|
Add to Bookmarks
Country
Ways
The Holiday
Cottages
The
Warren
The Cuckoo's Nest
Orchard Cottage
The Stables
The Den
The Dray
The
Facilities
Gym & Fitness Room
Woodland
Walks
Play
Area
Games
Room
Gardens
The Farm
North Devon
Location Map
Self Catering
Rates
Peak Weeks
Summer Off
Peak
Winter Off Peak
Special Offers
Booking Form
Conditions of Booking
Availability
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Click
here if we are fully booked
Special
Offers
Short Breaks
Hiring Whole
Complex
Dogs
Local Information
North
Devon
Exmoor
Local Towns
North Devon Beaches
Golf Clubs
Riding in North Devon
Cycling in North Devon
Other Activities
Places of Interest
All Weather Interest
North Devon Museums
Arts and Crafts
North Devon Pottery
North Devon Produce
Family Attractions
North Devon Gardens
North Devon Pubs
Dartmoor
Local weather
The Links Pages
|
Enjoy North Devon's wonderful
countryside
This region of the west country has some excellent long distance
walks - The Tarka Trail - South West Coast Path - Two Moors Way
- Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk. Send for the Devon County Council
Leaflet - Now You're Really Walking - from Devon Tourist Information
Service, PO box 55, Barnstaple, EX32 8YR.
Combe Walks
offers easy to follow and accurate self-guided walks around North
Devon, Exmoor and Tarka Country. We also provide tailor-made supported
self-guided walking holidays along the South West Coast Path and
on Exmoor.
| Great
Torrington - Torridge Valley Circuit
About 4.5 miles. A mixture of green
paths and lanes, with a look at the Tarka Trail
Park at the Old Bowling Green on the Bideford
Road out of Torrington. Take a green path above the A386 downhill
to join the road near the Puffing Billy, the former Torrington
Station.
Cross with CARE and continue opposite for about a quarter-mile.
At the Frithelstock (Rakeham) junction turn left uphill.
Just beyond the Monkleigh turning take the bridleway on the
left, soon entering woodland and descending to Tucking Mill
Cottage.
Here take a footpath sharply on the left via
a gate to a wooden footbridge. A gate leads to the newly established
Tarka Trail (cycling and walking) and a second gate - the former
North Devon Light Railway.
Continue straight ahead up a green lane to
pass Servis Farm - it can be muddy here between cattle barns.
You soon reach an improving metalled lane terracing above the
River Torridge and descending to Taddiport to meet the B3227.
Cross the river heading uphill on the left past disused factory
buildings. Reaching Common land take the footpath on the left
(opposite Ferndale), soon joined by a wider track. Descend to
the bed of the former canal - the Rolle Road. Turn right and
walk on the high lefthand bank. At the iron bridge take steep
brick steps on the right and continue uphill bearing right to
a tarmac pathway. You can see the Tarka Trail crossing the river
at the iron bridge and heading away towards Bideford. The pathway
eventually meets the B3227. Continue straight across, turn left
by the wall and head for the car park above.
Cross the A386 with CARE - there are refreshments
and facilities close at hand. This is an ideal family walk -
there are facilities of all sorts at the car park, including
a children's play area. The lower car park is set aside for
dog owners - and dogs! And the whole area is 'common land' for
all to enjoy. |
| Chittlehamholt
About 5.5 miles. A quiet walk along
old tracks above the Taw Valley.
Chittlehamholt lies between Umberleigh and
Kings Nympton, north of the A377. You can park at the village
hall and from here walk past the Exeter Inn and take a footpath
on the left straight ahead, alongside fields and golf course.
