Local Sports & Activities
Eversfield Lodge offers the ideal base for activity holidays in Devon and Cornwall. There's a wide range of sporting activities all within easy reach, with something for every level of skill and bravery!
After a long active day in the outdoors, return to the luxury of your chosen Eversfield accommodation and relax in the tranquility and comfort of your surroundings.
Our friendly staff can advise you on how to book your chosen activities - here are some suggestions:
Watersports
Whether you prefer lakes, rivers or the open sea; there's plenty to do in the area:
- Roadford Lake Watersports Centre is just over 4 miles from the lodge. With over 730 acres of water, it is the largest in land water centre in the South West with facilities for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Equipment is available for hire, with lessons for individuals or groups, beginners or improvers.
- Beaches: Bude, with it’s neighbouring beaches is only thirty minutes drive away, and offers some of the best surfing in the region.
- Kayaks & canoes: For visitors with a taste for danger, the river Tavy and the East Okement (only paddleable after heavy rain!) offer thrilling white water canoeing.
Cycling
Eversfield's surrounding countryside offers cycleways for a range of different levels. Cycle hire is available in the area with maps and suggested routes. The terrain is steep in places but the views are worth the effort!
- Roadford Lake (see above) has a cycle track, which covers a 4-mile loop, mainly off road with some steep sections. The cycleway is clearly marked, with a tea room and picnic area for a well-earned rest.
- One of the most popular cycle routes is called The Granite Way, which is a new, truly spectacular and mostly traffic-free cycle route through rural Devon with fantastic views of Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside.
- The route is part of the National Cycle Network 'Devon Coast to Coast' Route 27. The Granite way is 11 miles long and is easy/moderate in terms of difficulty.
- A 40 minute drive will bring you to Wadebridge in north Cornwall where the Camel Trail cycle route follows the old railway line for some 3 miles into the famous and scenic fishing harbour of Padstow. Parking and bike hire is available from several places in Wadebridge or from Padstow.
Fishing
Several local fisheries offer instruction, boats and permitsor try your hand at sea fishing with a daytrip from one of the quaint coastal harbours.
Suggestions:
- Several local lakes offer fishing ideal for the beginner with both coarse and fly fishing available.
- Roadford Lake has 8 miles of bank for wild trout fishing. The best flies to use at Roadford are Pheasant Tail Nymph, Shrimp, Sedge Patterns & Tadpoles. In 2005, the rod average was 3.23 fish per rod, whilst the biggest recorded fish of the season was 8lb 4oz.
- Sea Fishing trips area available within 40 minutes of the Eversfield Estate.
Horse Riding
Dartmoor ponies have roamed the moors for many centuries and for those who enjoy fresh air and exercise, horse-riding is the perfect way to appreciate the dramatic moreland scenery where these delightful animals roam. Riding stables around the region provide treks for beginners to a full day on Dartmoor for more experienced riders.
Suggestions:
- East Lake Farm Riding Stables at Belstone, Okehampton offers riding on the moors for all ages and experiences.
Walking
Eversfield Lodge overlooks Dartmoor National Park, a beautiful moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors.
Walkers and horse riders have no restrictions across the open moorland and there are about 600 miles of public rights of way.
Suggestions:
- Dartmoor is a rich habitat for wildlife and has a wealth of archaeological remains.
- The Park operates a guided walks and events programme, which is designed to help further your understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor.
- The Park's team of knowledgeable guides, who are all Dartmoor enthusiasts, lead the walks. The pace will always be taken at the speed of the slowest walker and the guide will decide the routes, taking into account the weather and ability of the group.
Golf
Golfers have many options ranging from top international courses to a local converted farm, ideal for the beginner.
Suggestions:
- The nearest courses to Eversfield Lodge are Okehampton Golf Club and Launceston golf club. The St Mellian International course is only 40 minutes away and ideal for the expert.
- Okehampton's golf course is a typical moorland course situated on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon.
- This lovely 18-hole course is only 5273 yards for the men’s and 4817 yards for the ladies tees (however, this doesn’t mean it’s an easy course).
- The club offers various facilities including bar, food, Pro shop and practice nets/green.
Rock Climbing
The area provides many opportunities for rock climbing, both challenging and exciting, on Dartmoor's tors.
Suggestions:
- Dewerstone - call the National Trust on 01752 341377 (groups of 6+)
- Haytor Rocks - call the National Park Ranger Service on 01626 832093
- Hound Tor - call 01647 221254
- Foggintor Quarry - call the Maristow Estate on 01752 695945