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Angling
Salt water
A Guide to Shore Angling on the North Devon Coast £2.99, available from most tackle shops and Tourist Information Centres.
Shore Fishing Trips with Joel "Bassman" Soul based at Woolacombe www.joelsoul.co.uk, bait and tackle supplied, tuition available, tel: 01271 871132 (mobile: 07866 505083).
Sea Fishing Trips from...
Clovelly Independent Charters, tel: 01237 431374, www.independentcharters.co.uk.
Appledore contact The Sea Chest on 01237 476191.
Ilfracombe Osprey Charters, tel: 07970 101407, www.ospreycharters.co.uk or contact Variety Sports Shop on 01271 862039 for details of other boats/tackle.
Lynmouth, according to tide and weather, for Mackerel, Pollack, Bass, Rays, Conger, Shark, etc.
Shore Fishing Trips with Joel "Bassman" Soul based at Woolacombe www.joelsoul.co.uk, bait and tackle supplied, tuition available, tel: 01271 871132 (mobile: 07866 505083).
Sea Fishing Trips from...
Clovelly Independent Charters, tel: 01237 431374, www.independentcharters.co.uk.
Appledore contact The Sea Chest on 01237 476191.
Ilfracombe Osprey Charters, tel: 07970 101407, www.ospreycharters.co.uk or contact Variety Sports Shop on 01271 862039 for details of other boats/tackle.
Lynmouth, according to tide and weather, for Mackerel, Pollack, Bass, Rays, Conger, Shark, etc.
Coarse
SWW reservoirs, especially near Bideford, Torrington and Ifracombe.
Riverton Lakes, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon. Tel No: (01271) 830009
2 competition coarse fishing lakes including carp to 25lbs, tench, roach, rudd, bream, dace and perch.
Opening Times: All year, daily, dawn to dusk.
Admission Charges: Anglers: Adult: £5.00 Child: £3.00; Visitors £1.00 or 50p
Dogs admitted: Yes - must be on lead, 50p fee.
Riverton Lakes, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon. Tel No: (01271) 830009
2 competition coarse fishing lakes including carp to 25lbs, tench, roach, rudd, bream, dace and perch.
Opening Times: All year, daily, dawn to dusk.
Admission Charges: Anglers: Adult: £5.00 Child: £3.00; Visitors £1.00 or 50p
Dogs admitted: Yes - must be on lead, 50p fee.
Still water trout
SWW reservoirs, especially Wistland Pound (9 miles north-east of Barnstaple) and Wimbleball, 575 acres lake, bank or boat angling (Exmoor, near Bampton). Licence required.
Blakewell Fisheries: trout lake 2 miles north of Barnstaple, off B3230.
Blakewell Fisheries: trout lake 2 miles north of Barnstaple, off B3230.
River game
Salmon and sea trout runs on rivers Taw, Torridge, Mole and East Lyn.
Licences available from tackle shops, including Kingfisher, 22 Castle Street, Barnstaple, tel: 01271 344919 (free advice readily given).
For a day or night out fly fishing on local rivers for Salmon and Sea Trout, with fully experienced guide (equipment supplied), contact: Tim Stoop at Silver Stream UK, tel: 01271 860450 - dinner, bed and breakfast also available. See: www.huishmoor.com/fishing.html.
Licences available from tackle shops, including Kingfisher, 22 Castle Street, Barnstaple, tel: 01271 344919 (free advice readily given).
For a day or night out fly fishing on local rivers for Salmon and Sea Trout, with fully experienced guide (equipment supplied), contact: Tim Stoop at Silver Stream UK, tel: 01271 860450 - dinner, bed and breakfast also available. See: www.huishmoor.com/fishing.html.
Bird Watching
Estuaries
RSPB Reserve "Isley March" at OS grid ref: SS 490 327 - six spoonbills sighted 09/12/09.
Crow Point, particularly at OS grid ref: SS 470 330 on an ebbing tide.
Crow Point, particularly at OS grid ref: SS 470 330 on an ebbing tide.
Coastal
Hartland Quay at OS grid ref: SS 223 249.
Baggy Point (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 420 406 and SS 440 408.
Heddons Mouth (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 656 491
Valley of Rocks at OS grid ref: SS 706 498.
Countisbury (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 742 496 and SS 755 510.
Baggy Point (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 420 406 and SS 440 408.
Heddons Mouth (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 656 491
Valley of Rocks at OS grid ref: SS 706 498.
Countisbury (NT) at OS grid ref: SS 742 496 and SS 755 510.
Inland
Braunton Marsh at OS grid ref: SS 474 354.
RSPB Reserve "Chapel Wood" members only, by appointment with warden.
Exmoor Birds Guide available from Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, £1.00, not by post.
