles the Parrot Pickles the Parrot celebrates with the other 10 mascots overlooking Ladram Bay A tense opening round saw little to separate the leading group. The smart money had been on the players with big tournament experience, but as it transpired Pickles the Parrot held his nerve to clinch his first Mascot Golf Championship. In second place was Ella the Owl, who held off a late charge from Captain Scratch. The Ladram Bay mascots are ultimately thrilled with their performance, having beaten the previous best showing of 3rd in 2018 (tied with Pippa Pig from Pennywell Farm). Mascot Golf 2019: Image Gallery Player guide Pickles the Parrot greeting fans at the tee off. Pickles the Parrot Representing: Ladram Bay Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016 2019 Result: 1st Consistent short game form Ella the Owl Ella the Owl Representing: Hospiscare Previous form guide: New entrant for 2019 2019 Result: 2nd Captain Scratch in the zone Captain Scratch Representing: Ladram Bay Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2018 2019 Result: 3rd Ozzie looks to build on his 3rd in 2018 Ozzie the Otter Representing: Ladram Bay Previous form guide: 3rd in 2018 (tied with Pippa Pig) 2019 Result: Group stage exit Grecian the Lion silencing an Argyle fan Grecian the Lion Representing: Exeter City Football Club Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2017 2019 Result: Group stage exit Buddy the Bear celebrates with the fans Blossom Bear Representing: Crealy Previous form guide: New entrant for 2019. 2019 Result: Group stage exit ‘Appy Angus offering advice on the 5th ‘Appy Angus Representing: World of Country Life Previous form guide: 2nd in 2018, 2nd in 2017 & 3rd 2016 2019 Result: Group stage exit 2018 winner Gilbert the Station Master Gilbert the Station Master Representing: Seaton Tramway Previous form guide: 1st in 2018 2019 Result: Group stage exit The Dragon gets fired up at the 3rd hole The Dragon Representing: Pete’s Dragon Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2018 2019 Result: Group stage exit Ambrose the Bear putting in it Ambrose the Bear Representing: Devon Air Ambulance Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016 2019 Result: Group stage exit Ledley tee’s off with a putter Ledley Representing: LED Leisure Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016 2019 Result: Group stage exit  

In recent years we’ve made several new additions to our beach facilities aimed at pleasing kids & big kids alike. So if you’re new to Ladram Bay or haven’t visited in several years, the following post covers things to do whilst on the beach, allowing you to make the most of your family getaway. You’ve just arrived at Ladram Bay, checked-in, ticked off the essentials shopping list & got your uniform inflatable primed. Firstly take a minute to appreciate your amazing parenting skills & then think about your next port of call, the beach. Use the bullet points (below) to navigate directly to a particular beach based activity. Should it take your fancy, simply click on it to skip to that section. Paddle board hire Kayak hire Motor boat hire Freshly caught seafood Rockpooling at Ladram   Paddle board hire… The relatively calm waters of the bay make Ladram an excellent place to try your hand (& balancing skills) at paddle boarding in East Devon. This activity is suitable for competent swimmers only. Cost: Paddle boards can be hired directly on the beach & cost £15 for an hour. Kayaking hire… Our stunning stretch of Jurassic Coast is best appreciated from sea & we can think of few better (or more gratifying) ways to take in the scenery than paddling out on a kayak. Cost: Single person kayaks can be hired on the beach & cost £12.50 per hour. Double kayaks cost £18 per hour.   Motor boat hire… Whether your feeling like a lucky fisherman or want to take the children on a maritime adventure, Ladram Bay have motor boats for hire throughout the season. Please note boat hire is weather dependent. Cost: Motor boats can be hired from the beach & cost £35 for 1 hour, £60 for 2 hours and £90 for 4 hours. Freshly caught seafood… Ladram Bay have several (very) seasoned fishermen & being situated by the ocean means we can offer some seriously fresh seafood for guests to cook up. If you are staying with us please ask a member of staff on the beach for quantities & availability – our fishermen might be good but they can’t predict what will be caught! Rock pooling at Ladram Ladram Bay provides the perfect rock pooling environment to bring out the zoologist in each of us & is best experienced when the weather is calm & dry as the rock pools will be still and therefore easier to spot creatures. As rock pooling is one of our favourite things to do at Ladram check out our top tips on our dedicated blog post. Within our ‘guide to rock pooling in East Devon‘ we outline when to go, where to look & what you can expect to find. If you’re lucky enough to find a pipefish, crab or starfish remember to return all creatures back to the area you found them.

