What's nearby
Linden Spinney is situated on the outskirts of the ancient stannary town of Chagford, a half mile, easy walk from the centre. On the edge of north-east Dartmoor, the town boasts some of the best and widest range of shops in the county. Although the population of Chagford is just around 1500 people, almost every need can be met within the town.
There is a pharmacy, newsagents, off-licence, grocery shop, delicatessen, dairy; a greengrocers, a bakery, art galleries, a post office, a florist, antique shops, a bookshop, a veterinary surgery, two banks and two of the best ironmongery shops (selling much more than ironmongery!) that you will find anywhere. The town has a number of pubs, all providing excellent bar or restaurant meals at very reasonable prices. There are also cafes, tea shops and restaurants which cater for a wide variety of tastes and purses.
Chagford also boasts two tennis courts and a park with a children’s play area that’s both safe and fun. A number of golf courses and riding stables nearby. In summer the town's large outdoor swimming pool is open every day, beautifully situated on the banks of the River Teign.
Fishing licences, on a daily or weekly basis are easily available at a shop in Chagford for fishing the River Teign or the nearby well-stocked reservoirs.
There are many walks in the area both around Chagford and on Dartmoor. You can leave your car at Linden Spinney and walk along miles of peaceful pathways, across the open spaces of Dartmoor or along the river bank. The sea is about 20 miles away and both the north and south coasts of Devon have magnificent coastal pathways. The most comprehensive resource on the web for books on walking in Dartmoor and throughout Britain can be found at www.bestwalks.com/dartmoorbooks.htm
Sue and Nigel can advise you on any facilities you might need, whether it’s a good pub, a cream tea or a fancy restaurant, or the location of the best golf course, fishing or riding centre. They’ll point you in the direction of a local walk, whether it’s a gentle stroll or a hearty all-day trek. They’ve lived in Chagford for over 30 years so have a few recommendations up
their sleeve!
Other places to visit:
Castle Drogo
One of the last castles to be built in England, Castle Drogo was designed by Edward Lutchens for Sir Julius Drewe between 1910 and 1930. Perched on a granite hilltop overlooking Dartmoor with stunning gardens, it is now managed by the National Trust.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-castledrogo
Fingle Bridge
Below Castle Drogo and set deep in a gorge of the river Teign, Fingle Bridge is a four mile walk from Linden Spinney. The Fingle Bridge Inn is your reward for walking there – a bar and restaurant serving food and drinks all day. Less active visitors will be pleased to hear the pub also has a car park! You don’t need to go to the pub either – the banks of the river are ideal for a picnic and ice creams are on sale too.
http://www.finglebridgeinn.com
Fernworthy
A ten minute drive away from Linden Spinney is Fernworthy, a large reservoir surrounded by pine forest high on Dartmoor. Walks are clearly marked yet quiet and ideal for family rambles. There are several picnic areas and fishing and bird-watching are very popular. There is no admission charge and plenty of parking.
http://www.westcountrywalks.com/dartmoor-swdevon/ndartmoor/fernworthy/fernworthy-01.php
Dartmoor National Park
One of Britain’s 14 National Parks, Dartmoor can be wild, rugged and bleak – but it has an untamed beauty that makes it breathtaking all year round. Skylarks dart over heather and gorse while granite tors break up wide horizons of open moorland. Visitors cannot fail to be won over by the hairy Dartmoor ponies, the patchwork of dry stone walls, picturesque hamlets with thatched cottages and of course, the delicious clotted cream teas to round off a walk!
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
