Synopsis: This walk entailed a cold and frosty early start, the air being crisp and the sky clear. The two villages of Winkleigh and Hatherleigh that this walk connects are both picturesque Devon villages.
Today’s walk once again required a very early start, as I needed to catch the 8:05 bus from the bus station to Winkleigh. The forecast was for a clear night the night before, and that must have been the case, as the day started cold and crisp. The weather looked good for this walk. I wish I could have said the same about the buses. Once again my first bus didn’t shown and that meant a 15 minute wait for the later bus, which I knew would cut it very tight for me to catch my 8:05 to Winkleigh. Luckily the driver made good time to the bus station and there was my bus still waiting for me.
I have to confess to rather liking being driven. I was never fond of driving, and always felt that I should have my own driver, and I guess this is as close as I’ll ever get to that. It’s so pleasant to sit back and take in the views as I’m whisked through the Devon countryside arriving in Winkleigh punctually at 9:09. Prior to arriving I noticed at North Tawton that the air was so cold that the steam from the creamery factory was falling and forming fog banks in the valley, a rather strange sight to see.
It felt as if the village was only now beginning to stir. Only the odd dog walker about. The church bell peeled as I rounded some houses, and there the church stood, slightly up from the main street. I was surprised to find the church door open this early in the morning.
Winkleigh churchAs I gently pushed the door open I could hear a voice inside, and I soon made out a prayer chant. I poked my head in the door to find the vicar saying prayers at the altar. The church seemed otherwise empty. I didn’t want to intrude and so I quietly closed the door and made do with a wander around the exterior of the church. I believe the interior might have been more interesting than the exterior, but at least there was a sun dial on the wall to catch my eye. One thing I can say for the church, it has a splendid setting, seeming to command a presence over the whole village, as I suppose any church should.
Autumn colourBy this time I was keen to stretch out on my walk and find some open space. I left Winkleigh on a long lane that descended into a valley with distant hills, probably those of Dartmoor, beyond. I picked up a footpath to the right which took me across this dew laden field. I should have put my gaiters on, as I soon had soggy trouser bottoms. Will I never learn. My excuse would be that I was distracted by the lovely colours of the oaks that lined my path, as can be seen in this photo. Autumn really does have a special beauty in the colours that appear particularly when the light is as good as it was this morning.
Monkokehampton AA road sign
I came next to the tiny little village of Monkokehampton. The village did have the convenience of a bench, but seemingly little else. I decided to take advantage of this hospitality and sat to eat a snack. As I sat there I looked across at a sign on the wall opposite, and make out an old AA information sign (see photo). Today Monkokehampton is written as one word, but I notice on this sign it is written as two, as I presume it once was. A useful piece of information informs me that it is 196 miles to London. Although perhaps not so useful, as that was not on my agenda for today.
A deer makes a run for itThe walking was superbly restful. I had only sheep and cattle for company. That was until I came upon a deer in a field of grass. We were both rather surprised to see each other. It’s unusual to see a single deer out in the middle of a field like this. I grappled for my camera knowing that nine times out of ten the deer is gone before I look up. But this time I see the deer darting for a gate in the field, and then I see that the gate is closed, and the deer has somehow got itself trapped in this field with no way out. It has to come back up the field as I am headed for this same gate. I managed to get a few distant shots of the deer as it circled the perimeter of the field. I pondered a while whether I could do anything to help the deer but decided that, although it didn’t like the lack of cover, it wouldn’t come to any harm where it was and the owner of the field would probably have a better idea than I would how to send the deer on its way.
Just before the River Taw I came upon a wind open field with the sun streaming across it, and made this my lunch stop. It was time for a sandwich, cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Ah, the high life, but no sign of Jeeves.
Hatherleigh churchI entered Hatherleigh by a green lane rather obtusely named Red Lane. Well, the soil being the colour it is around these quarters, I suppose this name is more fitting. There’s a lovely wedge shaped house at the end of Red Lane, worthy of a photograph.
Hatherleigh, I believe, has the distinction of being the smallest town in Devon. It does have a cattle market, and perhaps it is this that distinguishes it from other mere villages.
The Tally Ho pub looks out onto the square and the church looks out on this square too. We did eat in the Tally Ho a couple of Christmases back.
St Peter carries two keys
I entered the church and discovered it to be very attractive. It has a somewhat squat appearance, as it appears to be as wide as it is long. There’s no rood screen, and perhaps that’s a factor in my perception of the interior. Apparently the font, which is 12th century, is the oldest artefact in the church. I did rather like some Flemish stained glass, especially St Peter carrying two keys, presumably one to the gates of heaven, the other to the gates of hell. A salutatory warning to the townsfolk entering the church.
Total Distance: 10.0 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 47min
Stopped Time: 36min
Total Ascent: 291 metres
Maximum Elevation: 169 metres
Buses: 315, 51 & H1/H2
Great walk many thanks for posting this one! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteGreat Walk! Many thanks for posting this one. Cheers.
ReplyDelete