At the lane turn right, bearing right at the next road junction
(Tarka Line rail links). At Drake's Cross take the T-junction
to Spycott (half a mile). There are excellent views of the
meandering River Taw from this well sheltered lane. Pass the
entrance to Chapple's, continuing right at Spycott (thatched)
- the old track now leads downhill. At the woods ahead take
the righthand footpath steeply down the woodland - protected
by the Forestry Commission. Descend two flights of steps to
a bridge and make uphill on the obvious track, climbing with
the hedge to your left. Go up several field edges and, at
a collection of gates, take the lefthand and continue with
the hedge now on your right. Soon meet the lane where you
turn left. Continue, to take a footpath to the right where
it crosses the lane. Follow the hedge (it is well signed)
directly ahead then cross a field making for Warkleigh church
tower. Turn right down the stone wall, past two large oaks,
making for a hunting gate. Turn right and stay in Pool Lane
for some time, passing Pool access drive. This charming green
lane is firm underfoot and secluded. Pass Lambpark Copse and
wind towards Oldridge Wood. At Shortridge Wood re-enter Forest
Enterprise woodland. The path drops to a prominent forest
trail. Continue ahead on this main track, leaving the woods
to reach the county road. Turn right and you are (almost)
at the Exeter Inn. These paths are excellently parked and
maintained under the County P3 scheme. |
| Bishops
Nympton And Mariansleigh Circular
4 miles. A hilly farmland walk crossing
many streams and with expansive views across the Mole Valley.
After parking in the village, take the road
running due west.
After half a mile at a sharp right hand bend
join a track downhill to the left. Cross the farm drive and
make diagonally over a large meadow to find a footbridge in
the corner. Cross the 'Crooked Oak' stream. Pass a stone barn,
following the tree-lined bank, to a gate. Here join Moorhouse
Lane, a sheltered track climbing steeply for nearly a mile.
Restful views from gateways give aspects
across Bishops Nympton and South Molton and to Exmoor beyond.
At the road turn right into Mariansleigh, passing the church.
Shortly take a footpath on the right, follow the fence downhill
and, where it turns right, make for the bottom left corner
below. Go through a gate, follow the hedge to a second gate
and cross the marshy meadow to a footbridge. Go left of farm
buildings (Lower Radley) to the track. Turn left and soon
bend sharply right for West and East Radley. Take a footpath
on the right, through East Radley yard, passing the duck pond.
Cross a stile, continue left of the hedge to another, then
cross to a gate and continue ahead, left of a derelict building,
aiming just left of the farm ahead (Westwood). There is a
stile by some barns, a further gate and stile. Now cross the
farm drive and another stile, making for yet more barns ahead
(Eastwood). Soon meet a third footbridge and ladder stile
leading to the meadow above. Take a gate, a second on the
left and cross a short meadow to a stile, a final footbridge
-and then climb uphill on a good track with the stony bank
and woodland to your left. Follow this field edge all the
way to the lane above, arriving at a gate at the head of Moorhouse
Lane. Turn left for a short return to Bishops Nympton.
|
| Barnstaple
- A Country Walk From The Town
About 6 miles. Farmland and an estuary
walk on the Tarka Trail
Leave your vehicle in one of the car parks
near the Civic Centre. Walk initially up the A39 (Lynton direction)
on the left. Shortly take a road bending back and rising (Higher
Raleigh). As it descends towards the church take an even sharper
narrowing bend back to the right (Littabourne). Continue to
the brow and just past on the left is Northfield Lane. This
leads quite soon to your footpath on the right, between housing
and continuing to a field, down to a wooden bridge where you
cross to Anchor Mill. You are quickly clear of the town! Turn
left onto the mill lane, following the leat on the left, to
rise and meet the road at Bradiford. Turn right uphill (CARE!)
to the brow. A little further is a footpath on the left across
the green in front of houses and to a stile. Cross the field
straight ahead to a second field. At the far lower corner
(damp) negotiate the stream. Bear right, up the field, to
a fence. Then take a new line, behind the buildings. Stay
on this line for several fields making for Ashford. You meet
a track, lane and at the county road turn right going steeply
uphill to the church.
Here bear left up the road (Heanton and Marwood).
At the 'T' junction bear left again (Heanton and Braunton).
