Legendary Exmoor valley which inspired Lorna Doone bought by National Trust
Bob Cruwys went to see what makes the area so special
A legendary slice of landscape on Exmoor has been bought by the National Trust.
The valley is right in the heart of the area which inspired the classic novel Lorna Doone, written by R.D. Blackmore, which was published in 1869.
According to the National Trust's Visitor Experience Manager April Brand, part of the appeal of the site is that it takes people back to a simpler time.
April says: "It still feels like it did 100 or 200 years ago. The buildings haven't changed that much, the valley hasn't changed."
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There are many landmarks nearby, which lovers of the novel will recognise.
The sale also includes a camp site at Cloud Farm right next to Badgworthy Water, the river which features in Lorna Doone.
The nine acre site, including two farms and a tea room, cost £1.5 million and the deal was completed just before the lockdown. It is likely to be the last acquisition of its kind for a while.
Rob Joules, The National Trust's General Manager for the North Devon Coast says the area gives people a chance to reconnect with nature:
"It's wild, it's raw, it's remote and rugged and that's what we love about the place."