22 June 2013 - Walk: Broadclyst to Cowley via Killerton (12.1 Miles)

Synopsis: Following the River Culm and then the River Exe along a path linking Broadclyst with Cowley, with a touch of ‘Crikey, It’s Vintage’ thrown in for good measure. Quite a mixed bag of goodies.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

Crikey, it’s Robert! No, I don’t mean that. If I said, “Crikey, It’s Vintage”, what would that mean to you? That’s what I thought. I hadn’t heard of any such thing until just a few months back. Then I discovered that, whomever they are, they were having an event at Killerton (NT). Since I’m a member of the Trust, and members are entitled to free entry, and out of sheer curiosity, I thought, especially as I’m a bit of a retro man myself (more by accident than design), I’d pop along to find out just what such an event was like.

I had mentally sussed out that a walk along short stretches of both the River Culm and the River Exe would be possible in this area, but that was during the winter of floods that we were experiencing, and somehow I didn’t imagine this was the walk to be doing at that time. If, like me, you would be contemplating a similar such walk, and like me, doing it by bus, I will mention that this walk can be achieved from Exeter on an Exeter Day Rider from Stagecoach, which is extremely cost effective. Details of the buses I used today are given below under Walk Statistics.

It is actually possible to travel as far as ‘Budlake, Killerton Turn’ bus stop on an Exeter Day Rider Plus ticket, but I chose to disembark at Broadclyst with the intention of walking to Killerton which I could do on an Exeter Day Rider ticket (see Stagecoach Day Rider for regions and pricing). I noticed on the Killerton web site that they make mention of a ‘Killerton to Broadclyst cycle trail’ (a PDF map from the NT I’ve made available here) and I thought that sounded interesting and new, as this didn’t exist the last time I walked in this area. Trouble was I couldn’t find a map of the route online, so I fell back to mapping the public footpath route that I’d used on a previous occasion, and this I had stored on my handheld GPS. A little way into my walk however I came upon a way marker for the cycle route, and decided I’d follow that route instead.

Broadclyst - water conduit

I snapped a few photos at the bus stop in Broadclyst where I was dropped. I noticed an old water conduit. At least that’s what I think it is. It’s nice that it still remains here, as I’m quite sure it will have been many years since it had last seen useful service.

 

 

Point at which I connected with the way marked cycle trail to Killerton House

 

 

 

 

 

This was the point at which I picked up the ‘Killerton to Broadclyst cycle trail’, except I was going in the opposite direction in that my destination was Killerton, and I was on foot. Just as I had thought, a new gravel track section has been inserted here to connect with lanes. I was joining this partway a little way out of Broadclyst. The whole route between Broadclyst and Killerton National Trust property can now be cycled on nothing more busy than the back lanes of Devon. I think it’s a very useful addition to facilities of this area.

Budlake Post Office (NT)

 

 

I passed the Budlake Post Office, which I noted was National Trust, and is often open to the public, although not at the time that I happened to be passing by. It would be open later in the day. It’s coloured in the Killerton yellow of all estate houses. You’ll find them dotted all around this landscape.

Killerton House (NT)

On arriving at Killerton House (Listed Grade II*) I sat on a bench for a while as I was a little earlier than the opening time of 11am. I was amazed at the numbers of people who were already turning up today. Quite obviously Crikey, It’s Vintage is a big draw in this area. Seeing the entrance queue was quite long, I wiled away a little more time in the second hand book shop that operates out of part of the stable complex. I was lucky enough to find a copy of Battlefield Walks Devon, a superb history guide to the numerous battles fought across Devon at various times in history.

Killerton House (NT) - Crikey It's Vintage event

The stewards were actually very efficient at checking people into the property today, so it wasn’t long before I was strolling across the well manicured lawns of Killerton House. I couldn’t spare a lot of time for the special event here today, so I headed straight for the various tents which were already thronging with people. The event is mostly a series of stalls of ‘vintage’ goods for sale. People had collected an amazing array of things which were delightful to see, and yes, some of the very retro items I remember all too well.

 

It’s also lovely that quite a number of people dressed in period costume, visitors as well as operators of the stalls. Ladies were in patterned cotton dresses, high heels, bright lipstick, and wearing nylon stockings. What does one make of all this? Well, everyone was having a lot of fun, and it quite obviously is very popular, and all I say is, ‘Why not?’ I suppose one could call it a form of escapism, a desire to live for a moment in another time. With all the rush and stress of life today, I can sympathise with that. Sample some further escapism at Vintage Retro Delights.

Killerton House (NT) - Crikey It's Vintage event - food safe

Now I just have to ask this. What would you call these boxes? We had one of these when I was young, in the years before we had a refrigerator. We referred to it as a ‘safe’. It was used to store fresh food that we wanted to keep insects, and for that matter anything else that might be passing, away from it. The metal grids were designed to allow air to pass over the food, thereby keeping it relatively cool, but keep the little blighters out. Whatever they’re generally called, I did see a number of them at today’s event.