Just beyond the housing take a stile on the left and bear
right, across the middle of the field making for the stile
central in the far hedge - just below the house. Cross a further
field to the corner where the house fence meets the lane.
Here there is a stile and gate. Turn left downhill passing
West Ashford Barton. Cross the A361 (ENORMOUS CARE!) and go
right to a former rail bridge. Cross and descend steps to
the Tarka Trail - the bed of the former Barnstaple to Ilfracombe
line. This leads to Barnstaple and the Riverside Walk near
the Civic Centre. There are extraordinary panoramic views
across the estuary and burrows - and towards Barnstaple. At
low tide or sunset it is a memorable walk - a rich haven for
bird-watchers. |
| Lapford
About 3.5 miles This rail and river
route is over farmland with views of Lapford across the River
Yeo.
Park above the church and walk downhill to
take an old lane on the left at Court Barton (footpath sign
on wall). Go right at a 'Y' split and as the lane swings right
cross a stile. Follow downhill by the hedge, cross the brook
at a wooden bridge and continue under the railway. Now cross
leftwards to a second, metal bridge spanning the Yeo. Make
for a stile at the A377 and CROSS WITH CARE! From the stile
opposite climb leftwards up a wide grass track to meet the
lane. Turn right passing Bury Barton with its thatched 15th
century barn (once a chapel). At Kelland Cross turn right
and shortly take a footpath on the left. This soon turns sharply
uphill at a second field to reach the lane. Turn right for
Nymet Rowland. As the road levels there are views of four
church towers - Coldridge, Nymet, Lapford and, more distantly,
Morchard Bishop. Pass a right junction and at the top of the
hill where the road veers left take a farm track on the right,
through Parsonage Farmyard and into the field behind. Follow
the track with the hedge on your right. Go through a wooden
gate - the hedge now to the left - heading for Lapford church.
Road, rail and river are all visible below. Meet a further
gate and bear right, downhill. Cross a stile at a damp woodland
corner and make diagonally uphill towards the far left hand
corner where there is a gate and stile. Turn right and walk
along the railway to a further stile. Cross the bridge, turn
right and join the road (A377).
Now turn left, crossing the river and soon
take the fenced footpath on the right for Lapford. At the
road go ahead uphill, soon to pass Court Barton and reach
the church and car park. |
| Morchard
Bishop
About 3 miles. A circular farmland
walk on the Two Moors Way with views over Dartmoor.
Find a parking spot near the village cross
and take a footpath almost opposite the London Inn, signed
Two Moors Way. Go ahead ignoring a branching path to the right
and continue following Two Moors Way signs for some time (until
Weeke Barton). Head across fields and stiles and past barns
to reach a downhill track. This improves, becoming a wide
green way, turning left at a gate and on to further stiles.
Cross a stream - a boggy area here - and turn right across
the fields, remaining fixedly on The Two Moors Way (very well
signed). Reach a protected hedged path leading past substantial
cottages at Woodgate to become a drive, reaching the county
road at Weeke Barton. Here leave The Two
Moors Way and turn left up the lane past
Middle Weeke. For a shorter walk take the returning path to
Morchard Bishop near the crest of the hill, opposite Ridgeway.
Continue to the next junction - Jane Ways Grave Cross. At
this corner there are fine views across Dartmoor - high moorland
south of Okehampton is to the right and the double hump of
Haytor is easily identified to the south. Make for Oldborough,
turn left at the cross and shortly take the footpath on the
right straight across the field to a gateway. Cross a second
field and reach a stile and wooden bridge at Oldborough Brook.
Climb the hillside following the hedge, go left of the barns
at Watcombe, take a stile in the corner to the left and turn
down the field towards Morchard Bishop along the hedge side.
Cross two fields on this line, re-cross the Brook - very muddy
hereabouts and continue up a farm track passing right of Lowertown
to meet the road. Cross to the churchyard, circuit the church
to leave opposite the school. Here turn left and soon you
reach the junction just right of the London Inn. |
| Chawleigh
Village
About 2.7 miles. Footpaths and quiet
lanes. Easy under foot.
