Same Country – Whole Different World.
Main Location: Devon
Transport: Car (My little Ford Fiesta Zetec called Mush)
Accommodation: Corrindon Cottage – Dartmoor National Park (Booked on AirB&B)
Tips:
- Make sure you have a car. To make the most of Devon in such a short space of time you will want to get around quickly and easily, but be safe on those pesky country lanes.
- Plan! There are countless things to do in Devon, so pick wisely. Make sure you don’t organise too much and ensure you know distances and times between locations. Take Sat Nav’s, Maps and Instructions because signal is dodgy and you don’t want to get too lost.
- Don’t forget to stop, look and enjoy this gorgeous area! Even though this was a photography trip, I made sure I took moments aside to really appreciate my surroundings.
Location 1: Hope Cove
Before even heading to the cottage, we (I went with two photography friends) took a slight detour down to Hope Cove. A beautiful seaside village full of quaint countryside cottages, overlooking two intimate beach coves.
For many photographers looking to capture an area of outstanding natural beauty, an empty space away from playing children is ideal. However for me, the buzz of laughter and the occasional abandoned beach toy made the whole experience far more fulfilling. I was able to get a true feel for the area and understand not only its importance in the natural world, but also its purpose to the surrounding community. For such a small area, the huge variety of characters was inspiring. From the families playing, to a local enthusiast balancing rocks, I was able to capture more than just the undisturbed natural environment.
Unfortunately we were unable to stay and capture every little aspect of the area, however if you had the time to hang around, there is plenty more to see. Climb the verges that create the cove and capture a birds eye view, maybe even capture the birds. Take time to find the perfect shot and if you can, wait until the sun sets for some beautifully atmospheric landscapes.
Driving away from the coast, we were able to see Devon in all its beauty. The rolling hills shone as the setting sun bounced across them, the bright yellow fields becoming vibrant and alive. You barely notice the transition into Dartmoor National Park, as the rolling hills continued and soon became dotted with trees, live stock and secluded cottages.
Arriving at the cottage, we began to really appreciate our surroundings. The view was endless and the tranquil silence was overwhelming. It was perfect.
Location 2: Dartmoor National Park
Although I would recommend packing food and drink supplies, there is a small village just a short 10 minute drive away called Chagford. It has a mini Co-op with loads of options, however in the spirit of the countryside I would also recommend checking out the more locally sourced options. There is everything you could want: a butchers, a grocers, a deli and a menagerie of family run, boutique and useful shops. There is also a wonderful selection of pubs and eateries in the surrounding area.
On the second day of our trip, I awoke to the carless countryside and the welcoming morning birdsong. The sun was starting to rise and I truly felt at home. I decided to take the morning to photograph the immediate area. Often forgotten when staying away is the beauty of your accommodation. You immediately look into going away from the house to find beautiful shots, however, take some time before you head off to see if there is anything interesting around you. I was lucky enough to be staying in quite a characteristic cottage with some quirky additions.
As well as supplying me with plenty of photographic opportunities, the cottage also offered a number a brochures about the local area. This gave us a chance to find interesting locations close to home and avoid driving too far.
Warnings/Top Tips for Driving:
- Country lanes can be scary to drive on if you aren’t used to them. Take it slow and steady.
- If driving in the dark, keep your lights on full beam if there is no one else about.
- Know where you are going before you head off, the sat nav signal can be a little patchy so take a map.
Location 3: Fingle Bridge
Our first adventure in the park was to the picturesque Fingle Bridge. Built in the 17th Century, this stop really feels like a step back into history. Head there during late May and June for your chance to spot a variety of different fish, or just aim for a sunny day to make the most of the woodland trails and cool waters. Although it may not seem ideal for a photographer to visit during the Easter Holidays, I loved the buzzing atmosphere with children playing in the water and the parents enjoying a cool pint of cider outside the Fingle Bridge Inn. There were no phones or tablets in sight.
