With Devon’s two highest points, High Willhays and Yes Tor, accessible after a short drive and reasonable length walk, and horse riding, fishing and cycling opportunities aplenty, it’s easy to understand why so many people consider Okehampton such a great base from which to explore the area, in the process enjoying an active holiday.  Okehampton itself is an old market town, and still offers plenty of shopping opportunities for those that prefer a more sedate experience, and the impressive Museum of Dartmoor Life helps make more sense of the thousands of years of life and industry that have taken place on the nearby hills.  Just a few miles to the southwest of the town is Lydford Gorge, where the River Lyd suddenly narrows to form a mile and a half long gorge that is one of Dartmoor’s most spectacular natural features.  There’s a circular walk of the gorge that can be enjoyed by visitors, although reasonable footwear should be worn.  There is a good number of walks that can be done from the town itself, including the lovely wooded walks that run alongside the West Okement River.