Have baby will travel
This loop creates a simple walk at Knowles Wood in the Blackdown Hills in Mid Devon. It is under 3 kilometres so a good lenght for little legs. I’m not actually sure what the wood is called. On the Ordnance Survey map it is called Knowles Wood (OS Explorer Map 128 Taunton and Blackdown Hills). But in the wood there is a Woodland Trust sign for Rhododendron Wood. Whatever it is called, there are certainly rhododendrons. And bluebells in the spring.
Weston Mouth beach is in East Devon, between Sidmouth and Seaton. The walk to Weston Mouth shingle beach is picturesque. But is the walk possible with a 4 year old and a baby? I didn’t find a detailed description of the walk from the car park. So we headed off to try it out…
As the lockdown period eased, we took advantage of the time to visit our local best beaches in East Devon. We are a family of four, with one four year old and one baby. Each beach has something to appeal to each of us. In general, quiet sandy beaches appeal most to the adults. The baby appears to have a preference for pebbly beaches. Or at least he enjoys trying to eat the pebbles. The four year old seems to like all beaches. She loves running in and out of the sea at sandy beaches. But equally loves searching for interesting pebbles or throwing them in the sea. Although her aim isn’t perfect yet; the odd one goes awry, so watch out if you see us there!
This circular family walk at Dunkeswell Airfield takes in pretty woods and fields. Although there is a stretch on road to begin with. You can park at the airfield and visit The Aviator for pre or post walk refreshments. The undulating walk is approximately 4 kilometres. Due to a couple of kissing gates, I would recommend a baby carrier rather than buggy. When our babies were little, we loved the Tula Free-to-Grow carrier. Once older, they preferred the view from our LittleLife backpack carrier. It’s a lovely walk on a sunny day as it has shady stretches and a stream for a paddle.
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Dumpdon Hill is in the Blackdown Hills in East Devon. Dumpdon Hill was the site of an Iron Age hill fort. It is thought to date from 750BC to AD43. The top is more than 250 metres high and is one of the highest points in the Otter Valley. The site covers a sizeable 62 acres. The earth ramparts at the top of the hill are up to 2 metres high. However, archaeologists believe that the hill fort was never finished or lived in. The hill fort would have made a striking sight and invaders would have found it imposing.
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Something Wild, a family-friendly trail running festival, is held in Devon on Dartmoor. It sounded right up our street, with trail running, camping, and talks, all aimed at people bringing their kids along. We excitedly read through the pre-event information and researched the running routes – Daddy had signed up for the marathon on the Saturday and me for the 10k on the Sunday.
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We recently tried out 7 toddler trips in South Devon. It’s a little bit far for a weekend trip from London with a toddler, but just about achievable. East Devon is definitely more accessible!
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We fancied a weekend in the country by the sea. It is nice to escape from city life and give our toddler some green fields to run around. At only 3 hours or so drive from London, East Devon fitted the bill. East Devon has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So we were hoping for winding country lanes and stunning coastal scenery. And to make it even more exciting, we decided to make it our toddler’s first proper camping trip staying in a tent. Here’s what we got up to on a toddler’s weekend in East Devon…
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