Find the nearest Landscapes & Nature in Devon

Hound Tor is a good example of a heavily weathered granite outcrop. Thought to derive its name from the shape assumed by the blocks on the summit that have been weathered into forms resembling the heads of dogs peering over the natural battlements. To the south-east of the tor, on a north-eastern-facing slope are the remains of Hundatora, a deserted medieval village, which was excavated between 1961 and 1975. It has four Dartmoor longhouses, many with a central drainage channel, and several smaller houses and barns. The three grain storage barns appear to have been adapted to include corn dryers, indicative of the deteriorating climate which led to the abandonment of the settlement by 1350.

Brent Tor is on the western edge of Dartmoor, rising to 1100 ft (330m) above sea level. The Church of St Michael strands at the top of the Tor, the parish church of the village of Brentor, which lies below the Tor.

Watersmeet, varied Exmoor landscape of rocky coastline, heather moorland, wooded valleys and fast-flowing rivers. Dramatic stretch of the South West Coast Path with one of Britain’s deepest river gorges.

Burgh Island is a small tidal island off the coast of South Devon in England near to the small seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea. There are several buildings on the island. The island is approximately 270 yards (250 m) from the mainland and is approachable on foot at low tide. At high tide, the sea tractor, which is operated by the hotel, transports pedestrians back and forth. The original vehicle was constructed in 1930; the current, third generation tractor dates from 1969. The vehicle drives across the beach with its wheels underwater on the sandy bottom while its driver and passengers sit on a platform high above. Power from a Fordson tractor engine is relayed to the wheels via hydraulic motors. The island has a network of footpaths.

Berry Head, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, is an extensive limestone headland. The near-perpendicular cliffs rise 60m and the constant action of the waves has gouged out huge caverns. The plateau is green with plants, some of which are rare: pink thrift, white sea campion, autumn squill, wild rock rose, goldilocks and honewort. The rocks and cliffs abound with jackdaws, pigeons, kestrels, kittiwakes, gulls and guillemots. Fine views are to be had and it is possible on a clear day to see Portland Bill, over thirty-five miles away. Torbay and Brixham Roads have long been sheltered anchorages, surrounded as they are by high hills and cliffs. Fortifications were erected on the headland in 1793 against threatened invasion by French armies and strengthened with limestone in 1803, when gun batteries were added to protect the anchorages. They were dismantled by 1820 and returned to civilian use, but the ramparts remain, overgrown with ivy.

Lydford Gorge is the deepest gorge in the South West, with the spectacular 30-metre Whitelady waterfall. Woodland trails through a deep-cut ravine alongside the river Lyd.

The RHS Rosemoor garden has something for everyone. In 26 hectares (65 acres) you have fruit and vegetables to woodland, formal gardens to wildflower meadows and water features to foliage. Often events are held and why not visit the Rosemoor Restaurant, RHS Shop and Plant Centre.

Hartland Point is a 325 ft (99 m) high rocky outcrop of land on the northwestern tip of the Devon coast. The Hartland Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the point marks the western limit (on the English side) of the Bristol Channel with the Atlantic Ocean continuing to the west.

Morte is a spectacular coastline of cliffs and coves, sandy beaches, dunes and headlands, important for its wildlife, archaeology and geology. Just some of the places to visit include:Baggy Point – Rocky headland marking the southern end of Woolacombe Bay above the surf haven of Croyde. Three mile stretch of golden sand lying between Mortehoe and Baggy Point. Mortehoe and Morte Point – Gorse and heather covered headland to the north of Woolacombe Bay. Torrs Walk to Rockham Bay – Coastline to the east of Morte Point, with small coves, outcrops and jagged slate cliffs.