Dogs are a man (& women’s) best friend, many of us plan our holidays around them and dread the look on their faces when the holiday bags are being packed and they get left behind. To avoid disappointing your pooch Ladram Bay has put together a dog-walking guide. You’ll be enjoying your holiday while your canine counterpart is lapping up the best smells, swimming opportunities and chasing the odd rabbit. In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram. However dogs are free to enjoy all the delights of the local area, a bit like this guy did last summer his with his owner Danny James. Below we have put together 6 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map, so your dog will spend more time retrieving sticks and less in the boot of the car. Peak Hill Start: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX End: Ladram Bay Distance: 5.1 miles / 8.3 km At Ladram some of the best dog walking routes are on our doorstep (literally). From Ladram take the Southwest Coast Path that leads (no dog pun intended) up Peak Hill and carry on along the footpath until you reach a lookout point , from here you’ll have incredible views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. If you needed some inspiration before tackling the hills ascents to come back, rest assured that Taste in Sidmouth provides some of the best Ice Creams we’ve ever tried. Info: If you’re not a resident of Ladram you will need to pay £5 to use the car park. We would advise keeping dogs on leads when close to the cliff edge and in and around Sidmouth as it can get busy during the summer months. The River Otter Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX9 7HG End: Otterton Mill Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km Just down the road from Ladram Bay, this dog walk will see you head south along the river to Budleigh beach. Along the way you’re dog is likely to find plenty of friends, swimming spots and potentially beavers. On your return you can stop off at the Otterton Mill to refuel before a short trip back to Ladram. Info: Leads are advisable for the start / finish of the route. Woodbury Common Start: Woodbury Castle – see Google Maps End: Woodbury Castle Distance: 2.4 miles / 3.8 km Another short journey from Ladram Bay, Woodbury Common is owned by Devon Clinton Estates and the castle (our start point) sits 550ft above sea level, the views over the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary are stunningly beautiful. Your dog is less likely to be concerned about the history and they can rest assured no leads are required and the choices of routes are huge. Follow the footpath signs depending on the length of walk desired. Local knowledge: Before you go looking for a castle – it’s a natural fortified position that dates back to the Iron Age, so not turrets or drawbridges. Info: Dogs, bikes and horses can roam free; all car parks in the area are free. Salcombe Hill Start: Salcombe Hill Car Park – EX10 0NY Finish: Salcombe Hill Car Park Length: 1.8 miles / 3 km From Ladram Bay look east beyond Peak Hill and beyond to the next big rise in the coastline, that’s Salcombe Hill. Ambitious dogs (& owners) could walk from Ladram, but we suggest starting at Salcombe Hill car park. Cross the Alma Bridge and you’ll soon be on the cliff path zigzagging your way up the hill. At the top of the hill you’ll have fantastic views of Ladram Bay, while your pooch will be more than content with the shingle beach (dog friendly) along the route. Info: Car park is free, less well-trained dogs might require the leads if you venture near to the cliff edge and around the quiet roads at the start / finish areas. Exeter Canal Start: A379 just off Bridge Road – EX2 6LT Finish: (above) Distance: North Route: 4.9 miles / 8 km | South Route: 6.2 miles / 10 km This location gives you 2 potentially lovely walks, go downstream and after 3 miles you’ll reach The Turf Locks (a dog friendly pub). Walk upstream and you’ll arrive at Exeter historic quay where there are a great variety of places to grab a bite to eat overlooking the water. Both routes travel along a canal footpath, downstream has a separate cycle lane, upstream doesn’t – with cyclists and fishermen scattered along the route its advisable to keep you dog on a lead unless they are very well trained. Info: The cark park is free however the A379 can be a busy road so have your lead ready when you open the boot. Hooken Cliffs Start: Anchor Inn, Beer – EX12 3ET Finish: Anchor Inn, Beer Length: 7.3 miles / 11.8 km Jump in the car and head 13 miles east towards Seaton. This circular route cuts through the picturesque villages of Beer and Branscombe, with impressive cliff-top views of the Jurassic Coast. Your dog will thank you once you reach East Beach (dog friendly) by going in the sea and then shaking dry in close proximity to you. Local knowledge: Branscombe beach allows dogs throughout the year however dogs are not allowed 150m east and west of the pole at the front of the café. Info: The car park is free and the route is steep in places. We would advise keeping your four legged friend on a lead when nearing the cliff edge.

