Physical Education

At five miles long, and with a maximum depth of 184 feet, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. It provided an important fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey who owned the lake and much of the surrounding land in the 13th and 14th Centuries.

More recently Coniston Water was used to transport slate and ore from the many mines worked in the Coppermines Valley above Coniston village. It has three small islands, all owned by the National Trust.

Rowing is fun and relaxing and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon on the river, pedalos and punts also available. You can hire the boat for an hour or if you want to make a day of it, just stay on the river as long as you like, simply returning the row boat to the boathouse before sunset.

Hembury and Holne contain two discreet woods on the south-eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Perched at the top of Hembury Woods with far reaching views over Dartmoor, the iron-age Hembury Hill Fort gives you a real sense of what it would have been like to live in a protected palisade.

Holne Woods, meanwhile, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of every day living.

Deep in the heart of the woods, at the base of dramatic rock covered cliffs strewn with windblown mature trees, lies a derelict Victorian pond.

Explore the quaint village of Noss Mayo situated at the mouth of the river Yealm.

Travel through the Passage Woods, ablaze with bluebells in the spring, to discover stunning coastal vistas. Admire wonderful views for miles around from the 19th-century Revelstroke Drive, and walk along the cliff paths to discover the remains of Napoleonic and Second World War sea defences at Stoke Point.