North & Mid Devon

A brand new title, part of Bradt's award-winning series of Slow travel guides to UK regions, offering the most in-depth coverage available to north and mid Devon, arguably the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in southwest Britain. With area-by-area coverage, from around Clovelly and the Cornish border in the north to mid-Devon's Exe valley and Tarka railway line, it is packed with suggestions for where to go and what to do, including plenty of outdoor activities such as horse-riding, coasteering, walking and cycling. Interesting places to stay and eat are detailed, as are festivals, local customs and traditions, historical aspects, anecdotes, gardens, National Trust properties and where to go star-gazing beneath the region's Dark Skies.

North Devon has a unique blend of wild rugged coastline, deep river valleys, heather-covered moorland, family-friendly sandy beaches, great surfing and enchanting villages. While the car-free village of Clovelly provides a glimpse of Devon as it was 100 years ago, north Devon is also one of the country's leading centres for coasteering. Mid Devon is the least touristy part of the southwest - truly Slow Devon. The towns still hold weekly pannier markets and the pubs are full of locals discussing the price of sheep and ruby red cattle. People still walk, ride and cycle as part of their lives and visitors are always struck by the region's diversity: the wonderful views, the range of wildlife and the clarity of the night skies.

Join veteran traveller, author and Devon resident Hilary Bradt, and her fellow long-term travellers and Devon residents Gill and Alistair Campbell, to discover in this unique guide exactly what it is that makes this beguiling region so special. From Lundy Island to the haunted village of Lapford, and from the extraordinary Fairground Heritage Centre to the War Horse Museum, Bradt's Slow Mid and North Devon has everything you need for a perfect trip.

About the Author

Hilary Bradt co-founded Bradt Travel Guides in 1974, but now lives in semi-retirement in Seaton, East Devon. After 40 years of writing guidebooks to Africa and South America, she has embraced her chosen home to the extent of insisting that such a large, varied and beautiful county deserved three Slow guides, not just one. A keen walker, she has covered many miles of the South West Coast Path and in her 80th year walked Devon's 117-mile Coast-to-Coast route. Most Saturdays see her taking part in one of Devon's Parkruns (5k, but she's appropriately slow) and during the summer a swim in the sea, just a few minutes away, is always a pleasure. She is a productive member of the South West Sculptors' Association and lectures regularly on travel-related topics.

Alistair and Gill Campbell have lived in the West Country for more than 16 years. During that time they have walked extensively in the area, often leading walks for local residents, tourists and foreign tour groups. They have walked the entire South West Coast Path, the Two Moors Way, the Macmillan Way West and the Tarka Trail. They are both volunteer workers for the National Trust and for Exmoor National Park. They lead a team who restore ancient stone walls. As volunteer rangers, they aim to ensure that visitors get the most out of their experiences in the South West. They have written a very successful walks book for the local tourist association and contributed to previous editions of Bradt guides for the South West.