Sourton Quarry Conservation Area

The old quarry near Okehampton has been left to go properly wild, and that's exactly what makes it worth a visit. What you're walking into is a former working site that nature has reclaimed - steep rocky outcrops, scattered birch and pine, and the kind of undergrowth that feels genuinely remote even though you're minutes from town.

It's a short woodland walk rather than a full day's outing, and the quarry walls themselves are the real draw. The exposed rock faces are sharp and dramatic, creating pockets of shade and shelter that feel almost secret. You'll spot lichen on the stones, hear birds properly, and get a real sense of how quickly the land bounces back when you leave it alone.

History buffs will appreciate what this place represents - a scar on the landscape slowly healing itself. It's not a manicured nature reserve; it's rougher and more honest than that. Families with kids who like scrambling around rocks will have a decent hour here, though there's not much else once you've explored the quarry floor and picked your way up the sides.

If you're staying at Wolf Wood Treehouses nearby, this makes a logical morning walk before heading back for lunch. Admission appears to be free, and there are no formal opening hours - it's the kind of place you can slip into whenever suits. Go after rain and the whole thing feels even wilder.