Start at the Earl of Portsmouth Inn in the
village and walk towards Chulmleigh, taking the right hand
fork at the 'Y' junction (Hollow Tree Cross). After about
a quarter-mile take a track into fields on the left and continue
on the right hand field edge to the road - in fine weather
there are clear views of Exmoor to the North. Cross to take
a path to the right of the bungalow opposite and continue
straight down the hedge-line -now with splendid views across
Dartmoor in clear weather. Bear left to the valley and a stile,
and make your way round the ponds by two bridges (CARE NEEDED).
Continue up the field with a ditch to your right, to a gate.
Now make for a grove of mature trees with a metal shed alongside.
Go through the trees, passing the shed, towards two metal
gates to the left, ahead. Take the right hand gate and ahead
is a stile, quite close at hand, in the top field. This leads
to the lane. Turn left and shortly
reach Southcott Cross. You are now on the Ridge and Valley
Walk. This leads you gently to the Tiverton road where you
must turn left for Chawleigh village. The Ridge and Valley
Walk links the two major linear trails, The Tarka Trail at
Eggesford with The Two Moors Way at Witheridge. It follows
much of the Little Dart River for about 11 miles. Fuller details
of Chawleigh Walks are in the Mid-Devon District Council leaflet,
Country Walks No.9. |
| Baggy
Point
This short 3 mile exhilarating walk
to Baggy Point is a steep climb but rewarded with amazing
seascapes.
Park at Croyde Bay National Trust park for
Baggy Point. Take the stile from the car park uphill across
the field to the open hillside. Struggle to the very top -there
is a seat. Continue over the brow and descend to a farm track.
Here, at a gate, turn left along the track, through a further
gate and soon take a short scramble to the right through gorse
to the lower path. Turn right, crossing a marshy corner and
near the sign 'National Trust - Baggy Point' branch right,
ever uphill! There are more seats at intervals. The path soon
becomes a wide track with a good wall on the right. At the
top you meet a gate and Coast Path sign. Go right and walk
up to the coastguard signal post on the cliffs.
Wander as far as you wish along this northern
side of the Point. Returning from the signal post go down
through a fenced area towards the rocky outcrop at the Point.
Here are warnings of possible HAZARDS.
Again, give time for spiritual - and physical
- revival. You may well see kittiwakes, gannets, shearwaters
- or a seal basking below. An endless coastline stretches
south westwards past Croyde to the Taw-Torridge estuary and
on to Hartland. To the north projects Morte Point. And ahead
lies gloomy Lundy. Descend carefully to the level path heading
back to Croyde. It is firm and friendly giving good opportunity
for binocular and camera activity. At the fork you met earlier
go ahead along the shoreline. The path becomes a private road,
then joins the lane just above the car park. |
The Lyn Gorge
About 5 miles. A classic walk offering
spectacular river scenery and a glimpse of the sea.
Park at Hillsford Bridge on the A39 a few
miles south of Lynmouth. From the car park cross the road
and turn uphill to the left. Take the path straight ahead
on the corner, soon leaving road and river below to your right.
This climbs past an old settlement and winds above the river
-at every corner giving expansive views across the gorge.
There is one excellent viewpoint from a stone seat. You are
in Myrtlebury Cleave looking across 1,000 acres of National
Trust estate -and the path is the last few miles of The Two
Moors Way, which links Ivybridge with Lynmouth. After about
two miles the path swings south. Follow signs for Lynbridge
and Lynton. Eventually a zigzag path descends to the West
Lyn, to cross at Lynbridge. Turn right and shortly take a
narrow lane on the left towards the Youth Hostel and on into
Lynton. Now make your way down to Lynmouth -by road, steps
or the unusual funicular railway, gravity and water powered!
