Exploring North Devon in a Micro Camper Part Two: Things To Do
Planning a micro camper adventure in North Devon? You’re in the right place. This is the second instalment of our four-part series designed to help you explore one of the UK’s most beautiful regions with freedom and flexibility.
With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip. Compact, versatile, and easy to drive, a micro camper opens up parts of the coastline and countryside that larger camper vans and motorhomes simply can’t reach.
Recommended Walks in North Devon
Walking enthusiasts are absolutely spoilt for choice in North Devon and exploring with a micro camper gives you instant access to all the best locations and starting points with minimum fuss! Here are three of our favourites.
Morte Point
Dramatic coastal geology, far reaching windswept views and well-maintained footpaths make this walk an absolute must during your travels. The going is fairly easy but you can expect some stiff climbs along this undulating terrain. Not recommended in severe weather as much of the route is quite exposed to the elements.
There are options to keep it short and simple or to extend your hike South along the coast path to Woolacombe or North to Rockham Bay and the lighthouse beyond.
Dramatic coastline to Morte Point
Watersmeet and Lynmouth
The jewel in the crown of North Devon’s scenery could arguably be the delightful wooded valley leading from Lynmouth up to the National Trust tea room at Watersmeet. Expect lofty native oak and beech woods, overlooking a myriad of tumbling waterfalls and clear river pools.
The easy option is to park your micro camper at the Watersmeet valley car park and take the steep but short walk down to the river, or for a longer walk you can follow the river down to Lynmouth where you will find one of the region’s most beautiful villages. There are several pubs, cafes, gift shops and even a funicular railway up to Lynton. It’s hard to imagine how anyone could tire of exploring the coast and valleys around this area - its simply stunning!
Watersmeet tea room and the East Lyn river
Hartland Quay to Speke’s mill
In good weather, this is a brilliant section of the South West Coast Path and a fairly easy going trek. A walk of a couple of miles South from Hartland Quay brings you to the rugged beauty of Speke’s mill. This rocky cove has an almost mythical atmosphere and don’t forget to check out the incredible waterfall. For the true micro camper adventurer, it is possible to take a plunge in the pool underneath the cascade but the terrain is rocky and slippery so exercise caution!
Spekes Mill waterfall
Wild Swimming
We have learned that micro campers and wild swimming are a match made in heaven! Many of our customers are keen enthusiasts of year-round dips and really enjoy the convenience of a warm and dry space to get the kettle on after a bracing plunge! North Devon has an abundance of profoundly beautiful locations to revel in this most uplifting of activities.
Barricane Beach
A gorgeous sparkling cove which feels very Mediterranean when the sun is shining. Best enjoyed at high tide in calmer conditions. Avoid at low-mid tide when its rough as the currents can be strong and there are rocks aplenty.
Parking - If you’re lucky you can park your camper on the Esplanade immediately above the beach.
Barricane Beach near Woolacombe
Heddon’s Mouth
This secluded beach is tucked away on the dramatic Exmoor coast and is a true mini adventure in itself. Parking is a mile or so up the valley at Hunter’s Inn so there is a walk required to access the beach, but its a beautiful stroll and well worth the extra effort. On a weekday during the quieter times you could have the place to yourself, although entering the water alone is not recommended. On that note, only swim here during calm conditions as there is no help in case of an emergency.
Parking - Plenty of space for your micro camper at Hunter’s Inn National Trust car park
Remote beauty at Heddon’s Mouth
Tarr Steps
A list of wild swimming spots wouldn’t be complete without including a river, and the Barle is one of the best in the region. From the famous and ancient Tarr Steps it’s well worth a 15 minute walk up stream to discover a sensational opportunity for a dip. There is a stony beach giving way to a deep gently-flowing pool surrounded by ancient over-hanging oak trees. It can get busy in the summer but on a quiet day bathing here can be an incredibly therapeutic and uplifting experience.
Park your micro camper at the main Tarr Steps car park
Tarr Steps - Walk upstream for amazing wild swim spots
Paddleboarding
Another activity which is very popular with micro camper owners - there are some excellent options for a stand up paddle session around North Devon with a range of wide open beaches and sheltered inlets to enjoy. Here are a couple of recommendations.
Hele
Tucked into a lovely wooded cove just outside of Ilfracombe, this beach is fairly sheltered and an excellent choice for a paddle, particularly at high tide. There is also a mobile sauna situated here on certain evenings of the week - check out Secret Sauna’s website for details
You can park your micro camper a stone’s throw from the beach which also adds to the convenience.
Explore Hele bay with a paddleboard
Watermouth Cove
A little further along the coast from Hele is another gem of a small cove which is also ideal for some stand up paddle action. It’s actually an interesting small harbour in itself so there are lots of small boats and a quirky small café.
Parking is somewhat limited so its advisable to arrive with your micro camper nice and early or later in the afternoon during summertime.
Paddleboarding at Watermouth Cove
Croyde Beach
For a more ‘beachy’ paddle session Croyde Beach is a fantastic option when the sea is very calm. Both have convenient parking for your micro camper and include all the usual beach facilities. We would definitely recommend high tide as the best time for a paddle - less distance to carry your gear and a lot more tidal pools and rocky gullies to explore.
Croyde is an excellent beach for paddle boarding in very calm conditions
Scenic road trips with your micro camper
What better way to really squeeze maximum enjoyment from your micro camper than to enjoy a proper scenic drive! Here in North Devon we have some classics to choose from, one of which has regularly been voted among the finest driving routes in the UK. Find out more below…
Lynmouth to Porlock
The coastal route between these two small towns is an absolute delight! You will enjoy magnificent views along the Exmoor coast and across to South Wales, there are ample lay-bys to pull over for photo stops or the all-important micro camper cuppa!
Road trip from Lynmouth to Porlock
Simonsbath to Hillsford Bridge
This beautiful windswept road crosses one of the most remote areas of Exmoor National Park and it is fairly common to some amazing wildlife including deer, wild Exmoor ponies, buzzards and red kites. There are many lay-bys en route and your micro camper will feel right at home here!
Road trip from Simonsbath to Hillsford Bridge
Bideford to Bude
Those planning to include Cornwall on their micro camper adventure should certainly drive the fantastic ‘Atlantic Highway’ down to Bude. It takes you through a relatively unpopulated part of the region with lovely rural views and several interesting points of interest along the way.
Road trip from Bideford to Bude
Coming Next…
In the next article, we’ll cover some of our recommended places to stay with your micro camper in North Devon.
Stay tuned for more inspiration for your next micro camper adventure.