 Cycling
There are many opportunities for enjoying peaceful, safe cycling in North Devon. The Tarka Trail offers 31 miles of off-road cycling along disused railway tracks from Braunton to Petrockstowe via Barnstaple, Bideford and Torrington.
You do not have to bring a bike as there are excellent cycle hire operators based along the whole trail. The National Cycle Trail also passes through North Devon offering slightly more energetic cycling through Devon's quiet country lanes and byways. I am now providing self-guided cycling holidays and routes. For more information go to www.cyclingnorthdevon.co.uk
Horse riding
There are numerous opportunities to go horse riding in North Devon and on Exmoor. The various riding stables offer a range of abilities from the novice with a walk or canter through lovely countryside to the experienced with a good gallop across open moorland.
You could try the following web sites for further information and ideas:
www.burrowhayes.co.uk (riding stables)
www.outovercott.co.uk (riding stables)
www.peritonpark.co.uk (riding stables)
Gardens 
With the mild climate created by the Gulf Stream bathing the North Devon coast, the range of plants on show is a joy to see. There are the beautiful Marwood Gardens, as shown in this picture, between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple and the Royal Horticultural Society have Rosemoor Gardens at Torrington with the gardens now nicely matured as well as the lovely original gardens by the house. The National Trust have gardens at Arlington Court (see walk 1) and Knightshayes Court and there are the lovely gardens at Docton Mill, to mention a few.
Lundy Island 
Lundy Island lies off the North Devon coast and is reached by their supply ship 'Oldenburg' which has just been refitted and has more powerful engines cutting down the trip time. The island itself is 3 miles long and half a mile wide and is a haven for wild flowers and birds. A days outing normally gives a good 4 hours on the island giving a good walker the chance to walk much of the island. The Oldenburg leaves from either Bideford or Ilfracombe. www.lundyisland.co.uk
Something different 
There is a unique outdoor activity centre at Allerford, near Porlock where you can go on Hawk walks and experience Falconry first-hand or go clay pigeon-shooting. For further information go to their web site.
Why not go on a Safari in a specially converted Land Rover over Exmoor where you are guaranteed to see Red Deer, other wonderful wildlife and stunning scenery. For further information go to their web site.
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