RSPB Reserve "Chapel Wood" members only, by appointment with warden.
Exmoor Birds Guide available from Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, £1.00, not by post.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Exmoor National Park
Canoeing in the Rivers Barle and Lyn and on the 575 acre Wimbleball Reservoir. See Active Exmoor for comprehensive information.
British Canoe Union approved centre, based at West Appledore, near Bideford. Adult and Child, individual and team, Activity Holidays including accommodation. Tel: 01237 475992.
Kayaking
H2Outdoor for kayaking and other coastal adventure sports, from £20 per person, H2Outdoor. Birthday, Hen or Stag parties catered for in this and many other coastal adventure sports.
Climbing
Coastal
H2Outdoor for coasteering, climbing, abseiling, high ropes, kayaking and other coastal adventure sports, from £30 per person, H2Outdoor.
Devon Adventures offer rock climbing and abseiling adventures at some of Devon's top climbing venues - contact Robert on 079 1766 1766, Devon Adventures.
Popular coastal climbing venues for visiting clubs include: Baggy Point (NT) OS grid ref: SS 420 406 and Hartland Quay SS 223 244 for further information contact: No Sweat Outdoors Ltd (shop), High Street, Barnstaple, tel 01271 371255 advice line.
Devon Adventures offer rock climbing and abseiling adventures at some of Devon's top climbing venues - contact Robert on 079 1766 1766, Devon Adventures.
Popular coastal climbing venues for visiting clubs include: Baggy Point (NT) OS grid ref: SS 420 406 and Hartland Quay SS 223 244 for further information contact: No Sweat Outdoors Ltd (shop), High Street, Barnstaple, tel 01271 371255 advice line.
Cycling
Off-road
Tarka Trail Cycle Path: unbroken 34 mile long cycle trail (level for 18 miles). Suitable for all types of cycles - surface is tarmac or asphalt throughout. Hire bikes from Braunton, Barnstaple, Fremington, Bideford, Great Torrington. Pick up free leaflets from a Tourist Information Centre on arrival or download: Tarka Trail Cycle Map
Exmoor National Park: 80% of paths on Exmoor are classified as bridle paths, this means that they can be used by horse and mountain-bike riders as well as walkers; consider purchasing Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 9 "Exmoor" (2.5 in to 1 mile) for £7.99 from a local Tourist Information Centre.
Exmoor National Park: 80% of paths on Exmoor are classified as bridle paths, this means that they can be used by horse and mountain-bike riders as well as walkers; consider purchasing Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure Map 9 "Exmoor" (2.5 in to 1 mile) for £7.99 from a local Tourist Information Centre.
On-road
Exmoor National Park: The 60 mile circular Exmoor Cycle Route passes through Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, Wheddon Cross, Elworthy, Washford, Dunster, Minehead and Porlock. Pick up a free leaflet from a Tourist Information Centre on arrival or download: Exmoor Cycle Route
Combat Experience
Laser
Battlefield Live, The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Nr Bideford, EX39 5AP. The most realistic simulation, short of joining the military. Tel: 01237 424444.
Paintball
Survival Paintball, Southdown Woods, Yarnscombe, Nr Barnstaple, EX31 3LZ. State-of-the-art equipment, 20 acres of woodland. Tel: 01271 858279.
Diving
Lundy (Island)
Ilfracombe Sub-Aqua Club, Ropery Road, Ilfracombe. Tel: 01271 866116.
Falconry
Coast and Country
Experience Falconry, based at The Cedars Inn, 1 mile west of Barnstaple. OS grid ref: SS 540 325. Falconry Experience Day @ £175 per person (inc lunch) experience hunting with Harris Hawks and flying Peregrine Falcons. Also Golden Eagle Day @ £275 per person, or Horseback Falconry or Fly with Eagles. Tel: 01271 373309 or 07866 748 977.
Flying
Pilot Training
Eaglescott Airfield, 12 miles south of Barnstaple. OS grid ref: SS 603 164. Pilot training. Charter Flights. etc. Tel: 01769 520404.
Paragliding
Devon Adventures offer tandem and dual-flying adventures on the North Devon coast, also on Exmoor and Dartmoor, Devon Adventures.
Golf
Private Clubs
Will allow visitors from other private clubs, with proof of membership...
Royal North Devon Golf Club (par 72), Westward Ho!, near Bideford. Tel: 01237 473817.
Saunton Golf Club (par 71), Saunton, near Braunton. Tel: 01271 812436.
Ilfracombe Golf Club (par 68), Hele, Ilfracombe. Tel: 01271 863328.
Royal North Devon Golf Club (par 72), Westward Ho!, near Bideford. Tel: 01237 473817.
Saunton Golf Club (par 71), Saunton, near Braunton. Tel: 01271 812436.
