Tagged by "Devon County Council"
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Bagging the Views
(route)
The walk starts from the attractive village of Croyde in North Devon. Although best known as a surfing venue it is also ideally placed to access some superb coastal scenery. This walk features the fine headland of Baggy Point and panoramic views over Woolacombe Sands, Croyde Bay and the sweep of the North Devon coast to Hartland Point. Much of the walk follows the line of the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail.
Fact File
Croyde is served by regular buses from Barnstaple and Braunton (service 308). For up-to-date travel information simply call the Traveline on 0870 608 5531. There is a car park near the Post Office at the village centre, another near the beach and a National Trust car park below Middleborough Hill.
Walk Length: 9km/5.5 miles. Two fairly gentle climbs.
OS Maps Explorer (1:25,000) no 139 Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple
Landranger (1:50,000) no. 180 Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.
Facilities: Croyde (all facilities); Putsborough (toilets and seasonal refreshments); Croyde Bay (refreshments)
The Walk
Start at the road junction by Croyde Post Office. Take the side road, Jones’s Hill, signposted to Croyde Bay and Putsborough. Use the higher path alongside the road to the next junction and continue along the road ahead, Stentaway Lane, signposted to Putsborough.
After a short way the road swings sharply to the right. Continue straight ahead towards Cherry Tree Farm at the no through road sign, then keep on the obvious track ahead.
The first views of the walk open out from here to the left, the high point of Middleborough Hill being especially obvious. (Note that this track can be rather wet after a rainy spell).
Keep to the track as it rises steadily.
Notice the marks of wheels of the carts which would once have used this track, worn into the rock of the surface.
As the track approaches the top of the hill it bears left. Take the narrower path to the right which leaves the track here.
Attractive views over Croyde open up to the right from here.
Cross the stone stile and continue alongside the wall to the right. Bear left to cut off the field corner, then follow along the wall ahead.
A superb view over Putsborough and Woolacombe Sands to Morte Point at the far end soon opens up to the left.
Continue along the top of the field to a lane. Turn left down the lane, then left again towards Putsborough car park.
If you are in need of refreshments continue down the hill to the beach shop (seasonal). There are also toilets here.
Otherwise, turn left at the metal kissing gate and go ahead on this permitted path to the cliff top. This continues ahead to join the official line of the South West Coast Path.
The Coast Path around here is also the line of the Tarka Trail. This Trail follows the journey through North Devon of Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. The book, which evokes superb descriptions of North Devon in the 1920s, was written by Henry Williamson who lived for many years at Georgeham, just inland of Putsborough and Croyde.
Follow the Coast Path along the cliffs, slowly leaving behind the superb views over Putsborough and Woolacombe.
Approaching the headland of Baggy Point, views ahead begin to open out. If the weather is clear, the coast around to Clovelly and Hartland Point will be visible with Lundy on the seaward horizon.
Rounding a corner by a stone wall, bear right to head for a Coastguard climbing mast then follow the path which forks right to a stile. This leads to Baggy Point.
This was a favourite spot of Henry Williamson and it features more than once in Tarka the Otter. An unnamed man who appears in the story at Baggy Point has been said to be a reference to Williamson himself.
Cross the stile and go downhill to the gravel path. Follow this down towards the Point.
Baggy Point is a favourite location of rock climbers and they are frequently seen on the steeply inclined rock slabs ahead or on the sheer cliffs behind.
Continue on the gravel path round to the left and downhill past Baggy Point.
Croyde soon comes into view ahead, the backdrop of the long hill of Saunton Down prominent behind.
The path descends and passes through a gate – notice the memorial stone to Henry Williamson. Continue past the art deco style Baggy House and the remains of the whale bones and on to the surfaced lane. Continue past the National Trust car park.
For the direct route back to the village centre, go on past the entrance to the beach car park and along the lane. At the junction at the end cross over and turn right onto the raised path to return to the Post Office.
Alternatively, follow the path to the beach at the beach car park, then follow the footpath through the dunes to Croyde village.
