The area to the east (i.e. the Somerset side) around Lynton is known as “Little Switzerland” and the area to the west (i.e. the Cornwall side) around Hartland is rugged and notorious for shipwrecks.
Where the rivers Taw and Torridge join and meet the Bristol Channel is known as the North Devon Biosphere Reserve that covers 55sq miles including Braunton and Northam Burrows.
Where: On open hardstanding area outside the Northam Burrows Centre in the heart of the Northam Burrows Country Park at Westward Ho! (EX39 1XS). This location has been selected as it is adjacent to the Westward Ho! almost unique “Pebbleridge”.
Why: An opportunity to meet the Devon Mega Committee and other geocachers from north Devon and beyond. The Burrows Centre will be open to learn more about this SSSI from the displays and centre Staff.
When:- From 10am to 3pm on Thursday 3rd August. Low tide is at 0920 which makes it easier to reach the pebbleridge.
What is planned?
At 11am the Lead Ranger has agreed to lead a walk around the Country Park talking about the rare flora, wild-life and traces of the war-time defences including the long time defunct RAF Northam base. The walk is likely to take between one and two hours. Dependent upon interest numbers on this walk may need to be restricted so make sure you register your interest when you check into the event. If you do not do the walk there are caches nearby to be found.
Once the Ranger's walk is finished at around 12.30pm there will be a picnic on the beach on the other side of the pebble ridge so make sure you bring chairs, blankets and lunch etc. with you if you wish to join in.
At 2pm the Northam Burrows Centre is running their own children’s activities that cachers are welcome to join in. See the waypoint on this listing for the location of this. If you have a child interested in participating check with the Burrows staff on arrival to confirm availability.
Parking: There is ample parking on the Burrows in the vicinity of the event. Normal admission to the Burrows costs £3.50…. HOWEVER on the 3rd August if you tell the gate-keeper’s on arrival before parting with money that you are Devon Mega Geocachers they will let you in for free!
After the event: Once the event is finished there is plenty to do and see in the area.
- Maybe you will explore more of the only place with a punctuation mark in it’s name (answer elsewhere in this listing).
- Maybe you will walk some of the South West Coast Path where more caches can be found.
- Maybe you will visit quaint Clovelly where donkeys transport goods up and down the steep cobbled streets.
- Maybe you will visit the charming fishing village of Appledore, or perhaps the harbour town of Bideford on the river Torridge. Or perhaps visit the out of town shopping complex known as Atlantic village.
- If it’s caching action that you are interested in then look at the geocaching map to the east of Barnstaple and you will be spoilt for choice.
FAQ
Q: Can I attend even if I am not going to the Mega Event itself?
A: Yes, all geocachers are welcome to attend irrespective of whether they are camping, attending the Mega or taking part in other events
Q: Do I have to pay to park?
A: Not as long as you tell gatekeepers that you are Devon Mega Geocachers on arrival at the Northam Burrows Country Park.
Q: Are dogs welcome in the Country Park?
A: Yes however they will have to be kept on lead in the Country Park as there are free range sheep and horses.
Q: Can dogs be walked on the beach?
A: Although there is a dog ban in place on the Westward Ho! Blue Flag beach, dog owners can take their dogs over the pebble ridge at the event location and as long as you turn right (away from Westward Ho!) dogs are permitted.