 

 

 

 

 

Killerton House (NT) - Crikey It's Vintage event - Bedford Doormobile (1962)

There were a number of vintage cars on show. A few military vehicles too. The vehicle that I think I liked best was one that passed me as I got off the bus at Broadclyst. At the time it hadn’t clicked what an extremely old doormobile like this was doing on the road, but half-way to Killerton it twigged, this was part of today’s show. I overheard the owner of this Bedford doormobile say that it sleeps 5. Everything looks to be on a much smaller scale to what you see on the roads these days. But I can imagine the spirit of adventure was probably much greater back then than the comparable experience today.

Killerton House (NT) - Crikey It's Vintage event - 1930s style caravan - interesting concept

 

Something else that caught my eye was this teardrop caravan. I overheard a conversation in which it was said that these are based on a 1930s design. It was so tiny. Teardrop caravans of a modern design are available on the market, but this one was, in keeping with the theme today, decidedly retro, which I think gives them a dash of style. I think they’re available from Retro Teardrop Trailers, who operate out of Penzance. See further photos here.

Killerton House (NT) - house being consumed by the forest

 

 

I needed by now to be on my way and continuing my walk. I climbed steadily up through the gardens of Killerton House until I reached a stile that took me out onto a public footpath that crossed a field and entered Killerton Park Woods. This path winds it’s way back down the hillside through the trees, passing this strange ivy strewn house that appears as if it’s being inundated by the forest.

 

 

 

 

Killerton House (NT) - Chapel of Columbjohn

I reached the particularly quaint little Chapel of Columbjohn on the Killerton estate. It’s a little building big on charm, although I don’t think it has great architectural merit. But the door and its hinges looked rather interesting (compare with Buckland, Berkshire, on English Buildings blog). It wasn’t open and the wind was blowing a gale so I ducked below one of the churchyard walls and there I sat to eat my lunch.

River Culm

 

 

The Chapel of Columbjohn is on the River Culm. From here I continued along lanes and then into fields to eventually cross the River Culm near Rewe where a large manor house looks down on you as you approach from this direction. I tried to gain entry to the church in Rewe but it was locked with a notice pinned to the door stating that it is only open by special arrangement, which was a shame.

Returning to the main road I followed this for a short distance before descending a green lane towards the railway line which I crossed with great care, as trains hurtle along here what with it being the main route between London and Penzance.

River Exe

A little way further into my walk and I found myself beside the River Exe. The river seemed to be flowing quietly and gently on this mid-summer’s day, with little suggestion of the raging torrent it can become in the winter. Rivers are fickle like that.

Brampford Speke - Parish Church of St Peter

 

 

 

 

Following a familiar path into Brampford Speke which leads to the parish church I thought I’d try the door of this church. This time I gained entrance to be be greeted instantly by a couple, saying to me, “This is what you should photograph.” Taken aback slightly at first I took a look at a brass wall plaque that adorned the wall by the door. This was a commemoration to a Mr and Mrs Pine-Coffin (I forget there exact names), and that was what was amusing them. It is rather an unusual name, and one that eventually became their destiny.

 

A brief ray of sunshine on an otherwise gloomy summer's day

I have to include here a photo of some sunshine. This was a rare commodity today, and that’s why I just had to include this photo in my blog post. Thankfully I was quick enough with my camera to capture it. I somehow think the UV rating for today was likely to be at the low end of the scale. Striving to be positive, I will say that today’s weather could at least be considered much healthier than a day of full sun.

A good day’s walking with plenty of variety, and all within spitting distance of home. I understand the National Trust has come under some criticism for hosting Crikey It’s Vintage, accused of dumbing down the Trust’s function. My view is that the event seemed to bring many people a lot of pleasure. People had come to Killerton House who might not otherwise have visited, they made the place feel alive, and, come Monday, Killerton House will have returned to its normal tranquillity none the worse for the weekend activities. Well, that’s the view of this erstwhile curmudgeon for whom Crikey It’s Vintage added to the enjoyment of this most pleasurable day.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 12.1 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 44min
Stopped Time: 1hr 41min
Total Ascent: 416 metres
Maximum Elevation: 108 metres

Buses: D, 1A & H (Stagecoach Exeter Day Rider: £3.60 – see ‘Tickets to Go’ leaflet available from bus station or tourist information centre)

15 June 2013 - Walk: Berry Pomeroy to Paignton (13.7 Miles)

Synopsis: A day to dodge the showers where one could. Church of St Mary, Berry Pomeroy was one such opportunity. Walking to Berry Pomeroy Castle I was not so lucky. I did get to see Ragged Robin.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I nearly overshot my bus stop. Having climbed down the stairs to the lower deck I glanced around and couldn’t find a stop bell push. There’s usually one at the bottom of the stair, but not this time, so I wound up frantically lunging towards the back of the bus for a bell which I rang just in time. A couple of ladies standing at the bus stop, Littlehempston Cross, waved there arms vigorously as my bus approached them to indicate they didn’t require the bus, not aware that I had requested the bus stop there. These two ladies, evidently Swedish from the charming lilt in their speach, said they’d only just got off a previous bus. We were amused that a remote country bus stop that probably is seldom used had suddenly become so busy. I explained I was headed in the direction of Berry Pomeroy Castle. The ladies said they were headed in the opposite direction, as they were making their way back to Newton Abbot.

