Dartmoor Walks and Electric Bikes

On January 27, 2021
By Jane
In Dartmoor, The Area, Walking & Cycling
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Dartmoor guided walks and electric bikes

Explore Dartmoor National Park on foot or on a top-quality electric bike – or both. On offer are guided tours, designed to suit you, that start from a variety of locations on Dartmoor and last a full or half day.

Guided Walks
You don’t have to hike for miles over rugged ground to enjoy quiet beautiful areas that capture the magical essence of Dartmoor. Walks can be tailored to your energy levels and introduces you to hidden beautiful parts of the moor.

Guided Electric Bike Tours
Or, if you want to see more of the area and enjoy cycling, we can offer you a half-day or full-day e-bike tour which goes along quiet lanes and through some of Dartmoor’s loveliest scenery, with time to stop and explore away from the road.

Find out more by visiting Dartmoor Walks and Electric Bikes or clicking here.

Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor | Accommodation

Ten Tors Accommodation | Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast

The Ten Tors is a tough event designed to challenge young people on Dartmoor. In early May 2,400 participants set off from Okehampton Camp on either a 35 mile, 45 mile or punishing 55 mile route across Dartmoor. The British Army operate the event on Dartmoor and draw support from the TA and Dartmoor Rescue teams.

The majority of entrants are schools, colleges, Scouts and Cadets from South West England, though groups from other parts of the UK have been involved and even overseas participants have attended. From 2012 only teams from the South West of England are eligible to take part, mainly due to the large numbers of entrants.

Training for Ten Tors begins many months before the event where the youngsters learn Dartmoor routes and moorland techniques, especially advanced navigation.

ten tors challenge medal One of the key aspects of the Ten Tors Challenge is the weather. Temperatures range from sub zero to heady summer heat. In fact, youngsters are taught to deal with these conditions and are monitored to ensure they are coping with the elements. Water, fluid, carbohydrate intake and fitness are keys to success in the event and of course a good pair of boots and waterproofs in less fair conditions. A jolly smile also helps when the going gets tough!

The Bronze routes are for 14 to 15 year olds and cover 35 miles (56 Km). Silver routes have entrants from 16 to 17 years old and cover 45 miles (72 Km) and finally the Gold routes for 18 to 19 year olds of 55 miles (89 Km).

It is always been stressed that the event is not a race but not all participants see it as such – they want to win!

If you are supporting your child and looking for Ten Tors accommodation then maybe you would like somewhere to stay nearby. Or maybe you are just looking for a relaxing break near Dartmoor.

Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation is only 11.5 miles from Dartmoor Okehampton Camp and 20 minutes by road. If you would like to enquire or book then please call Jane on 01566 783542 or 0781 724 4687. Alternatively, you can send a message on the contact page by clicking here.

Map from Lobhill Farmhouse to Okehampton Camp, Dartmoor

Picture © Dan Harmer / MOD / BBC

Self Catering Cottage Dartmoor

Okehampton Camp by Rees Kenyon
Are you looking for a holiday cottage near Dartmoor ? Look no further. My Devon Self Catering Holiday Cottage is a beautifully renovated stone stable and enjoys the enviable position of being just three miles from glorious Dartmoor. If you are planning a holiday or break near the Devon or Cornish coast then my location is also perfect. The historic towns of Okehampton, Launceston and Tavistock are within a 10 mile trip by car.

Dartmoor is Nearby
Dartmoor is just 3 miles away by car or bicycle. If you are looking for a Dartmoor walking holiday then the Holiday Cottage is a perfect base. You have easy access to North Dartmoor taking in Sourton Tors, Shelstone Tor, Branscombe’s Loaf, Corn Ridge, Little Links Tor, Great Links Tor, Yes Tor and High Willhays to name but a few. Parking is available at Sourton Down or Meldon Reservoir if you want to explore nearby – you can even hire a bicycle at Sourton! Of course you can venture further south towards Tavistock or east towards Belstone, Sticklepath or South Zeal. You will be astounded by the beautiful countryside and villages.

Pork Hill Dartmoor

Ten Tors Challenge
Maybe you are looking for holiday accommodation or B&B whilst your kids are taking on the Ten Tors Challenge.

Pubs, Grub and a Drink or Two
We are blessed with an abundance of excellent local pubs, hotels and award winning restaurants close to Lobhill Farmhouse bed & breakfast and self catering accommodation.

Images courtesy of Rees Kenyon Design.

Aerial Video of Lobhill Farmhouse Estate

On January 06, 2021
By Jane
In Aerial Video, Pitcures From The Estate
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Arno Nel recently produced an aerial video of Lobhill Farmhouse Estate. It offers a bird’s eye view of the farmhouse and surrounding area. He even launched his “drone” from the woodland area and flew up to the trees and above. The video highlights how beautiful the countryside is here in West Devon. You can even see the bank where we go sledging in Winter!

I hope you enjoy this video and many thanks to Arno for his production.

You can contact Arno by clicking here.

