Black weathered beams, stone floors and cosy corners – and a big welcoming bar brimming with local ales on tap. Muddy’s go-to after taking in the breathtaking cliffside stomp which leads up from Lynmouth to the trig point on Countisbury Hill. And what walk isn’t made 100% better by a pitstop at an old-worlde, open all-day pub? A historic, welcoming one where you can toast your cold tootsies by the fire or relax in the sunshine with views of rolling North Devon hills.

You won’t go hungry, as food is served practically all day, from 8am. All the bases are covered, from a hearty English breakfast or overnight oats, to a slap-up lunch, right through to a tasty fish and chip supper. Wednesdays is their Pie & a Pint for £14 night, or come with a mate and enjoy two top-notch courses for £25, Monday through Friday (12-6.30pm). If you’re lucky, a local band will be playing, all adding to the congeniality.

Should you fancy a stopover to explore the area’s unspoilt locale – and explore you should – their boutique range of dog-friendly en suite double and kingsize rooms come in at under £100 per night in low season. You’ll wake up to oodles of options, at all times of year. Don’t miss the unforgettable walk through the ancient oak forest which takes you riverside, back down to Lynmouth past Watersmeet and the pretty National Trust tearoom. In late winter, snowdrop valley is just a 15 minute drive over the border in Somerset, while in summer, Lynmouth is a family crowd-pleaser. Browse the quaint little shops, go swimming off the shingle beach at Blacklands or take a trip up to Lynton on one of few remaining water-powered funicular railways in the world.

Back to the Blueball for supper and a nightcap, and repeat! Staycay sorted.