Ilfracombe Golf Club (par 68), Hele, Ilfracombe. Tel: 01271 863328.
Non-restricted courses
Chulmleigh Golf Course (par 54), 19 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 580519.
Hartland Forest Golf (par 71), 11 miles west of Bideford. Tel: 01237 431777.
Highbullen Golf Course (par 68), 15 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 540530.
Holsworthy Golf Club (par 70/72), 2 miles west of Holsworthy. Tel: 01409 253177.
Libbaton Golf Club (par 73), 10 miles south of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 560269.
Portmore Golf Course (par 71), 2 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01271 378378.
Torrington Golf Club (par 64/65), 1 mile north-west of Great Torrington. Tel: 01237 622229.
Hartland Forest Golf (par 71), 11 miles west of Bideford. Tel: 01237 431777.
Highbullen Golf Course (par 68), 15 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 540530.
Holsworthy Golf Club (par 70/72), 2 miles west of Holsworthy. Tel: 01409 253177.
Libbaton Golf Club (par 73), 10 miles south of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 560269.
Portmore Golf Course (par 71), 2 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01271 378378.
Torrington Golf Club (par 64/65), 1 mile north-west of Great Torrington. Tel: 01237 622229.
More info...
Website: www.golfindevon.co.uk - free copies of the excellent 'Golf in Devon' (annually published) booklet available at all tourist information centres in Devon
Horse Riding
Coastal
Riding Stables at Croyde (Roylands tel: 01271 890898), Woolacombe (Eastacott Farm tel: 01271 870260),
Exmoor
Riding Stables at Lynton (Outovercott tel: 01598 753341), Oare (Doone Valley tel: 01598 741278), Brendon (Brendon Manor tel: 01598 741246).
Inland
Riding Stables at Chulmleigh (Bold Try tel: 01769 580366), Arlington (North Devon Equestrian Centre tel: 01271 850864).
Karting and Mountainboarding
Karting
North Devon Karting Centre, Braunton Road, OS grid ref: SS 544 341. Tel: 01271 328460.
Mountainboarding
South West Extreme, The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford, OS grid ref: SS 428 266. Off the approach road to the Big Sheep. Tel: 01237 472366. Open all year, but must pre-book between September and Easter.
Multi-Activity Centre
Abseiling, Archery, Assault Course, Canoeing, "Cliff Rescue", Climbing, Coastal Traversing, High Ropes Course, Orienteering, Rafting, Sailing, Snorkelling, Surfing, Surf Skiing, Team Exercises, Water Skiing. Based at West Appledore, near Bideford. Summer Holiday Half-day and Full-day Activities ("if its Friday morning it must be Rafting") available to individual children. Adult and Child, individual and team, Activity Holidays including accommodation. Tel: 01237 475992.
Quad Bikes
Ilfracombe
Keypitts Farm, Ilfracombe, Devon. Tel: 01271 862247. North Devon's only all-terrain quad adventure Centre. Quad bikes, rally karts, snow-cat rides, off-road drives, paint ball battles, target shooting. Horse and pony rides over 200 acres of beautiful farmland and wooded valleys.
Opening Times: All year, daily, Apr-Oct, 10.00-18.00; Nov-Mar, 10.00-16.00
Admission Charges: Telephone for details of charges
Dogs admitted: No.
Opening Times: All year, daily, Apr-Oct, 10.00-18.00; Nov-Mar, 10.00-16.00
Admission Charges: Telephone for details of charges
Dogs admitted: No.
Shooting and Stalking
Clay Pigeon
South West Shooting Ettiford Farm, Lynton Cross, Nr Ilfracombe, EX34 9RG. OS grid ref: SS 545 443. Tel: 01271 864784.
North Devon Shooting Grounds & School, Bickenbridge Farm, Mullacott, Nr Ilfracombe, EX34 8NZ. OS grid ref: SS 499 445. Tel: 01271 863959.
Broadmoor Shooting Ground, East Stowford Manor, Chittlehamton, Nr Umberleigh, EX37 9RU. OS grid ref: SS 633 266. Tel: 01769 540501.
North Devon Shooting Grounds & School, Bickenbridge Farm, Mullacott, Nr Ilfracombe, EX34 8NZ. OS grid ref: SS 499 445. Tel: 01271 863959.
Broadmoor Shooting Ground, East Stowford Manor, Chittlehamton, Nr Umberleigh, EX37 9RU. OS grid ref: SS 633 266. Tel: 01769 540501.
