Look at a map of the Westcountry and you will locate Holsworthy about 12 miles due east inland from Bude - on the North Cornish coast.
Having found Holsworthy, let your eye travel slowly back to the west until it encounters Parnacott. The OS map shows us quite clearly and you can find us via Google Earth too. We are approximately 2 miles from Holsworthy and 8 from the sea. (Please note - we are 3.3 miles from Waitrose in Holsworthy.)
Getting Here
The fastest route from the M5 at Exeter is via the A 30 and, from Okehampton, the A 3079/A 3072. However, there is a rather attractive alternative from the Tiverton exit on the M 5 which takes you down the Exe valley to Bickleigh ('The Fisherman’s Cot' there is apparently where 'Bridge over Troubled Water' was written.) and cross country along - its earliest section makes me think of The Shire and hobbits - the A 3072 by way of Crediton, Copplestone and Hatherleigh.
If you have the time and the inclination, stop for a 'refresher' at 'The New Inn' in Sampford Courtney. (Excellent fish and chips!)
Seaward
Eight miles from the three beautiful beaches at Bude, the South West Coastal footpath, and approximately fifteen miles from the start of the North Devon Heritage Coast at Marsland Mouth, Parnacott serves as an ideal base for further exploration.
Whether you wish to make sandcastles, search rock pools, swim, surf, walk, take in the spirit-lifting views, unwind in peace, go horse riding or even clay pigeon shooting, you will be able to do so from here.
Down the coast Widemouth Bay, with its two fine beaches, invites the surfer, while north of Bude, lie Northcott Mouth, Duck Pool and Sandymouth. Even in August, at the height of the school holidays, there is space, and beauty, for everyone.
Middle Beach with Barrell Rock at the end of the Bude Breakwater
Cycling
If you are a keen cyclist, bring your cycles with you – there is room here for them to be kept under cover, or locked away if you so prefer – and try out two excellent cycle ways, the Tarka Trail – from Torrington – and the Camel Trail down at Wadebridge.
Beach and Surf Safety
Widemouth Bay - lifeguards on duty. All the main beaches are patrolled from around 21st May. The summer holidays usually has RNLI guards on duty from 10 in the morning until 7 in the evening - so very reassuring!
Widemouth