If you have any trouble viewing the video below then please click here to view it.

Bed and Breakfast near Okehampton, Tavistock and Dartmoor

Are you planning a holiday in Devon? I offer AA 4 star b&b near Okehampton, Launceston, Tavistock and Dartmoor? Or possibly Self Catering Holiday Cottage Accommodation near Dartmoor?

Customer Photos at Lobhill Farmhouse B&B

Many thanks to all our customers who submit their amazing photos of the estate and pictorial memories of their visit to Lobhill Farmhouse B&B Devon.

If you would like to submit your photo then please get in touch via our contact page or by clicking here.

: Woodland photo at Lobhill Farmhouse Estate by Chris Farmer

Two Castles Trail Walking Holiday Offer

On January 06, 2021
By Jane
In Blog, Special Offers, Walking & Cycling
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Ever wanted to walk the Two Castles Trail but felt it was too far in one day? Fancy doing it over two days with dinner and B&B? If you’re a keen walker but find 20+ mile routes a little too much, this could be your ideal holiday break.

PLEASE TELEPHONE JANE ON 01566 783542 / 0781 724 4687 TO BOOK DIRECT OR CHECK AVAILABILITY.

The Two Castles Trail

The Two Castles Trail stretches for 24 miles between Okehampton (Devon) and Launceston (Cornwall) on the western side of Devon. The route is waymarked except where it crosses open moorland. Apart from Okehampton and Launceston, the route also passes through a number of small villages. It’s just perfect for a walking holiday and can be walked in sections (whilst luxury bunking at my Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering Cottage for the evening).

You will experience stunning moorland landscapes in the east, valleys in the west, all with a range of very wide views. There are Norman castles at Okehampton and Launceston, which give their name to the Trail. They are passed with a variety of other historic sites. Generally easy walking with one or two short climbs.

It coincides with the West Devon Way at the eastern end and links with the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail at Launceston. The route lends itself to being part of a grand circuit around western Devon in conjunction with the West Devon Way and Tamar Valley Discovery Trail.

Two Castles Trail Walking Holiday Offer

My offer is to drive you to the start of the Two Castles Trail in Okehampton. You then walk back to my Bed and Breakfast in Lewdown (about 14 miles or 23 Km). Freshen up and enjoy an inclusive cream tea. Then I’ll drive you to The Dartmoor Inn, Lydford, for dinner and pick you up later. Lovely.

On day two you may then walk the second part of the Two Castles Trail from Lewdown to Launceston. This section is around 10 miles or 16 Km; a little lighter on the feet. Then I’ll drive you to and from The Dartmoor Inn on the second night as well.

For most walkers the first stage of the journey will take between 6 and 7 hours with the second stage taking between 4 and 5 hours. If you like to take in lots of views then add an hour to your journey time. Of course, you may wish to begin your journey in Launceston.

The Nice Things
When you visit you can enjoy my usual standards of care, friendliness, attention to detail, cleanliness and facilities. Please take a look at the various facilities on my website including bed and breakfast, self catering holiday cottage accommodation and the estate and gardens.

Route Pick Up and Drop Off
I will drop you off at the route start on each day of your walk. If you run out of puff, have just had enough or the weather has turned then myself or one of my team will pick you up en-route.

Free Cream Tea
When you return from your walk I’ll prepare a lovely Devon cream tea for you. After all, you deserve it. I always make my guests comfortable, especially after a long day of walking in the beautiful Devon and Cornish countryside.

Free Packed Lunch
If you require a packed lunch then I’m happy to prepare one for you free of charge. I cater for most dietary requirements.

Breakfast
This is included in the bed and breakfast room tariff and is always popular with my guests. Please click here to find out more about my breakfast options.

Dinner
This is not included in the offer (or room price) but The Dartmoor Inn offer beautiful food and excellent service. I have no hesitation in recommending this venue. You can choose between a-la-carte or a blackboard menu. If you choose, I can drive you to and from The Dartmoor Inn if you fancy a local beer or a glass of wine (or two). Of course, you may wish to find your own local eatery.

Facilities En-Route
There are a number of pubs, shops and conveniences en-route. I highly recommend the White Hart Inn Bridestowe and Strawberry Fields Farm Shop Lifton, both perfectly situated for a lunchtime stop off – here are a few more suggestions:

Okehampton has many shops, pubs, hotels and public conveniences
Riverside Stores & Post Office – Bridestowe
The Blue Lion Inn – Lewdown
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre – Lifton
Lifton Hall Hotel – Lifton
Lifton Shop & Post Office – Lifton
The Arundell Arms Hotel – Lifton
Launceston has many shops, pubs, hotels and public conveniences

Book Now

My Standard Room Rates Apply
This inclusive holiday offer is at my standard bed and breakfast room rates. Please click here to see the rates. You also have the option of self catering holiday cottage accommodation, again, you can click here to see the rates.

PLEASE TELEPHONE JANE ON 01566 783542 / 0781 724 4687 TO BOOK DIRECT OR CHECK AVAILABILITY.