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Teign Gorge and Special Moor Stones
(route)
The Two Moors Way is Devon's oldest Long Distance Path, apart from the South West Coast Path. It was formally opened in 1976, and now forms the major north-south walking route across the County. As the name suggests, it links Devon's two great moorlands, stretching as it does from Ivybridge on the southern edge of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the north coast of Exmoor. With the recent establishment of a link between Ivybridge and the south coast at Wembury, it also forms the major part of a Devon Coast to Coast walk.
The walk described here offers a variety of options based on the Two Moors Way at the Teign Gorge on the northern edge of Dartmoor. The village of Drewsteignton is the main settlement in the area, and there are bus routes serving the village. However, parking is very limited so if arriving by car it is best to base the walk at Fingle Bridge, where there is ample parking. The walk description starts at Fingle Bridge, with an explanation for "bus walkers" starting at Drewsteignton.
Fact File
Drewsteignton is served by buses to and from Exeter and Newton Abbot daily except Sundays. There are summer Sunday services to Drewsteignton from Okehampton, Widecombe and Newton Abbot. For timetable details contact Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or visit www.traveline.org.uk. Drewsteignton and Fingle Bridge are both signposted from the A30 between Exeter and Okehampton Walk Length:There are two loops to this walk, both based on Drewsteignton; the two combined are 13.25km/8.25 miles. Alternatively, if based at Fingle Bridge, it is possible to walk the southern of the two loops only, a well-known walk circling the Teign Gorge; this is 6.75km/4.25 miles. The northern loop, while less spectacular scenically, has the attraction of a number of carved stones along the route. Quite a bit of this loop uses quiet lanes. The southern loop has no stiles and one climb of 70m/230ft; the northern loop has 2 stiles and three climbs, one of 70m/230ft, one of 40m/130ft and one of 60m/200ft.
Facilities:
Drewsteignton - shop, pub, toilets, buses; Fingle Bridge - pub, car parking.
Go through the kissing gate opposite the Fingle Bridge Inn, signed "Fisherman's Path" and follow this as it rises slightly alongside the River Teign. Fingle Bridge dates from the 16th or 17th Century. As a river crossing point it is even older, joining the two great prehistoric hill forts of Prestonbury Castle and Cranbrook Castle, one on either side of the river.
Keep to the obvious path as it descends gently back to the floor of the valley, the steep wooded sides of the Teign Gorge rising on both sides. The Teign rises from two sources high on Dartmoor and flows around the eastern side of Dartmoor to the sea at Teignmouth. The middle section of its course, including the Teign Gorge, is among Devon's landscape gems. Watch out for dippers in the river, and notice the thick covering of moss and lichen on the rocks and trees, a good sign of clear air.
The path rises and falls, including one particularly sharp climb and descent on stone steps over the base of Sharp Tor, a rocky prominence overlooking the Gorge. Follow the path as far as a prominent footbridge over the Teign, where the Gorge begins to open out.
Turn right here, uphill, on the path signposted to the Hunter's Path.
The walk has now joined the route of the Two Moors Way, on its journey towards Exmoor. Keep climbing on the path, joining a surfaced lane. Where the land on the right opens out, look for a signpost on the right indicating "Hunter's Path", and also notice the MW symbol, sign of the Two Moors Way.
Turn right and back here, along this path and through the gate.
Above and on the left can be seen part of the outline of Castle Drogo. Described as the "last castle to be built in England" it was designed by the famous architect Edwin Lutyens for Julius Drewe, millionaire owner of the Home and Colonial Stores. Drewe thought of himself as the descendant of the medieval landowner Dru, who gave his name to Drewsteignton. Described by English Heritage as to be "regarded as one of the finest 20th Century houses in Great Britain" it is now in the ownership of the National Trust and is well worth visiting.
As the path continues, it offers wide views ahead towards Dartmoor. It then turns sharp left to give a superb vista back along the Teign Gorge. This part of the route, the Hunter's Path, is parallel to but above the outward riverside stretch, the Fisherman's Path, now far below. This is a superb length, dominated by birdsong and the sound of the river far below.
