Fishermen’s Cottage, Chulmleigh

Chulmleigh is a delightful village in the heart of Devon, with a real, old-fashioned community spirit. With its narrow cobbled lanes, rows of thatched cottages, courtyards and welcoming inns it is a pleasure to wander here in this relatively unspoilt part of Devon. It is a year-round destination, with summer gardens and winter walks to enjoy. The 180-mile Tarka Trail starts in nearby Eggesford Forest, which is on the banks of the River Taw, and follows a pretty route through woodland, and offers some spectacular moorland views. Chulmleigh is particularly good for birdwatchers, who can spot kingfishers, cormorants, goosanders and dippers along the quiet riverbanks. Fishing is a popular sport in the area, with salmon and sea trout in the rivers and coarse fishing on Catham Lakes and Huntacott Water. Chulmleigh is midway between the national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor and within easy reach of the rugged north Devon coast.