Game & Wildfowl
Beckland Game offer fantastic days game shooting for pheasant, duck, woodcock and snipe on the Hartland Penisular. Contact Paul Messenger on 01237 441945 or 07774 157162. or email: beckland.game@virgin.net
Skydiving
South West England
Devon & Somerset Parachute School
30 Tower Way, Dunkeswell, Nr Honiton, Devon.
Tel: 01404 891690 - contact: Andy Guest - email: aguest12@btinternet.com
44 miles south-east of Barnstaple (8 miles east of Junction 27 of M5 motorway).
The only Skydiving School in Devon. Charity Jumping. Day Courses.
Website: www.parachuting-uk.com
30 Tower Way, Dunkeswell, Nr Honiton, Devon.
Tel: 01404 891690 - contact: Andy Guest - email: aguest12@btinternet.com
44 miles south-east of Barnstaple (8 miles east of Junction 27 of M5 motorway).
The only Skydiving School in Devon. Charity Jumping. Day Courses.
Website: www.parachuting-uk.com
Surfing
North Devon's Golden Coast
Westward Ho!, Saunton (north end only), Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe (north end).
Webcams on all these North Devon beaches see www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk
North Devon Surf School at Westward Ho! - tel 01598 710818.
Hunter Surf School based at Woolacombe - tel: 01271 870872.
Nick Thorn Surf School also at Woolacombe - tel: 01271 871224.
Point Breaks surf, ski and wakeboard lessons at Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe - tel: 01271 817422.
Surf Seekers Surf School at based Woolacombe Bay - tel: 07977 924 588.
SurfSouthWest surfing school based at Croyde - tel: 01271 890400.
Big Blue Surf School based at Welcombe (on the Devon/Cornwall border) - tel: 01288 331764.
Webcams on all these North Devon beaches see www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk
North Devon Surf School at Westward Ho! - tel 01598 710818.
Hunter Surf School based at Woolacombe - tel: 01271 870872.
Nick Thorn Surf School also at Woolacombe - tel: 01271 871224.
Point Breaks surf, ski and wakeboard lessons at Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe - tel: 01271 817422.
Surf Seekers Surf School at based Woolacombe Bay - tel: 07977 924 588.
SurfSouthWest surfing school based at Croyde - tel: 01271 890400.
Big Blue Surf School based at Welcombe (on the Devon/Cornwall border) - tel: 01288 331764.
Tenpin Bowling
Barnstaple
Let's Go Superbowl, Braunton Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LE. Tel: 01271 321123. Automated scoring. Children's Magazone: indoor laser sci-fi game. Game Zone: Air Hockey, Shooting Screens, Jet Ski Simulator, Sega Car Race, gaming machines. Bar and Diner. New for 2010: Ice Skating.
Tennis
Indoor
Tarka Tennis Centre, Seven Brethren Bank, Barnstaple, EX31 2AS. Tel: 01271 377701. Barnstaple's new £5 million tennis complex has international standard facilities. Professional coaching available. 12 courts: 6 indoor and 6 outdoor.
Outdoor
Public tennis courts at Rock Park, Barnstaple; Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe; also at Bratton Fleming, Braunton, Chulmleigh, Hartland, Lynton, Torrington, Westward Ho!, Woolsery.
Walking
Country
Eggesford Forest (FC) offers extensive woodland paths and cycle trails - ask for a free leaflet at a Tourist Information Centre, on arrival.
Arlington Estate (NT), from OS grid ref: SS 610 384, woodland paths: wild flowers in abundance, red deer.
Tarka Trail (180 miles long figure-of-8 path based on Barnstaple).
Exmoor (NP): The Doone Valley from Malmesmead car park, OS grid ref: 792 478.
Exmoor Walks can arrange for a professional guide to lead your group on a tailor-made Exmoor walk.
West Country Walks will provide some good suggestions - or you may commission them to organise a special walk just for you.
Arlington Estate (NT), from OS grid ref: SS 610 384, woodland paths: wild flowers in abundance, red deer.
Tarka Trail (180 miles long figure-of-8 path based on Barnstaple).
Exmoor (NP): The Doone Valley from Malmesmead car park, OS grid ref: 792 478.
Exmoor Walks can arrange for a professional guide to lead your group on a tailor-made Exmoor walk.
West Country Walks will provide some good suggestions - or you may commission them to organise a special walk just for you.
Coastal
South West Coast Path: a continuous path (unbroken) along the whole of North Devon's 80 mile coastline. Visit one of North Devon's Tourist Information Centres on arrival to buy an Ordnance Survey Map, a walks book or leaflet, or get some free advice. Ask which map is suitable.
First time in the area? - try Heddons Mouth (NT) from Hunters Inn, OS grid ref: SS 655 483; or Baggy Point (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 432 397; or Peppercombe (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 384 232.
First time in the area? - try Heddons Mouth (NT) from Hunters Inn, OS grid ref: SS 655 483; or Baggy Point (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 432 397; or Peppercombe (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 384 232.