Paddleboarding
Devon’s rivers and coastline provide the perfect environment for paddleboarders, both experienced and new hands.
This is a guided holiday for active families or adventurous couples, who love the feel of the sea air on their face and want to experience the great outdoors on Devon’s iconic open moorland.
You will be fully guided throughout and can expect your local host to give insight and provide great company along the way. Leave your car at home as your guide will be your driver for the week and will be on hand to organise all of your activities, for which equipment is all provided. Travelling from north to south, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in hidden pools and coves, bike along disused railways lines, trek across Dartmoor or the South West Coastal path and jump on a paddleboard or take a kayak along Devon’s rugged south coast.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Wild swimming
A life-affirming experience in one of Dartmoor’s remote pools or one of Devon’s many south coast coves.
Trekking
Trek a section of the South West Coastal Path or take an early morning walk on Dartmoor for glorious, golden light.
Coastal villages
Grab a take-away fish and chips, sit on a picturesque harbour with a crab line, and watch the fishing boats come in.
Why Steppes?
Rated Excellent
on Trustpilot
One of the World's Top 5
Travel Specialists
Transparent and
Accountable
Why we like it
Great holidays are about finding an equilibrium, between being active and having some relaxation time. This Devon holiday provides a perfect opportunity to fulfil this simple goal. Spend your mornings kayaking, trekking or taking a wild swim and in the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
As with any Steppes holiday, food is an integral part of the experience; take afternoon tea at a 2 star Michelin restaurant, forage for your lunch on Dartmoor and let us show you our favourite beachside curry shack which does the best Sri Lankan curries outside of the sub-continent!
-
Day 1
Tiverton to Ilfracombe
-
Day 2
Watermouth Cove and Exmoor
-
Day 3
Lundy Island
-
Day 4
Tarka Trail, Chagford Lido and Gidleigh Park
-
Day 5
Dartmoor
-
Day 6
Burgh Island
Day 1
Tiverton to Ilfracombe
Drive from Tiverton to Ilfracombe
Check in to your hotel. Afternoon swim and walk followed by curry on the beach this evening.
Day 2
Watermouth Cove and Exmoor
Walk, kayak and paddleboard
Walk the South West coastal path to Watermouth Cove from where you will kayak or paddleboard along a stunning stretch of coastline to Broadsands. In the afternoon explore Exmoor.
Day 3
Lundy Island
Day Trip to Lundy Island
Explore Lundy to see the birdlife and historical sites of this National Trust island.
Day 4
Tarka Trail, Chagford Lido and Gidleigh Park
Biking, swimming and afternoon tea
Cycle a section of the Tarka Trail and have a swim in Chagford Lido before spoiling yourself with afternoon tea at Gidleigh Park.
Day 5
Dartmoor
Explore Dartmoor
A day of wild swimming, trekking, foraging and riverside barbecues.
Day 6
Burgh Island
Hope Cove to Thurlestone Rock
Paddleboard or kayak from Hope Cove to Thurlestone Rock. This afternoon you can attempt a swim around Burgh Island.
More Details
From source to sea
Dartmoor to Dartmouth
Home to Heritage Trails, Bronze Age archaeology and an intriguing range of biodiversity, Dartmoor is a must for any visitor to Devon. From the centre of Dartmoor, trek for just over 3 kilometres to the secluded Sharrah Pool for a cool, refreshing wild swim. Then it’s time to focus on what’s beneath your feet, as you are led on a foraging walk on some of the moor’s more fertile stretches.
Following a riverside barbecue (and maybe a post-prandial snooze) jump into kayaks and paddle the Dart, keeping a close eye out for dippers, kingfishers and otters. Seeing Dartmoor on foot and by river, gives a wonderful contrast of perspective.
Island day trip - wildlife & history
Lundy Island
Take a day trip to the island of Lundy which gives sanctuary to seabird colonies including puffins and Manx shearwaters. On the sheltered east coast of the island, you will find a wonderful variety of wildflowers along with butterflies and migratory birds. Snorkel safaris and rockpool recces can be arranged with local guides. If history is of interest, Lundy has a fascinating collection of listed buildings and monuments, preserved by the Landmark Trust, that all give context to the island’s past. Explore the remains of Bronze Age settlements, visit the medieval castle or walk out to the headland to see the iconic Georgian lighthouse.
We're waiting to help you
It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
A note on price
Based on a group or family of four.
This Itinerary
Price
From $3,406 Per person
When to travel
United Kingdom in January
January is usually the coldest month of the year and also when you’re most likely to experience clear and frosty days but with blue skies and crisp mornings. Perfect conditions for winter walks, if dressed suitably.
United Kingdom in February
You may experience snowfall in February and temperatures will still be relatively cold. In the south of the United Kingdom, snowdrops begin to emerge, particularly in woodland areas and you’ll see the first sprouts of wild garlic.
United Kingdom in March
The weather gradually begins to improve in March as the Spring season starts to get underway. Temperatures begin to rise and spring flowers appear, both on the ground and as blossom on the trees. The rugby Six Nations Championship is held during February or March when England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy all go head to head.
United Kingdom in April
April can be a little unpredictable for the weather; it can be warm and sunny or it can be a very rainy month. Towards the end of April swathes of bluebells cover ancient woodland areas and meadows burst into colour.
United Kingdom in May
The weather is usually warm during May. The month has two Bank Holiday weekends, which can be particularly busy as British people make the most of this time off work. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in June
The warm weather continues through to June. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in July
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in August
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in September
September often has warmer and drier weather than August, and the summer crowds start to disperse as schools reopen.
United Kingdom in October
The autumn leaves are at their best, most vibrant russet shades during October with around, on average about 10 days of rain. Temperatures are cooler and some sites in more rural areas start to close for winter.
United Kingdom in November
In early November the autumn leaves are still in full show, but mountainous areas may experience snow and daylight is restricted to around seven hours in northern Scotland. The weather is usually cool and damp, although it’s not uncommon to have wonderful cold, dry spells. The UK acknowledges daylight saving time on November 1 and the clocks will be set back by one hour
United Kingdom in December
December is usually cold and damp, with little foliage and the least daylight hours of the year (fewer than seven in the north of Scotland).
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?
Featured in the press