Maps
Please note, the map images below are very large files. They indicate start and finish points with Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast at the centre of the Two Castles Trail. Below each map is a text link so you can download the maps to your device. To save the maps, right click and then choose Save Target As, Save Link As, Download Linked File to Disk or Download Link to Disk. Finally, choose a location to save the image, then click Save (remembering where you saved it).

Right click here to download this map.

Links and useful information for the Two Castles Trail

Maps © Crown Copyright and database rights 2015 Ordnance Survey. Image © Devon County Council.

Alder Vineyard Win Silver Award at IEWA 2017

We are thrilled to report that we have been awarded a silver medal in the first Independent English Wine Awards for our Alder Vineyard Madeleine Angevine 2014 vintage.

The IEWA’s were held in Bristol during March 2017 showcasing fantastic wines from all over the country. Each wine entered was judged by a highly credible panel of industry experts.

Alder Vineyards IEWA Silver Award Madeleine Angevine 2014 Being awarded an IEWA medal is an impressive achievement after critical evaluation by this collection of expert palates. The only information given about the otherwise ‘blind’ samples is grape variety and year. Judging is then carried out in panels of four, with wines tasted by category and assessed on their merits against a detailed scoring matrix.

Our first vintage, the white Madeleine Angevine 2014, is a single variety English wine producing fruity overtones of melon and apple, with a crisp, dry palate. Enjoy served well chilled, on its own or with chicken and seafood. Beautiful!

We are delighted to add this award to the Highly Commended also awarded in September 2015 from the South West Vineyards Association Annual Awards.

Tavistock Heritage Festival 2016

The Tavistock Heritage Festival is returning for 2016, bringing a range of fantastic events and attractions to the town.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Tavistock, the Festival, which runs from Thursday 15th September 2016 to Monday 19th September 2016, will also be joining forces with Morwellham Quay for a two centre celebration of the arts, music, culture, history, and community spirit of Tavistock. Throughout the four days a host of talented performers, historians, artisans and re-enactors will create a fantastic celebration of the rich history and heritage of the town.

You can view their events and programme calendar here: http://www.tavistockheritagefestival.org.uk

If you are looking for luxury bed and breakfast near Tavistock or a self catering holiday cottage then please contact Jane at Lobhill Farmhouse on 01566 783542 or 0781 724 4687.

Tavistock Heritage Festival 2016 - Bed and Breakfast Devon

Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast shortlisted for Eviivo 2016 Outstanding Host Awards

From the Tavistock Times Gazette, Thursday, 30 June 2016.

Owner of the Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast at Lewdown Jane Colwill is such an outstanding host that she has been shortlisted for an award which celebrates the UK’s best B&Bs, guesthouses and independent small hotels.

Jane has made it to the final ten in the outstanding host category of the eviivo awards. She has been shortlisted by a panel of expert judges, which recognises the owners and managers who go the extra mile to ensure their guests have a truly unique stay.

Lobhill Farmhouse B&B has been running for seven years with homemade biscuits and fudge available to every guest on arrival. Also included, if guests wish to explore the area, is transportation to the Two Castles Way trail in Okehampton with a complimentary packed lunch.

Ms Colwill, said: ‘I’m delighted to hear that my B&B has been selected as one of the finalists and I’m really hoping we win! For us, it’s all about the customer and making sure they have the best possible experience, but it’s wonderful to know that we’ve been recognised for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes each day.’

Michele Fitzpatrick, CEO of eviivo, said: ‘The eviivo awards are all about celebrating the unsung heroes of the hospitality sector. We work with so many properties that have fascinating stories to tell, and I’m delighted that we have a platform where we are able to recognise this, and in turn raising the standards across the industry.

‘It was extremely difficult this year in narrowing down the entries as we had so many high quality nominees. This is the first year that we’ve opened the awards up to open entries during the nominations stage; it’s been a pleasure to see so many talented owners put themselves forward.’

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in October 2016 in London.

Links to Our Friends

On September 14, 2015
By Jane
In Links
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At Lobhill Farmhouse, we are very selective about who we link to. Here are are selection of links to our friends, services, businesses and resources you may find useful…

alder vineyard lewdown devon www.aldervineyard.uk

Alder Vineyard is a small vineyard, run by four generations of the Westlake family. It lies on a south facing, well drained part of Alder Estate (right next to Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Cottage). Set at the foot of picturesque Dartmoor, in the rolling Devon hills, Alder Vineyard produces quality red and white grapes.

Rees Kenyon Design www.reeskenyondesign.co.uk

Rees Kenyon Design is a small but perfectly formed graphic design consultancy in West Devon. Based in Lewdown, Rees specialises in web design and general graphic design. He has been in the industry for over 25 years and designed, produced and performs SEO and SEM tasks on this website for Lobhill Farmhouse. A keen eye for detail, excellent customer service, marketing know-how and a yearning to create the best possible product makes Rees a great partner in your business. He genuinely looks after you and issues never become a problem.