Docton Mill, Hartland highlight.

Off the beaten track. Just a small selection of the many photos taken on a visit to Docton Mill back in May. A historic place, tearoom, beautiful garden and woodland walk. The dappled light over the Mill leat set the tranquil scene at the start of a magical walk around. 

The award winning Tearooms and Gardens are about 1000m inland from the iconic Spekes Mill Waterfall on the Southwest Coast Path, and a welcome respite for walkers and hikers.

"Docton Mill and its adjoining leat, head weir and terrace have been traced back to Saxon times, probably before the Norman conquest......The mill continued to produce flour for local bakers, Giffords of Hartland, until 1910 when the mill ceased to trade." (For full history and more information visit doctonmill.co.uk)

Scenic overview of the tearooms

Dappled light over the leat

The ancient Water Wheel

Docton Mill is an RHS Partner Garden

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Docton Mill, Lymebridge, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6EA

Telephone:  01237 441369

OPEN 1st April to 5th October 11am-5pm 

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Out and about Hartland - Places to Visit

Hartland Village - Hartland Abbey - St. Nectan's Church, Stoke 

TAP HERE for Stay in Hartland website 

Hartland Quay - Spekes Mill Mouth & Waterfall - Hartland Point Lighthouse - Hartland Point Refreshments a "A Pick Me Up With a View" 

Southwest Coast Path

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All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside & Beyond since 2002

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Bluebells all the way. From the Summer House to the Gazebo

We tip-toed through the Bluebells at Hartland Abbey on Bank Holiday Monday and this time we took the high road from the Summer House to the Gazebo. As usual on Wildflower Days Lord and Lady Stucley were busy welcoming visitors and they let us know that the Bluebells were especially good along here and we weren't disappointed. This path was opened last year and winds through a steep banked ancient woodland high above the long meadow with occasional glimpses of the tower of St. Nectan's, at Stoke on the opposite side of the valley. The old trees are sprouting fresh green leaves, wildflowers are awakening and it was warm enough for the butterflies and bees to venture out, I spotted a Red-tailed Bumble Bee, a Speckled Wood and a Large White butterfly and amidst the waving sea of Bluebells, were pockets of Primroses, Ramsoms, Wood Anemone, Red Campion, Dog Violet, Greater Stitchwort and spiky Dogs Mercury. I also spotted one Early Spotted Orchid and a couple of Bugle. The path emerges into the light and the sight of the sea, the Gazebo is perched at the end on the rocky hillside above Blackpool Mill Cove. From here I caught sight of the white fluffy blossom on the stunted Blackthorn beside the Southwest Coast Path. After enjoying the view from the Gazebo we continued down and followed the path beside Blackpool Mill Cottage. The first buds of the Thrift Sea Pinks were on show on the edge of the cliff above the beach. We sat and watched a huge container ship on the horizon then headed back via the low road for tea and Walnut Cake at the Abbey Kitchens. Article and photos copyright Pat Adams

Keep the home fire burning in the Summer House

Old trees sprouting fresh green leaves 

The Gazebo - a room with a view

• Visit Hartland Abbey  Web Site for opening times and special events.

 Don’t miss the next Bluebell Day on  27^th April 2014.

• Explore Hartland and Beyond with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour
• North Devon Focus - Hartland Abbey Highlights on Flickr 
• North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle Facebook - From the Walled Garden to the Sea

Great British Walks around Bideford Bay and Hartland

Well summer may be over but the National Trust are still encouraging people to get outdoors and take a walk with them with their walking festival. There are lots of events on as well as trails to follow. The National Trust Walking Festival is  running from the 1st September to the 4th November so there’s plenty of time for everybody to get involved and enjoy the countryside. Click here for Great British Walks around Bideford Bay and Hartland including the Bucks Mills Walk on 3rd October. This great 5.5 mile walk includes a peep inside the evocative artist's studio at Bucks Mills  You can search on the website for a walk near you and then upload your own walk to share with others. Click here to find out about the National Trust Walking Festival near you today