Our latest post helps you plan dog walks around your 4 legged friends key requirements, open spaces, water and other dogs. The routes provided below have been kept relatively local to Ladram Bay (30 mins or less), with Haldon Forest being the furthest and Ladram the closest. We have also enlisted the help of Zelda (pictured right) who kindly modelled for this blog post. To meet advertising standards we must disclose she was paid in treats and sampled the Exmouth Esplanade route – giving it a resounding 5/5 rating. Below we have put together 5 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map. All walks recommended in this post are dog friendly all year around – that way you can spend more walking and less time working out where to walk. Peak Hill Lookout Point – Ladram Bay Start / End: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km Pin: Blue Our first route is a convenient one starting at Ladram Bay and following the Southwest Coastal Path east. The seemingly short 2.5 miles route is packed with steep climbs on the ascent of Peak Hill, while the final lookout point provides panoramic views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. Having conquered Peak Hill you may have worked up an appetite and our  Beach Shack is the perfect refuelling point. There you and your 4 legged friend will be able to enjoy the outside decking area, with refreshments in the sunshine overlooking the bay. In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram. Info: We would recommend that dogs remain on their leads when close to the cliff edge. Roundball Wood – Honiton Start / End: Roundball Lane – EX14 2BJ Distance: 1.1 miles / 1.86 km Pin: Green Roundball Wood is 150 to 175 metres above sea level, the land to its south rising steeply to 207 metres at the summit of Roundball Hill. To the north the River Otter flows from east to west through its sheltered valley on its way from its source at Otterhead in the Blackdown Hills near Churchinford to the sea at Budleigh Salterton. Starting at Roundball Lane head up the path sign posted Roundball Wood, from there you will enter the woods and see an interpretation board outlining the circular path – whether you go clockwise or anticlockwise is up to you. Info: The area is perfect for letting your dog run free and the wildlife packed woodland will allow your pooch to follow some scents. Walkers are advised to keep to the walkways as not to potentially disturb badger sets which are often hidden by grass. Shelly Beach & The Esplanade – Exmouth Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX8 1BQ Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km Pin: Purple A short trip to Exmouth brings you to two areas of beach that are dog friendly all year around. The first is Shelly Beach, located on the west side of the marina, at high tide the beach offers less of a walking route – not that your dog will mind. At low tide it is possible to access a far larger area of beach. If you’re looking for more of a dog walk then the Esplanade starts at the slipway by seafood restaurant Rockfish with the year round dog friendly area ending at the Octagon Kiosk. We have marked this out on our map, however the area is clearly signposted. Info: Leads are advisable around the Marina and Esplanade. Be sure to check tide times as this will increase / decrease the usable beach areas. Butterfly Trail: Haldon Forest Park – Exeter Start / End: Haldon Forest Car Park – EX6 7XR Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km Pin: Yellow Arriving at Haldon Forest you will find 5 different routes all clearly sign posted. Our recommended path (the Butterfly Trail) is moderate in difficulty and requires you to follow the yellow signs. The start of the trail snakes through the forest on a wide trail, before emerging into an opening over the Exe Estuary, Exeter and the Belvedere Tower. The trail then leads you back into the forest, here you will find a natural tunnel of rhododendron growing. After a long descent you will end up in the butterfly area which the Forestry Commission staff, in conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, monitors and manages the area to provide ideal conditions for the many butterfly species recorded here. From here you begin the climb back up the hill towards the car park. It is  fairly steep so make use of the bench half way up, to rest and enjoy the view over the Teign Valley. Local knowledge: Over 30 species of butterfly have been recorded within this small area. Info: You will be sharing the route with mountain bikes, walkers and dog owners. Butterfly Walk: Ashclyst Forest – Broadclyst Start / End: Forest Gate car park – EX5 3DT Length: 4.1 miles / 6.6 km Pin: Red Part of the Killerton estate and one of the largest woods in East Devon, with waymarked trails for exploring. A haven for butterflies, bluebells, birds & dogs. Info: Car park is free & well behaved dogs and owners always welcome. If it has rained recently we would suggest walking boots or wellies as the field and woodland paths sit on heavy clay.