Just returned from a pleasant week at The Barton. A lovely sized CL with views of the rolling Devon countryside. Careful negotiating of the road to the site which is narrow in places (especially if you meet the bus) is required but on the whole easy to find and the wide gate at the entrance is very helpful. We arrived Saturday and following Ross' instructions pitched up. We took the last available pitch (nearest the gate to the toilet/recycling bins) but if you have a choice, choose another as so many other campers crossed through our pitch en-route to the loo. The site is level and has hardstandings, plus some grass pitches in an adjacent field. All have hook up and some have picnic tables. Recycling bins are provided and the usual facilities, plus a toilet ensure that you have all you need for a pleasant stay.
We cycled on the Tarka Trail most days, the access just 1/2 mile from the site, visiting Great Torrington, Bideford, Instow and Barnstaple. We liked the route towards Barnstaple best and just loved Instow for the beach, the quaintness and the Hockings ice cream (made locally in Appledore). We also visited Clovelly, Westward Ho!, Appledore, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Croyde Bay and Tintagel Castle (over the border).
The local pub is lovely and sells locally produced beer and cider and produces a lovely cream tea. They also provide home cooked food but were fully booked so we were unable to try it. Bideford is lovely, with plenty of places to eat, although we preferred the eateries at Westwood Ho! Bell-ringing practice at the adjacent church is 'interesting', and the watching the cows coming in for milking from the hills was really charming.
We would definitely recommend The Barton and will definitely stay again if in the area. Ross and family were a joy to speak to, very welcoming and accommodating. We did notice a high turnover of visitors, mainly with motorhomes - we were the only visitors to stay the full week. Just to add, children and pets are all welcome.