We then decided to head off to find a new location, but that was not before stopping at the top of one of Dartmoor’s many hills. Surrounded by endless countryside and countless sheep, it was a perfect place to take in the true beauty of Britain… and maybe do a cheeky bush side wee (you’ll be surprised how few toilets there are when travelling off peak).
Location 4: Fernworthy Reservoir
This location was definitely on a whim. We just saw a sign whilst driving about and decided to see what it was like. Safe to say, we were not disappointed.
Like something out a dream, this expansive body of water (380 million gallons to be exact) and surrounding woodland create a relaxing and peaceful location. There are benches for those who fancy a picnic and easy to follow trails for those in need of a stroll afterwards. The huge dam at the end of the reservoir looks like something out of Indiana Jones, with its aztec, almost temple like construction.
Now, before the next stop, I would recommend getting some food. My reasoning for this is that most places stop serving food at about 8.30/9pm and if you get caught up in the final stop of the day, you might miss food or just end up rushing like we did…more on that later.
Location 5: Haytor
An absolutely gorgeous piece of natural beauty, Haytor (or Hay Tor), towers above the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. With 360 views and easy access (apart from the short hill walk), it has become a tourist hotspot.
We decided we wanted to capture a sunset to finish our final night in Dartmoor and drove like the wind through the rolling hills to get to it. Running up the hill, we were panicking we would miss it, however it turned out we had our timings wrong and still have a good 20 minutes to pick an ideal location for a photo. I walked up a slightly rockier section alone and perched myself just a few meters away from the edge. As cheesy as it sounds, I felt like the king of the world. Waiting patiently, tripod and camera steady and ready (not easy in the wind), I found myself being joined by a small collection of Dartmoor ponies. I was pretty much alone, with a few stray people wandering aimlessly around me, and the moment was perfect. The sun hit the horizon and the sky came to life. The cold blue of the passing day collided with the burning reds and oranges of a dying sun. I sat, frozen by both the wind and by time, as the ponies became silhouettes before my eyes and the light began to fade. It was here I captured my favourite shot of the trip.
Turning to leave, I met another photographer, who was equally enjoying the moment. He told us to stay a little longer and watch as the night came in with the introduction of a huge full moon. The perfect end to an already perfect moment.
Now, as mentioned previously, food was our next priority. We did not plan ahead and ended up having to run/drive really fast to the nearest pub. It was closed. Luckily we had some signal and I was able to google the next nearest and we headed off into darkness. The Carpenters Arms! Our Saviour! It was here we met our favourite Devonshire people. Rushing through the doors, we asked if they were still serving food. They said they normally stop serving at 8.30 (it was 8.55), however they would whip us up anything we wanted. It was the best meal of the trip.
Location 6: The Gnome Reserve
Okay, so this might sound like a really weird place to go… and it is. But stay with me.
On our final morning we decided to head upwards, towards the north of Devon. Here, hidden amongst endless fields and wandering live stock, is a little house with a very interesting garden. Upon arrival you pay your admission fee (£3.75 for adults) and get to pick a handmade gnome hat to wear during your visit (do it, embrace the quirkiness of Devon). You then wander down the garden path, across a stream full of fishing gnomes and find yourself in a small wooded area full to the brim with every type of gnome you can imagine. Big ones, small ones, old and new. There are even a few familiar faces.
Challenge: See if you can find The Teletubbies in Gnome form.
This may seem like a crazy thing to do, however it seems to me like the perfect way to finish off a short trip. The Gnomes are fantastic models for anyone wanting to practice some photography and the kids (ages 1-100) will love the little characters. Once you have finished the gnome trail you return your hats and get given a wildflower quiz. You head to another garden and have to answer the questions to be in for a chance of winning…something (I have no idea what).
So there you have it, 24 hours (admittedly split over 3 days) in Devon. Jam packed and full of the weird and wonderful.
Postcards From The Bubble! 