Wheels in the wilderness

About this space

Well equipped, cosy hideaway next to a beautiful river on Dartmoor.
Bedding and towles provided.
To get to the accommodation you must travel along a narrow track, in times of bad weather this may only be possible in a 4x4. Please contact me if you have any questions. Due to livestock pets are not allowed.

The space
I look forward to welcoming you for a great escape in the wilderness.
Phil

Guest access
You have free access to roam on 20 acres of private land in Dartmoor National Park
Other things to note
Very secluded next to a small river.
The power is supplied via a solar charged battery which powers the lights, the heating and water heating is by gas.
So many places to visit!

Lydford Gorge - The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall
The gorge is a great place for an adventure at any time of the year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees provide a stunning show each and every day.

There are a range of walks available to suit different abilities and time scales however sturdy footwear is recommended for all trails.

The full Lydford Gorge trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is a challenging circular walk with narrow slippery paths and steep drops. This trail operates on a one-way system due to the nature of the paths. On this route you can see the 30m Whitelady Waterfall and go into the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform suspended over the water. Allow extra time to stop and refuel at one of our tea-rooms.

The Devil’s Cauldron trail is one of two shorter circular walks allowing you to experience the exciting features of the gorge. The Devil’s Cauldron trail is a moderate 45 minute walk which is also part of the one-way system as the paths are narrow and slippery in places, especially after heavy rain when the Devil’s Cauldron is at its most spectacular.

Whitelady Waterfall can be reached on various routes as the paths here are two-way. The Waterfall trail is a moderate circular walk of about an hour. One option is to take the path down over 200 uneven steps to the waterfall and then walk along the river and up the sloped path back to the start. For further options ask at visitor reception or explore using the map you receive on arrival. For those with mobility limitations, the waterfall can also be reached by tramper - we only allow our vehicle down which must be booked at least 48 hours in advance by phone or email.

Add-ons to the walking trails include the track along the old railway line to the bird hide (which is also suitable for the tramper) and the path to Tucker’s Pool which follows the river further up-stream from the Devil’s Cauldron. This tranquil pool is a good place to rest and watch for wildlife. Dippers and wagtails can be seen flying low over the river, while woodland birds can be spotted darting about in the trees.

The flora in the gorge changes with the seasons. Wildflowers such as wild garlic and bluebells abound in spring, filling the gorge with colour and scent. Summer is dominated by the green leaves of the oak woodland which encloses the gorge making it feel more magical. In autumn the oak leaves turn to golden brown before falling and colourful fungi can pop up in unexpected places. In winter look out for views that are hidden in summer by the leaves, and on a frosty morning mists can veil the waterfall.

The gorge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology, flora and fauna. Please respect the habitats in the gorge by taking only photographs and leaving only footprints.

Castle Drogo - is a country house and mixed-revivalist castle near Drewsteignton, Devon, England. Constructed between 1911 and 1930, it was the last castle to be built in England. The client was Julius Drewe, the hugely successful founder of the Home and Colonial Stores. Drewe chose the site in the belief that it formed part of the lands of his supposed medieval ancestor, Drogo de Teigne. The architect he chose to realise his dream was Edwin Lutyens, then at the height of his career. Lutyens lamented Drewe's determination to have a castle but nevertheless produced one of his finest buildings. The architectural critic, Christopher Hussey, described the result: "The ultimate justification of Drogo is that it does not pretend to be a castle. It is a castle, as a castle is built, of granite, on a mountain, in the twentieth century".

The castle was given to the National Trust in 1974, the first building constructed in the twentieth century that the Trust acquired. Currently undergoing conservation (2013–2018), the castle is a Grade I listed building. The gardens are Grade II* listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Dartmoor National Park

Just a few of the great Pubs
Dartmoor Inn (Lydford)
Peter Tavy Inn
Castle Inn
Mary Tavy Inn
Cornish Arms