At Lynmouth go through the gardens by the river bridge and
take the left bank of the river, passing cottages and continuing
below Wester Woods upstream. There are many bridges and paths
on both sides for much of the way. However, only the left
bank will lead you eventually to Watersmeet where there is
a 19th century fishing lodge, a National Trust property. At
Watersmeet the Hoar Oak Water meets the East Lyn. You must
follow the right hand river, the Hoar Oak water -there are
waterfalls and many rocky scrambles giving good views. The
path winds through woodland, left of the river: Hillsford
Bridge is a short mile upstream. |
| Ilfracombe
And Watermouth Cove
About 7.5 miles. An invigorating, hilly walk, passing
an 11th century manor house and a 19th century castle
Park at Larkstone, the Hele end of Ilfracombe
and return to the main road. Cross and bear left behind the
Old Thatched Inn. Proceed steeply up Chambercombe Road, signed
'Chambercombe Manor'. Continue at the crest onto a bridleway
(Trayne) Leading to Chambercombe. Continue behind the manor
to Comyn Farm and stables. Enter the yard, taking the gate
slightly left to a junction of tracks (CARE). Take the track
between the stream and high bank of trees, following gently
uphill. Soon take a gate (left) and climb over fields to Lower
Trayne. Leave the farm by a metalled drive to reach the road
at Slew Hill - a breezy spot at 203 metres. Cross a stone
stile, taking the footpath ahead towards the bottom right
hand corner at another stile. Continue above the woodland,
dropping to cross a small bridge. Turn left at the foot of
new plantation and along the hedge-line to reach a short track
leading to the road at Lower Rows - in the flower-laden, sheltered
Sterridge Valley. Follow the valley (left) to Berrynarbor
village. Here climb right of the church up Barton Lane to
the A399. Cross (WITH CARE!), joining the Coast Path ahead.
Soon turn left at Sandy Cove Hotel onto the Old Coast Road.
NB: There are a few strenuous sections to come - and also
regular bus services near at hand from Berrynarbor to Hele
Bay. Follow White Acorn signs from now on (Coast Path). Soon
leave the Old Coast Road at a stile, into Big Meadow and hug
the cliff-edge to the road. There are magnificent views of
the Watermouth Castle and complex ahead. A narrow roadside
path leads to the harbour. At low tide cross the foreshore
to steps and a footpath sign. (otherwise stay on the road
for 30 yards, to a stile). After woodland the path heads seawards
for Widmouth Head climbing steeply to the road. Stay on the
right (path, then pavement) to Hele where there follows a
final zigzag assault of Hillsborough. There are amazing views
ahead, then an easy descent to Larkstone. |
| Hunter's
Inn to Woody Bay
From Hunter's Inn start on the path to Heddon's
Mouth. Take the first turning signposted Woody Bay through
the woods on the wide track and out onto the cliffs. A sign
indicates a small track up to Martinhoe fortlet. This fortlet
was discovered during excavations in 1960 when a small Roman
military post was revealed with two timber barracks, a workshop,
a store, field ovens and a forge. The coins and pottery found
indicated that the fortlet was built and occupied during the
reign of Emperor Nero to keep watch on the Silure, a warlike
tribe on the opposite South Wales coast. The coastal path
emerges onto the road above Woody Bay car park. Follow the
road signposted to beach and Martinhoe Manor. Some way down
the 'return' lower footpath strikes left into the woodland
and runs back to Heddon's Mouth. Before returning you can
continue on down to Woody Bay beach - there is a lime kiln
but it is another three quarters of a mile and the walk back
up is hard going. At low tide the beach is exposed with some
sand but at high tide the beach disappears so be careful not
to get cut off. Along this walk through the Heddon Valley
various birds can be spotted - green and lesser spotted woodpecker,
treecreeper, pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler and whitethroat.
|
| Hunter's
Inn to Heddon's Mouth
This walk goes through the beautiful and ancient valley
down to Heddon's Mouth.
