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.
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.
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
The Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death are visiting Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre for spectacular shows on 18th June 2016 and 19th June 2016.
It promises to be a spectacular event with the thrills and excitement of this amazing show. Ken and the gang ride vintage motorcycles at break-neck speeds around the wall. The rumble and noise is phenomenal. Don’t miss it and be prepared to be stunned!
Recently featured on Channel 4, Guy Martin trained with The Ken Fox Troupe. Guy broke the world record for a wall of death ride reaching a maximum speed of 78.15mph!
If you are looking for bed and breakfast accommodation near Okehampton and Dingles, Lifton, Devon, then Lobhill Farmhouse is only 4 miles away – 9 minutes by car and maybe a bit quicker on a bike!
Dingles have ample parking space and the Fairground Heritage Centre offers amazing rides and attractions plus a museum. Please take a look at their website: fairground-heritage.org.uk
Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast can be found here: Lobhill Farmhouse Lewdown Okehampton Devon EX20 4DT Telephone: 01566 783542 Mobile: 0781 724 4687
The Bluebell Walk on Sunday 17th May 2015 at Lobhill Farmhouse, Alder Vineyard and Alder Farm raised almost £900.00 for St. Peter’s Church, Lewtrenchard.
Visitors walked from Alder Farm through Alder Vineyard with a tour guide and stopped at Lobhill Farmhouse for a glass of Alder wine.
It was a fabulous day and the weather was kind to us with 80 tickets sold.
Many enjoyed the new season Alder Wine which was superb and over 80 cream teas were served (and a slice of homemade cake).
Many old friends, family and local people attended from far away to see the progress Alder Vineyard is making. Thanks to everyone who helped and to each and every one of you who attended. I’m looking forward to the walk next year (although I’m lucky to be able to stroll through the wood on a regular basis).
Please visit my Facebook Page for reports on events and happenings at Lobhill Farmhouse.
On Sunday 17th May 2015 from 2pm I have organised a Bluebell Walk at Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Estate. It promises to be a magical time and I’m planning for the weather to be kind.
Come and enjoy a glass of Alder Vineyard wine or a cream tea – maybe both.
It will be a enchanting day and the Blubell Woods are glorious at this time of year. You can wander a bit further around the estate and take in its natural beauty – you might even spot a deer or two.
I look forward to meeting you and I’m confident you will thoroughly enjoy the serenity of the estate.
Event: Bluebell Walk at Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Venue: Lobhill Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, Lewdown, Okehampton, Devon EX20 4DT Date: 17th May 2015 Time: 2pm / 14:00
If would like to join or attend the event then please head over to my facebook page and click the “Join” button under the Bluebell Walk post. Also, if you want to let others know then please click on the facebook icon just below.
Lovely stay in a quality. Lovely stay in this very nice and comfortable B & B. The room was very comfortable with everything you need and some nice small touches. The location is lovely with a picturesque view from the room. Jane was extremely helpful and friendly. The breakfast was delicious and piping hot. I would 100% recommend.