As the path continues, it offers wide views ahead towards Dartmoor. It then turns sharp left to give a superb vista back along the Teign Gorge. This part of the route, the Hunter's Path, is parallel to but above the outward riverside stretch, the Fisherman's Path, now far below. This is a superb length, dominated by birdsong and the sound of the river far below.
For those who wish to visit Castle Drogo, look out for signposts to the left for access paths. The second of these is at the top of Sharp Tor, a superb lookout spot. Looking back, the outline of Castle Drogo is clear above the Gorge. Behind, the farmland leads up to the high moorland beyond with the village of Chagford seen to the left.
Continue along the Hunter's Path to a third path off to the left. This one, signed to Drewsteignton and with the MW symbol, is the route of the Two Moors Way and the way of our walk to Drewsteignton and the northern loop.
Turn left here, signed to Drewsteignton and with the MW symbol, to Drewsteignton and the northern loop.
Those wishing to return direct to Fingle Bridge should continue along the Hunter's Path, bearing right at the fork half-way back. Turn right at the road at the bottom to return to the bridge. To continue on the northern loop take this side path, go through the gate ahead and keep on next to the hedge.
Very soon the village of Drewsteignton appears ahead. On the far horizon and to the right, if it is very clear, may be seen the outline of Exmoor, destination of the Two Moors Way. However, the high land here above the Teign Gorge is called Piddledown Common, and this is often an appropriate name. In that case, long views may be limited.
Continue ahead to descend steeply into a wooded area beside a stream, continuing to follow the Two Moors Way at a junction of paths.
Near the path in the bottom of the valley is a sculpture by the internationally renowned local artist, Peter Randall-Page. This carved local stone is one of a number commissioned by the charity Common Ground to be placed by public paths in the area.
From the junction of paths follow the Two Moors Way to the lane at the top. At the top on the left is another, very different, carved stone. This one commemorates the opening of the Two Moors Way in 1976, one of four along the Way erected at that time.
Turn right along the lane, into the attractive village of Drewsteignton.
Drewsteignton is very picturesque, and the unusually early 16th and 17th Century cottages around the village square, together with the 17th Century Drewe Arms and the church all go to make up an exceptionally scenic location.
Follow the main Exeter road through the village, past the square, and on steeply downhill.
At the fork at the bottom where the Exeter road bears right, keep ahead and left. At the bend in this lane follow the track ahead, over the stream then keep to the right of the house and cross another stream.
The house here is Veet (or Vete) Mill, a 17th Century farmhouse, although it may have a much earlier origin. You may well see more sculptures by Peter Randall-Page around here, in the gardens and adjacent to the path.
Follow the path up a secret little valley. As the path rises, notice yet another carved stone on the left. Another work by Peter Randall-Page, this one was erected in 2004 to commemorate the life and work of Joe Turner, founder of the Two Moors Way. The design is based on "natural geometry" and is on one face of half of a boulder - the other half with a mirror image design is at the southern edge of Exmoor.
Pass through the farmyard, then bear left at the concrete track and climb to a road. There is a panoramic view from here back over Drewsteignton to the Teign Gorge beyond.
Turn left at the road. The walk now leaves the Two Moors Way, which continues ahead over the A30.
Turn right immediately before the A30, along the lane signed to Bowden.
Turn right (signed Crockernwell and Drewsteignton) and at the next junction go straight across the more major road.
Almost immediately afterwards turn right, signposted to Higher Fingle. This descends quite steeply back to Veet Mill, giving more good views of Drewsteignton and the outline of the Teign Gorge.
From Veet retrace outward steps along the Two Moors Way up the lane to Drewsteignton, through the village, past the 1976 stone and down to the valley bottom.
Follow the road towards Castle Drogo and turn left down the public bridleway at the Two Moors Way stone.
At the valley bottom do not follow the Two Moors Way but take the public bridleway on the left, next to the stream (look out for the carved stone here near this path).
