ロックスベア周辺のアトラクション＆必見スポット - トップ19

Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.

All the cafés and inns are good - though special mention to Bridge House (opposite car park near church) for "proper good food", a really nice welcome, and being able to store bikes inside (just ask) - hot choc is amazing!

Bickleigh Mill is an 18th century water mill which is still working to this day. The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location it is a lovely place to start or finish a walk, or stop partway along to refuel.

Sometimes it's the smallest things that restore one's faith in humanity. Cyclist's Rest is a small picnic area in a private field that is complete with bench and table and furnished with some of the finest views in Devon. All accessed via a hole in a beach hedge – blink and you'll miss it!

Great place for lunch or a Devon cream tea (cream first, jam on top - the proper way - this is Devon!). There's also a gift shop adjoining.

Once an part of the Pixton Park drive, New Bridge is far from new. Built in the early 1800s, this gorgeous bridge is made from local slate stone and spans the River Barle. Today, it sits under vibrant trees and is partially covered in ivy. Its position and age gives it a bit of a mystical air and it's a genuine joy to come across on walks in the area.

This old wool town lies just south of Exmoor National Park and is a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat. Dating back 1,000 years at least, Bampton retains a distinct air of community and serenity. The town is a conservation area and has more listed buildings than you can shake a stick at. Hike up to the motte and bailey castle for lovely views over the town.

The Fisherman's Cot pub occupies a rather lovely position on the banks of the River Exe and sits opposite the 17th-century Bickleigh Bridge. While the pub is lovely all by itself, it is also famous for something else. In the 60s, Paul Simon visited and is said to have got his inspiration for the song, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', after seeing the Exe flow beneath Bickleigh Bridge. Once you know this, it's impossible to cross the bridge without getting the song stuck in your head, as I can attest. Lucky it's a fantastic piece of music.