Swallows, squelchy boots and swollen streams

We set off for Hartland Abbey in torrential rain on Sunday.  Appropriately dressed for a wet  walk through the bluebell woods we were pretty confident the rain would ease up so we could get some pics. I especially wanted to get some shots of those pretty little curly black lambs with the long tails. We kept to the track and encountered a few puddles created by water streaming down around the trees from the uplands. Looked out across the bluebells and the now pungent wild garlic beneath dripping hats. Quite comically the sheep were all facing the same direction standing stock still while the cattle huddled together in a line at the edge of the long meadow under the trees. We could hear and see the turbid Abbey River as it thundered down then watched as it spilled out into a weirdly calm sea at Blackpool Mouth. Sadly the rain was relentless so the cameras stayed in the bag. Despite our bedraggled appearance and squelchy boots we really enjoyed our walk and  paused for a while to watch the recently arrived Swallows as they swooped and scooped in the newly formed pools in the meadow beyond the bridge. There was a warm welcome back for us from the guy in the kiosk and the ladies in the Abbey Tea Rooms.  Pat Adams 29^th April 2012.

There were 13 flood warnings in force in Devon, after the wettest April on record 

For the latest weather warnings visit  http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html

Photos of Bluebells and Wild Garlic in the ancient woodland at Hartland Abbey 2011 by Pat Adams - Click here to see more of our Hartland Abbey posts

Spring Breaks at Hartland Abbey

At Last, the sky above is blue! Spring breaks, the mists have cleared, the sun is out  just in time for Daffodil Day at Hartland Abbey. We arrived about 11.15am, no parked cars at the front as yet, blue sky and perfect light on the house so a great photo opportunity. Spotted a robin, a wren and two rather shabby painted ladies (the butterfly variety) as we made our way down the lush meadow. It’s so much warmer in this sheltered valley and the wildflowers are coming out sooner here than Peppercombe, my local patch just up the coast, the first Primroses, Bluebells, Dog Violet and even a Ransom and Greater Stitchwart are already in flower. Mission accomplished we pick up a Bacon Bap from the Exmoor Kitchens stall then have our picnic in the sun by the Summer House. On cold days you can sit inside and read all about the restoration of the Summer House and the Gazaebo by the log fire. A note on the table asks that visitors please “keep the fires going”. From here I noticed a new “High Road” a trail which runs all the way to the Gazaebo. Photographers and happy snappers will love this route when the woodland glades are covered in Bluebells in the next few weeks. Today we took the “Low Road” to Blackpool and felt a slight chill from the incoming tide after quite a balmy walk down, the sea, the deepest blue against the ochre hues of the cliffs. Dry under foot today as we ambled back up the meadow by the river. One of my favourite early Spring wild flowers is the Lesser Celandine. The star-shaped yellow flower twinkles in the sun lighting up coastal meadows, path and road-side verges. We took time for tea and Lemon Curd Cake back at the Abbey kitchens before taking some final shots as the daffodils turned their heads to the late afternoon sun. Their happy smiling faces reflected the convivial atmosphere created by Lord and Lady Stucely and their team making Mothering Sunday a real family occasion. Article Pat Adams 18/3/2012

Missed it then make a date for Hartland Abbey Bluebell Week - Sunday 22 to Sunday 29 April 2012 from 11am to 5pm For further information please ring 01237 441234 or visit www.hartlandabbey.com
Explore Hartland with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Yapham - A Haven of Tranquility and Beauty

Yapham self catering cottages are situated on the stunning Hartland Peninsula equidistant between Bideford and Bude. This peninsula is a 'Hidden Gem', totally unspoilt and quite unique in it's rugged beauty and wildness. The three award-winning barn conversions are beamed throughout and full of character. Yapham Coastal Cottages are set down a private drive with marvellous views across the valley towards the sea. Ideally situated in landscaped gardens within seven acres of grounds including an ancient two-acre woodland and newly planted orchard you are assured of complete privacy. Guests are welcomed with a delicious Devon Cream Tea, chocolates and flowers. Yapham is ideally located for Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Eden Project and Cornwall. If you want to experience the best of North Devon’s coast and countryside then book your stay today. Yapham is a haven of tranquility and beauty with no noise or light pollution, you can almost touch the stars!