Where the track forks keep left, signed to Fingle Bridge. This track follows an attractive stream valley, eventually emerging at a lane.
Turn right to return to Fingle Bridge.
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Braunton Great Field
(route)
Steve Church has devised a hike that starts and finishes in the county’s largest village – Braunton, taking in three imposing landscape features the Great Field, the Marsh and Burrows. It is Steve’s favourite Devon walk.
Fact File:
Walk Length: 7miles/11km The walk is completely flat with no gradients and has five stiles, mostly quite low ones. Note that one short length can be very wet after heavy rain. Please remember when walking through rough vegetation in early summer where deer and sheep may have been grazing to wear close-weave long trousers and long sleeved shirts to avoid being bitten by ticks which can cause Lyme disease.
Facilities:
Braunton has all facilities – there are none on the walk other than car parks.
For information pick up the free leaflet Discover Devon – Walking from local Tourist Information Centres or visit the website www.discoverdevon.com
Start at the Museum and Tourist Information Centre in Braunton, at the entrance to the main car park in Caen Street. Go to the road and turn left.
Almost immediately the road crosses the River Caen. Turn left into Caen Field, immediately after the river.
On reaching the little stone bridge over the river continue ahead for a short way, then turn right along a footpath.
Just before the path is Hordens Mill.
At the end of the path (Mill Stile) turn left and then, just beyond the Sea Scouts hut, there is a kissinggate on the right. Go through and on ahead alongside the cricket field to a stile. Cross this and turn right, now along the edge of the Great Field.
The Great Field is one of only three such communal open fields left in the country, although it is now worked by only a handful of farmers.
Keep ahead next to the Great Field then, at Second Field Lane, turn left onto a public bridleway on a track across the field. Keep ahead on the main track across the field.
Eventually, as the track leaves the field, it becomes hedged and then arrives at a surfaced lane. Continue ahead on this lane.
Having left the Great Field this lane now passes over part of Braunton Marsh, which was extensively drained during 1811-15 by the building of the Great Sea Bank, part of which will be seen later.
The lane crosses a marsh drainage channel and then passes one of the marsh barns, known as linhays.
The straight length of lane arrives at a junction.
Turn left here and follow this lane past a car park and on ahead past the No Unauthorised Vehicles sign.
Go on to a track. Here the line of the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail is picked up. The South West Coast Path, together with its accompanying Tarka Trail, follows a line behind the dunes of Braunton Burrows here.
Biosphere
However, most Coast Path walkers probably walk the length of Saunton Sands on the far side of the dunes, unless the tide is really high, then pick up the official path near Crow Point, which is ahead. Keep on the track as it continues alongside the edge of Braunton Burrows.
The Burrows forms one of the largest areas of sand dunes in England, designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002 for its environmental and scientific importance.
Keep following the track to its end, where it broadens out into an open area. There is a boardwalk entering this area from the right.
Leave the track here, turning left along the obvious path. This leads to a car parking area.
Follow the access track ahead towards the obvious white house. Turn right along the path just before the house then turn left onto the embankment.
The White House is a prominent landmark on the Taw estuary. It was earlier the Ferry House, the slipway alongside being the site of the old ferry to Appledore.
The walk now continues on the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. Follow the embankment ahead. The embankment path bears to the left, away from the main estuary.
Keep ahead, and the embankment is joined by a road. The path soon passes the Toll House, used to collect tolls on the private road to the White House.
A little further on the path leads to Velator Quay. This was Braunton's main quay, although it is a little way out of the village, since the river becomes too small for boats of any size beyond here.
Keep ahead on the path past the quay on the grassy embankment next to the river, joining the road at Velator Bridge.
Cross the bridge and follow the road to the roundabout.
Turn left then bear right along the footpath and cycleway towards Braunton. This is the line of the old railway between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, built in 1874. It was closed in 1970.
At the gate at the end bear right then at the railway signal go immediately left. Walk left over the old railway lines then right, next to the river, to arrive next to the main car park and the starting point in Braunton.