The start and the end of the walk is by the
old Hunter's Inn - originally an old Devon Longhouse, but
replaced in 1901 by this Victorian lodge - an ideal spot to
stop and enjoy the stunning scenery and enjoy some of the
pub's fayre. On arriving in the heavily wooded valley choose
the path beside Hunter's Inn and follow this along the water
meadows and the river. This is a beautiful valley at whatever
time of year - the sessile oak woods giving way to ice-age
old scree hillsides. The path having crossed the river eventually
winds to Heddon's Mouth beach. Here stands a lime kiln built
in the 19th century when limestone was brought along by boat
to be burned in kilns such as these. The lime from the limestone
was spread onto fields to sweeten the local acid soil. This
kiln was restored in 1982 and makes a stunning addition to
the already impressive scenery.
The return journey can either be repeated
or take the path on the the other side of the river. Heddon
Valley is a very good butterfly site.
Various types of the fritillary species is
evident attracted by the bracken and violets growing there.
|
| The
Hangman Hills
At just over five miles this This walk starts in the
Lime Kiln car park in Combe Martin, next to the beach.
Follow through the car park and along the
coastal path to Lester Cliff. Here there is a wooden shelter
and from here on there are National Trust path signs to follow.
From this shelter there are views of Combe Martin.
Follow the path up this steep slope past
the pathway to Wild Pear beach (inaccessible for the present).
There is now a stiff climb up Little Hangman (716 feet). From
Little Hangman either turn back towards West Challacombe Manor
and down into the village via Shute Lane or continue along
the coastal path along the Rawns to Great Hangman. Great Hangman
stands at an impressive 1,043 ft above sea level and is an
enormous sandstone cliff. It is the highest cliff in Southern
England and is the best example of a hog's back cliff where
the steep upper slopes give way to vertical cliffs, sometimes
undercut by the sea. These sea cliffs are home to many rare
species including the peregrine falcon and the blackneck moth.
The coastline is also one of only two areas in North Devon
with colonies of razorbill, guillemot and kittiwake.
|
| Bratton
Fleming
About 2 miles. A quiet country walk along Bratton Fleming
byways, with one steep section.
Park opposite the church at Bratton Fleming
and walk up the street to take Beara lane at the Baptist Chapel.
Continue to the end of this beautifully sheltered lane, banked
with wild flowers. Go left of the farm, via a gate and stile
and downhill, right of the hedge. Soon veer diagonally right,
in line with a distant aerial mast. Meet a double stile with
stone steps and a handsome grassy track bearing right, downhill.
Drop to a metal gate, stepping stones and steps up into the
meadow. Stay right of the hedge to a metal field gate and
continue uphill, now left of the hedge. Soon leave the hedge,
cutting diagonally towards a wooden five-barred gate by a
telegraph post. Follow the field edge (and posts) to the bottom
corner and a small hunting gate and wooden bridge over the
stream. Continue up the meadow to a stile and gate into the
lane, between a newish barn conversion and derelict barn,
at Knightacott. Turn right and, at the triangle (Knightacott
roundabout!) go left for Narracott. Stay on the lane, passing
Narracott and the access to Rye Park. As you descend take
a ladder stile on the right, cutting the field corner. Then
continue to your right, downhill. The lane is sheltered, quiet,
and the valley stream is charmingly wooded. There remains
a steep climb, passing Holywell and leaving the woodland.
sign ahead heralds the village -you are soon in Bratton Fleming.
|
Beaford
Farmland
About 5 miles. A hilly, dry-weather
walk mixing fields, lanes and woodland.
Beaford lies on the B3220 a few miles south
east of Great Torrington. Park at the village hall beyond
the Beaford Centre. Take the bridleway opposite and footpath
on the left, leading to a stile opposite. Continue with the
hedge about 20 metres to the right, parallel with the road,
making for a farm ahead. Go right of the farm to a lane, turn
right and at the B3220 take the stile almost opposite for
Trigger's Hill. Descend the lane to the bridge -the Beaford
Brook here is one of many heading for the Torridge. Climb
to Middle Barlington, descend steeply to a junction and bear
right taking the bridleway on the left into woodland at a
wooden bridge and ford. Take the main track and soon, as it
swings right and splits, take the right fork to a wooden gate.