Click here for more accommodation details and availability

YAPHAM COASTAL COTTAGES
Hartland, Devon, EX39 6AN. Tel:01237 441916 

Web Address: www.yaphamcottages.co.uk

All three cottages are now dog friendly

Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Hartland Abbey Highlights. Wild Flowers and Woodland Walks

While winter winds bite and the first snow flurries settle on the frozen ground I thought it would be a good time to look back on some of the highlights of 2011. The sun definitely shone on Hartland Abbey in July when it was visited by the BBC Antiques Roadshow. The programme was aired on the 8th of January and attracted over 6 million viewers. There are a host of other events at Hartland Abbey including the annual Spring Wildflower Walks. I went to my first Snowdrop Sunday in February 2008 now Snowdrop Sundays, Daffodil and Bluebell Days are firmly fixed on the North Devon Coast and Country Calendar. Hartland Abbey, the ancestral home of the Stucley Family, is located in a sheltered steep-sided valley flanked by a fast running stream and ancient woodland. From the majestic house a long meadow sweeps down to Blackpool Mill Cove and the sea. On Open Days the public are allowed to use the private footpath which meanders down to the beach between this tranquil meadow and the woods. This is a great walk for four-legged friends and all generations of the family. The not so nimble can stick to the footpath while the more agile can venture up through the woods via designated paths to explore the Summer House and the Gazebo beyond. The Gazebo is perched on the hillside high above the South West Coast Path and Blackpool Mill Cottage, location for BBC1's film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". Blackpool Mill Cottage, became Barton Cottage and was, for a while, home to the Dashwoods. On Daffodil Sunday, a cold day in March we checked out the newly restored Summer House, and were delighted to find a log fire burning in this now inviting cosy hideaway. Although the big draw is the historic daffodils at this time of year there are also plenty of narcissus, primrose, dog violet and great swathes of pretty wood anemone. The ornamental cherry was flowering and huge buds were emerging on the old Rhododendron and Magnolia. On the way out we stopped to take shots of vibrant Spring Squill. April 25 and we are back for the Bluebell Walk. Spotted a Buzzard aloft, a little red Robin, small white, orange tip and speckled wood butterflies and heard a Peacock. Three donkeys loped down to see us off at the gate, black sheep were bleating on the upland while white sheep and lazy cattle snoozed on the meadow beside the Abbey River. The Summer House, now bathed in dappled light, is surrounded by fresh green woodland ferns and bluebells. The legendary bluebells, which stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea, were magnificent carpeting the banks either side of the path, the blue haze continuing upwards through the woods. The Bluebells were accompanied by Red Campion, Ransom (Wild Garlic), Lesser Stitchwort, Speedwell and Dog Violet. Down at the beach a loud rolling surf was crashing on the rocks. Amazingly wild flowers thrive on this windswept coast. Thrift Sea Pinks and Kidney Vetch poke out from the crags and the cliff meadow is dotted with Sea Campion, Devils-bit Scabious, Daisies and Lesser Celandine. Blackpool Mill Cove sits between Hartland Quay and Hartland Point on the South West Coast Path and the coastal hills are covered in golden Gorse at this time of year. After the bracing walk back up the meadow, beside the Abbey River, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea. There was a selection of homemade cakes, cream teas and our pasties arrived piping hot from the Abbey Kitchen Aga. Happy Days!

