Synopsis: A circular walk from Lympstone out onto Woodbury Common. All this delightful walking and such a short distance from where I live. An excellent first walk for the new year.
Approaching Digby-Sowton Railway Station
I learnt my lesson a couple of years ago, when I drove to Woodbury Common early in 2009 and my car failed me miserably, coughing smoke all the way up and back. This time I took the train and the travel there and back went smoothly. I caught the train from my local Digby-Sowton station, disembarking at Lympstone Village station.
Lympstone - Peter's Tower
As I had arrived in Lympstone quite early, just a little after 10 am, I thought I’d wander down to the shore for a moment before setting off on my walk. As I approached the estuary the air took on a very salty taste. A tower, known locally as Peter’s Tower, dominates Lympstone shoreline, built by W.H. Peters in memory of his wife and her good works in caring for the poor.
Looking towards the hills of Woodbury Common
I then picked up my path proper, climbing gradually out of Lympstone village, and then through country lanes leading me inexorably towards Woodbury Common. The sun was shining, the day was warm, only a gentle breeze was blowing, and all-in-all, it was a perfect day for a walk in the country. I walked nearly 3 miles along quiet country lanes before crossing the B3180 and the lanes were swapped for tracks through the woods.
Woodbury Common - Green pines against russet ferns and slender grasses
The most pleasant part of the walking was simply traversing the various tracks and paths that crisscross the common. There were very few people about, just the odd dog walker and one fisherman at Squabmoor Reservoir. With hardly a cloud in the sky the bright light brought out the vivid colours of the pine trees, set against the russet colours of last year’s bracken.
Woodbury Common - Squabmoor Reservoir
I found a little corner of Squabmoor Reservoir in the sun to stop and eat my lunch with the only other person visible being the fisherman on the opposite shore of the lake. It was unusually balmy for January, and although I enjoyed my tea, it wasn’t required for warmth as was its intended purpose.
Woodbury Common
Hopefully my photographs speak louder than words when it comes to describing how picturesque the countryside was looking today. That being the case, I suggest you browse through my Flickr photo set (link above) if you wish to discover more about my day on the common.
Point-in-View chapel - facing the altar
As I entered the lane just above A-La-Ronde, visible from the path, I was in two minds whether to detour up to Point-in-View or not. It was not part of my planned walk, but it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, especially on such a lovely day as this. Apparently the ‘point’ of the name was the conversion of the Jews, at least according to Pevsner.
Point-in-View chapel - the small school desk and bench
I have been to Point-in-View on a number of occasions before (October 2009 & Christmas 2009) but it’s such a charming place it’s always a delight to visit. I like the fact that it is such an oddity, as I’m fairly sure there can’t be another place quite like it. I think in part I like the chapel, as well as A La Ronde itself, because the two spinster cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter, are such intriguing characters. They were a pair of very individual young ladies prepared to do things as they wished, and seemed to buck the trend of stereotyped conformity laid down by the society of their time.
The Point-in-View chapel even has a tiny classroom attached to it, the desk and bench can be seen in the photograph above. I believe it could accommodate four pupils; all rather quaint. Hopefully my photographs convey something of the quiet serenity of the chapel and its surroundings. To experience the real magic of the place, you need to see it in the flesh, so I recommend a visit when next you’re in the vicinity.
A thoroughly splendid day’s walking with which to begin a new year.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 10.7 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 06min
Stopped Time: 41min
Total Ascent: 343 metres
Maximum Elevation: 193 metres
Buses: (none)
Trains: Off-peak return Digby-Sowton to Lympstone Village - £3.30
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