
What’s new in South Devon in 2017?
South Devon has fourteen fabulous new reasons to visit its shores, rolling countryside, beaches and estuaries in 2017, ranging from new food and drink trails to off-grid bushcraft camps and sea kayaking for all the family. For news on these and a host of other new experiences go to www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk
1. Taste of the Teign food and drink trail
This brand new self-guided trail takes visitors on a journey of culinary discovery around the beguilingly beautiful Teign Estuary in South Devon. The trail takes in: Old Walls, the steepest vineyard in England; the Red Rock Brewery, renowned for its craft beers and real ales; Shute Fruit and produce, where you can pick your own fruit and even learn how to make preserves; Milltop Orchards, where you can enjoy seasonal fruit, apple juice and cider; and Luscombe Farm Shop, where you can buy seasonal vegetables picked from the fields above the estuary.
On the tour you’ll discover the location of the Teign Estuary’s world renowned mussel and oyster beds, and you’ll be taken to a host of local cafes, restaurants and pubs surrounding the estuary where produce from its fields and waters, alongside fresh fish and crustacean landed at Teignmouth Harbour, can all be enjoyed.
Created for foodies hungry for a new destination to discover, the trail has emerged from the Taste of the Teign food and drink festival, which is devoted to celebrating produce caught, raised or harvested in and around the Teign Estuary, thought to be one of the most bounteous estuaries in the country. The 2017 festival starts on 25th September and lasts through to 01 October.
The trail will launch in 2017 in readiness for summer. A map of the trail, which has been produced by local artist Laura Wall, will be available to download from http://tasteoftheteign.org.uk
2. South Devon’s barbeque battle-royale launches – ‘Smokeinteignhead’
Also new for this year will be ‘Smokeinteignhead’, South Devon’s first, biggest and best barbeque competition. Overlooking Dartmoor and the Teign Estuary the event will see experts pitted head to head in a barbeque battle royale featuring some of the country’s finest flame grillers, including Simon Dyer – winner of ITV’s BBQ Champ programme in 2015. Entertainment, food demonstrations, live music, trade stalls, and activities for the kids will all be included. The final date for this ‘smokin’ September event will be announced in 2017. www.tasteoftheteign.org.uk/smokeinteignhead-premier-south-devon-bbq-competition/
3. Off-grid bushcraft camp and kayaking in South Devon
www.seakayakdevon.co.uk is launching a new bushcraft camp for 2017. The camp is located in South Devon, a 10 min walk into the woods at the Raleigh Estate on the banks of the River Dart. The camp, which was trialled and built throughout the summer of 2016, can comfortably cater for up to 25 people.
You’ll learn how to build shelters, light fires and collect and cook wild food. You’ll also learn how to sea kayak, exploring the coast and fishing the shores for you dinner. Stand Up Paddle boarding will also be available on courses for 2017.
The living shelter area can comfortably fit 25 people and is made from canvas stretched over locally collected timber. It has a log stove and a kitchen capable of catering for all guests. Gas lanterns and candles are used for lighting; there’s no electricity or mains running water, drinking water is taken to the camp in a barrel and there are dry toilets on sites. This is true off-grid bushcraft. In total there are four sleeping shelters, which sleep about 8 people in each.
Groups can stay for one or two nights. The camp is fully catered but guests can opt to self cater if they prefer.
The new bushcraft camps will operate from March through to October 2017. Prices including bushcraft and the sea kayaking experience with all equipment and instruction provided:
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- 1 night 2 Day self catered camp: Child £135 – Adult £175 (arriving at 09:30 on day one, leaving 16:00 on day 2
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- 1 night 2 Day fully catered camp: Child £160 – Adult £215 (arriving at 09:30 on day one, leaving 16:00 on day 2
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- 1- 2 night 2 Day fully catered camp: Child £160 – Adult £270 (arriving at 16:00 on day one, leaving 16:00 on day 3)