Don’t miss the next episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow from Hartland Abbey on 26th February

Hartland Abbey Wild Flower Walks 2012
11th and 12th February 2012 from 11 am-4 pm Snowdrop Weekend
Saturday 17th and Sunday, 18 March 2012, from 11am-4pm Daffodil Days and Mothering Sunday
Sunday 22 to Sunday 29 April 2012 from 11am to 5pm Bluebell Week
*All cream teas and home-made cakes served in the old Abbey kitchens in aid of St. Nectan's Church
Visit Hartland Abbey website for all special event information, House and Garden Opening times.
Article by Pat Adams North Devon Focus
Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Clovelly Highlights. Shimmering Lobsters and Sea Shanties

The crowds turned out for Clovelly’s annual Lobster and Crab Fest on the 4th September. A continuous stream of folk, young and not so young made the steep and winding walk down the wonky cobbles to the Quay. At journey’s end the reward was Clovelly Harbour, a stunning sight, especially at high tide. Shimmering water under  blue skies, bobbing boats and the Clovelly lifeboat whizzing to and fro.  The old cobbled Quay was lined with the colourful awnings of craft and food stalls and the aroma of sizzling seafood fritters and stir fry filled the air. Delicious cupcakes and all manner of local produce and products were on display, including those famous Clovelly lobsters and crabs. It was especially nice for the children to see the huge wriggling lobsters up close. Craft stalls were bedecked with colourful mosaics, fun t-shirts, hand-made patchwork and haberdashery, knitting yarns, recycled metal jewellery, local art and photographic gifts. There was even a wool spinning demonstration. Happy families with excited children took part in various fun activities including face painting, storytelling, balloon modelling, street theatre and still found time to greet the arrival of the resident donkeys. Bellowing above the buzz of the crowd some harmonious, fiddle-playing, folk singers took centre stage belting out sea shanties by the old lime kiln, which had been taken over by the North Devon ANOB for more kids’event-themed craft activities. The Lobster and Crab Fest was organised in support of the National Lobster Hatchery who brought along a tank of baby lobsters. Their bright red, white and blue stall was at the end of the Quay. You could sponsor your own teeny lobsters before they were released into a slightly bigger tank, Bideford Bay beyond the harbour.  Also shimmering along the bumpy quayside was one giant “Lobster”. Drawing oohs and ahs from astonished children and adults, the very brave stilt walker stopped to pose for photos then carried on with confidence and without incident.  The Red Lion, of course, did a roaring trade, the never-ending queue stretching from the bar and out the door where the beer and wine tasting stall was conveniently situated. I have never seen Clovelly quite so crowded but people waited patiently and with good spirits. The sunny weather held until mid-afternoon, then rain literally stopped play and everyone ran for cover including the band who decided it was much safer to head for the cosy Red Lion Hotel bar! Article and photos by P. Adams

 

The Lobster and Crab Fest is just one of many events held at Clovelly throughout the year. There is a landrover service which will take you “Up Along” or “Down Along” or you can stay in one of the two hotels, the New Inn at the top or the Red Lion. For more information visit clovelly.co.uk - What's On Clovelly, latest news and events - History of Clovelly Lifeboat

For information about the Padstow based National Lobster Hatchery
Explore Clovelly with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

North Devon Mini Breaks!

As we made our way down to the Wreckers Retreat over the August Bank Holiday Weekend we came upon the "arresting" sight of hundreds of minis huddled above the famous Hartland Quay. These colourful little cars form the North Devon Grand Tour, a host of mini owners from around the United Kingdom, who meet once a year to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. The Legendary Grand Tour was taking a mini break in their happy journey around North Devon towns and villages. The convoy of "Little Cars with Big Hearts" are a most welcome sight for both locals and visitors who stop to wave them by..

The North Devon Heritage coast is also awash with natural colour as the purple heather blooms on the cliffsides around the Bideford Bay Area.
The Legendary Grand Tour started in 1994 with 4 Mini's going out for a drive! - Find out more at www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk