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Cool Place of the Day: Heddon Valley, Devon
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Your support makes all the difference.Heddon Valley, on the coastal cusp of Exmoor National Park in North Devon, is so secluded that during World War II U-Boats called in here to refill their water tanks from the cascades that leap from the hillsides, and there are even reports of German submariners stretching their legs with a cheeky game of football on the beaches. South West Coast Path walkers are among a select group who know the extent of the location's riches, as one of the most beautiful sections of Britain's epic long-distance path follows these historic cliffs, past an old Roman fortlet and through the voluptuous valley.
But this weekend, the secret might finally be out, when the inaugural South West Outdoor Festival brings hitherto hidden Heddon to the attention of alfresco adventurers of all persuasions, with a celebration of trails, tales and ales. You can't usually camp in the National Trust-managed valley, but for the festival weekend tents will be pitched in paddocks that run all along the bank of the chattering River Heddon to the sea.
Taking full advantage of the terrific terrain that surrounds it, the festival is offering everything from mountain-biking, hiking, kayaking, trail-running, coasteering, wild swimming and stand-up paddle-boarding, through to archery, tree climbing and even axe- and knife-throwing. Calmer activities include campfire cooking, wild-food foraging, yoga, star-gazing and barefoot walking, and there will be an outdoor film festival, live music and a range of speakers, including TV adventurer Monty Halls and extreme sleeper Phoebe Smith.
The valley boasts a legendary pub, the Hunter's Inn, which will be operating a pop-up bar throughout the festival serving local, small-batch Exmoor-brewed beers and ciders, alongside several artisan food suppliers cooking locally sourced food. How can you resist?
Cool Places is a website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk)
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