Now join a wide forestry track nearby. Follow gently uphill
through Combe (Great) Wood. At the top edge of woodland bear
right, continuing to the lane. Turn right, descending through
woodland to the Mill corner with the Woolleigh Brook below
to your left. Retrace your steps to Middle Barlington and
take a footpath on the left. Cross towards barns and continue
up a track. At the top go through thegateway on the right
steeply downhill alongside the hedge. Cross the brook (fordable!)
to a stile and wooden gate. Climb ahead, bearing towards the
right. Meet a farm track and, where it veers left, take a
gate and go downhill to the river bridge below. Cross and
take a path on the left which leads uphill to the village.
It is well-sheltered and emerges just to the right of a convenient
inn -and deserved refreshment! |
| Winsford
About 6 miles. Visiting a picturesque village by way
of green lanes and moorland tracks,
You can park near the village hall and take
the lane uphill past the Royal Oak, turning left up a narrow
lane signed 'Dulverton' - Yellowcombe Lane. This winds down
to a stream and single cottage. Cross at a gate and scramble
up opposite to the forestry track. Bear right gently uphill
through woodland. Leave by a gate ('Winsford 11/2 miles')
and turn right along a wire fence. Pass through two gates
to a second sign (Winsford 2 miles!). You may well see the
Exmoor pony herd on Winsford Hill. Leave the track here, bearing
right just above a line of beech trees and a ditch. Stay on
this line which soon becomes a hedge wall. You will soon see
a small stone hut containing the Caratacus Stone - an ancient
boundary marker. Continue ahead to a triangular road sign.
Turn right down the lane to a cattle grid on a sharp right
hand corner. Now take a wide green track on the left, back
over the moor (Winsford Estate) and follow the hedge on your
right, passing a quarry crater and then heading for trees
ahead. Follow above the tree line, bearing left. Soon an expansive
open combe appears ahead - The Punchbowl. Your path follows
right around the headland of this steep-sided bowl. On the
far side descend to Withycombe Farm below.
Cross the Winn Brook and bear right behind
the farm up the farm drive, then into meadows on the right
just above the stream. Continue on this line eventually to
a narrow path heading for the road. Turn right and stroll
gently into Winsford past the distinctive Norman church. There
is much of interest, including seven bridges and an ancient
thatched inn. |
| The
Barle Valley
About 7 miles. A high and low level route in the heart
of Exmoor
At Simonsbath there is parking at Ashcombe
car park. At the road go downhill, taking a gate opposite
the Exmoor Hotel and join the bridleway (Landacre via Picked
Stones. Climb the woods at Birchcleave, bearing left on leaving
the woodland and continue to follow BLUE bridleway signs.
The walk is very clearly signed throughout by Exmoor Park.
Take a gate on the right, follow up the field through two
further gates, across the middle of a field to a gateway and
straight ahead past a small metal shed, with the hedgebank
on your left. Another gate leads to barns where a farm drive
runs in to Winstitchen. Continue following the hedge line
ahead, passing another sign (Bridleway - Landacre via Picked
Stones). Go through several fields always with the hedge or
fence to your left, soon descending to a stream and some quarry
ruins. Cross over and follow a good track to Picked Stones
Farm. There are widening views of the Barle Valley and Cow
Castle (Iron Age fort) to the right. Pass right of the farm,
out by the drive and take a gate on the right, across the
field and to open moorland. After about three-quarters of
a mile a track runs in from the right at a signpost (Landacre/Simonsbath
via Cow Castle). Here turn back to the right, descending to
the Barle. The track passes forestry and a bridge at Horsen
Ford, following the right river bank with one or two short
cuts, all the way to Simonsbath. Go right, behind Cow Castle.
There are some rocky corners to negotiate. After Wheal Eliza
(site of 19th century mineral mines) there is a good gully
track in dry weather - or higher alternative. You are soon
at the Barle bridge in Simonsbath. |
Click Here for more walks in Devon
|
