Summer gems in and around Okehampton

Like the population of many towns, the good folk of Okie spend a great deal of time complaining about the place - but the truth is there's also much to to enjoy - and be proud of - in Okehampton.

Here are some of my favourites, not in any particular order...

Let's start in the town, with The Museum of Dartmoor Life. Housed in what was a derelict industrial site - complete with water wheel - the museum takes us from the stone age through to the present day with displays which show how life on the Moor was lived over the years. I find the domestic scenes particularly fascinating: so much has changed so fast recently that the way of life depicted is still within living memory... Rate The Museum of Dartmoor Life.

(While visiting the museum, try The Victorian Pantry for a snack or a meal)

While still in historical mood, Okehampton Castle is a very early example of Norman defences, built soon after the conquest - although what you see today is the remains of a high-class residence built by the Earl of Devon, Hugh Courtenay in the 14th Century. English Heritage employ a resident guide - and you can also hire audio guides to find your way round this spectacular ruin. Rate Okehampton Castle

(If the period fascinates you, try reading some of the medieval murder mysteries by prolific South Zeal author Mike Jecks, many of which are set locally.)

One thing above all dominates Okehampton and over the centuries has greatly influenced the life of the town. Dartmoor is perhaps the gem - summer or winter - yet I bet there are town people reading this who haven't set foot beyond a Moor gate. If you are one of those, here's a gentle starter walk of about an hour. Start from Belstone car park - you're already at nearly 1,000 feet, so not too much climbing! Follow the road through the village, bearing left at the stocks, and continue until you reach the end of the tarmac. Take the path to the left and follow it through a couple of gates until you reach the River Taw. Follow the river upstream until you reach a small dam, climb the steps to your right, then turn right along the track you see ahead of you. That will take you back to the road and the village. (Need a drink after all that walking? Drop in to The Tors in Belstone for a pint or a meal.) Rate the Tors

As a kid in London I travelled almost daily on the old Southern Region, so the authentic restoration of Okehampton Station has always delighted me. The short rail journey on the Dartmoor Railway up to Meldon Quarry in historic rolling stock is lots of fun, and when you get there you can walk out over the famous Meldon Viaduct, visit the quarry museum and find refreshments in Buffet Coach. Full timetables at the Dartmoor Railway web site - plus details of Sunday excursions to Exeter. Rate The Dartmoor Railway.

Now to Sticklepath, and the National Trust's Finch Foundry. Until 1960 this was a working water-powered forge, making small tools for farmers. It's now been fully restored, with water wheels powering the bellows and other machinery... catch the right day and you'll see blacksmiths working just as they did two hundred years ago, using the same equipment as their forefathers. (Smithing's thirsty work! Cross the road to the thatched Taw River Inn for pub grub and real ale) Rate the Taw River Inn.

More Okehampton & District gems to come...