Synopsis: A walk that included some fine views out towards Dartmoor. It was interesting to see the old ruined cotton mill of North Tawton. Did Ted Hughes and Sylvia Platt really live here?
This walk started from the old mill town of North Tawton. I noticed the place on setting out to Morchard Bishop for my walk of two weeks previous. It is a very pretty place having a nice little central square (triangle) with town hall and village shop.
The mill, North TawtonMy sister-in-law Christine had mentioned the night previous that her grandfather had once worked in the mill at North Tawton. I looked the place up on the internet and found that it ceased working in 1930. I checked out on the map where it would have been and made a mental note to search out the location. I thought the place would have little left to show of the old mill, but was pleasantly surprised. There it stands, if not in all it’s glory, seemingly pretty much in one piece. It may be derelict today, but it still echoes of a time when it would once have throbbed with industry.
The village of North Tawton seems to be coming alive as I walk through it. I noticed a really quaint old pub named the Copper Key that might be worth checking out at some later time. The village isn’t simply a picture book village, as there are obvious signs of industry about the place. It seems to have struck a fine balance between the rustic and the functional. Unfortunately the church was locked up, so I could only gaze upon it, and it’s lovely setting, from it’s surroundings. It is known for having a rather unusual shaped roof to its tower.
Some final thoughts on North Tawton before I tell the story of the rest of my day. Apparently Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath once made this place their home. Such a remote and rural location seems an unlikely place to have once come across such literary giants as these two people. If you’re interested to know more, I recommend you read the Bell Jar. Or if that’s not to your taste, try the film with Daniel Craig (yes, James Bond) playing Ted Hughes; it’s rather good. Oh, and North Tawton is also famous, so I’m told, for Jam and Jerusalem (I think I’ve got that right).
Cobley Farm free range chickensFrom here I set out towards the country lanes and fields. This is a very quiet area of Devon, and I know I’m unlikely to meet many people. The land is relatively flat and afforded an excellent view northwards to Dartmoor, reminding me that my ancestor Uncle Tom Cobley once set of in that direction from Spreyton, not far from where I was. Later in the day I was to come across Cobley Farm Free Range eggs written across the side of a van parked in a farmyard, so I guess the bloodline continues to this day.
Cottage where Ernest Bevin once lived
As I approached my destination of Copplestone I came across a cottage which had a blue plaque on it. On crossing the road to read this I find it was once the house of Ernest Bevin, minister and statesman. I have subsequently read he was born not far from here, at Winsford, Somerset.
Copplestone stone
I was surprised to discover that Copplestone does indeed have a stone, and a rather prominent stone at that. How come I’d never paid more heed to this. Believed to date back to the 10th century, it is quite intricately carved with geometric patterns. But time was up for me, as I saw my bus approaching, and dashed for the bus stop. It was only 2.30pm, so rather a short days walking, but enjoyable all the same.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 10.5 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 58min
Stopped Time: 34min
Total Ascent: 325 metres
Maximum Elevation: 202 metres
Bus: 315
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