Get active on land in the West Country…

The West Country's stunning scenery isn't just for looking at. Many people like to use the rugged landscape, open moors and woody enclaves as an integral part of their active regime. Here’s a taste of the diverse activities on offer…

You can get your heart and your legs pumping on any number of cycle routes across Dartmoor. The landscape changes from mile to mile, so cycling is a great way to pack in as many sights as possible. There’s cycle hire for the whole family right on the Granite Way Cycle Trail. Rest your weary legs at Ludgate Cottage near Haytor Vale and admire the view.

Holidaying close to nature can bring out the ‘Ray Mears’ side in the best of us, so why not sign up to a bushcraft workshop on Exmoor? You can learn all the survival skills needed in order to spend a night in the woods and find out how some of the tricks used by our ancestors can still be applied today. Enjoy the home comforts at Melton House (pictured) in Dulverton at the end of your busy day.

Blokarting is a great way to whizz around the vast sandy beaches revealed when the tide is low in Cornwall. This sport, enjoyed from a tri-wheeled kart with a sail to catch wind power, is particularly popular at Perranporth, Gwithian and Watergate Bay on the north Cornwall coast. Let the wind out of your sails at Dale Cottage in the unspoilt town of St Agnes.

With its famous ponies, who wouldn't be inspired to explore Dartmoor on horse back? There are plenty of escorted horse rides ranging from gentle for the novice to adventurous for the more experienced. Stay at The Farmhouse on Burnville Farm near Lydford and there’s stabling and grazing for your own horses if you want to bring them with you.

If your little monkeys like the idea of swinging from trees, Go Ape is the place for you. Described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure’, this is a giant obstacle course up in the trees using ladders, walkways, zip wires, bridges and tunnels made of wood. Head back to terra firma and a pretty woodland walk at Cherries (pictured) in Olchard.

The Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is a must-see... but have you considered looking at it from a different angle? This is one of the few places in the country where you can just turn up and go rock climbing, abseiling and even caving beneath the Mendip Hills. There’s a soft landing and warm welcome at Glebe Cottage in Wookey.

It goes without saying that the West Country is ideal for walking with 630 miles of the South West Coast Path and expanses of spectacular moorland to discover. And then, of course, there’s fishing, golf, ballooning, falconry, clay pigeon shooting…

Something for everyone – what’s your idea of fun? Look out for our post later in the week on activities for all you water babies out there.
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Places to go, attractions to see…

Getting away from it all is great but it’s also good to know there are things to see and do, if and when you feel like it. You’re spoilt for choice in the West Country, so we’ve hand picked some holiday cottages close to spectacular scenery and attractions to whet your appetite…

First up is the brilliant pairing of this converted old smithy cottage and the Arthurian history-filled Tintagel Castle. The cottage is just a mile from the castle, and only two fields back from the spectacular coastal path, meaning you can walk easily to Trebarthwith Strand's big sandy low-tide beach. Or, walk all the way to Boscastle if you're feeling super fit! The cottage has a cosy open plan kitchen and lounge with a woodburner to welcome you after your exertions.

Wookey Hole Caves in Wells, Somerset, has been a favourite for West Country visitors for years and, judging by the feedback, the same can be said of Glebe Cottage in Wookey. The quiet village includes pubs, a working watermill with tearoom and adventure playground. Glebe Cottage is tucked away on the edge of Wookey, smartly renovated and sharing a meandering garden with the property's owner. The interior includes original beams, a large fireplace and French windows to open-sided porch. The famous Wookey Hole Caves are just 2 miles away, the Cheddar Gorge and Caves 8 miles, the city of Wells 3 miles and Glastonbury 8 miles.

This dear little cottage in Devon, full of character and charm, seems the perfect place for nature lovers who can reach the nearby Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary easily from Buckfastleigh. These 18th century cottages were built for mill workers. The owner has nurtured the property and brought out its best features, including a living area with lots of beams and a double bedroom with pretty views over the town. The sanctuary offers a fun and educational experience, and afterwards, the rest of Dartmoor is yours to explore.

Take a trip in to Dorchester from Poppy Cottage in Charlton Marshall but be sure to take a picnic. It's a great spot for teddy bear enthusiasts young and old, as the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is a short drive away. Built in 1860, the mid-terrace flint and brick property has a real ‘own home’ feeling to it. Sit out in the enclosed garden and enjoy the roses, clematis and trees. It is also on the Stour Valley Way, so good for walking.