Smooth Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris)

My first destination on today’s walk was the village of Berry Pomeroy as I was keen to visit the parish church of St Mary. Walking along tracks and lanes there were many wildflowers in bloom. On my walks I always keep an eye open for flowers, especially any that I don’t immediately recognise. I spotted these yellow flowers which I didn’t recognise, but later identified, I think, as Smooth Hawksbeard.

As I approached the village of Berry Pomeroy a lady walking in the opposite direction to me had to, along with me, duck in to a passing place to allow a car to pass. I had a lucky tip-off from this lady.

 

Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

 

 

 

She had taken some photos of wildflowers on her mobile phone and she showed me Ragged Robin and Yellow Flag. I was particularly keen to hear about Ragged Robin which, as is said on Wikipedia, “In Britain it has declined in numbers because of modern farming techniques and draining of wet-lands and is no longer common.” I can vouch for that, as I’d not been able to find it. The lady kindly explained that she’d seen it near the lake below the castle, a lake I knew well. As we parted I made a mental note, I’d be taking a detour to the lake, not in search of the lady therein, but Ragged Robin, dressed in pink.

Berry Pomeroy - Church of St Mary - Valerian (Centranthus ruber)

 

It’s hard to sum up quite what I made of St Mary’s, parish church of Berry Pomeroy. The previous night I’d checked and as I thought, the Church of St Mary is indeed Grade I Listed. However, it seemed to me (admittedly no expert), that the passage of years and heavy handed restoration had left little early fabric intact. That said, there is much to see in the church. Before I entered, standing in the rain, I noticed this splendid display of, admittedly very common, Valerian, leading from the lych gate.

Berry Pomeroy - Church of St Mary - wagon roof and rood screen

 

The wagon roof which runs uninterrupted from nave through chancel is impressive. The rood screen has medieval paintings although faces have been erased. The top of the rood screen, the pulvinated frieze, is very finely carved.

 

Berry Pomeroy - Church of St Mary - stained glass in the north aisle

 

 

 

 

 

The stained glass windows, although quite late, I rather liked. Typical of their time they are rather vivid, but in tasteful colours and to designs showing quite some artistry. I particularly liked this window in the north aisle. I feel it has an Arts and Craft quality to it. I also rather liked the brass chandeliers which are rather elegant and a very nice touch.

Berry Pomeroy - Church of St Mary - north aisle Seymour monument 1613

 

 

The most outstanding items to be found in St Mary’s are the tombs. There is a simple tomb to the Pomeroys in the chancel which has lost the numerous coat of arms once displayed on it. And in the north aisle there is a tomb with richly carved figures above it. There is also a plaque on the wall commemorating Reverend John Prince who authored “The Worthies of Devon”.

 

 

Berry Pomeroy - Church of St Mary - tomb of Elizabeth Howard: ashlar pyramid dated 1810

 

 

 

Outside, in the graveyard surrounding the church, there is a most unusual gravestone to Elizabeth Howard, in the shape of a pyramid. I’ve no idea what flight of fancy resulted in this extravaganza, but it certainly is conspicuous. It doesn’t strike me as typical Christian iconography, but perhaps I’m missing something.

 

Berry Pomeroy Castle

From St Mary’s I walked across fields and down lanes, in the direction of Berry Pomeroy Castle, getting a good dousing for my efforts. Arriving rather sodden at the English Heritage visitor’s building the first thing I said to the attendant was, “I’m not here to see the castle.” He looked at me rather perplexed, till I explained that I was passing through and I wished to purchase one of the Berry Pomeroy Castle guide books. These, produced by English Heritage, are first rate. The castle guide contains artist’s impressions of how rooms in the castle once looked, and these bring the ruined castle to life.

Berry Pomeroy Castle © English Heritage - "Reconstruction of the Great Hall in its early 17th-century heyday." - Berry Pomeroy Castle guide book

I particularly like this picture of the Grand Hall. This has a particular resonance with me, as one of the original caryatids to the side of the fireplace can be seen in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. There aren’t that many items remaining that reflect the inner appearance of the once sumptuous abode of Berry Pomeroy Castle, so this rare item I think of as a real gem. I recommend a visit to the museum to see it.

Plaster caryatid from The North Range, Berry Pomeroy Castle (RAMM)

 

 

 

Berry Pomeroy Castle caryatid held in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. The Jacobean North Range was the last and most ambitious extension to the Berry Pomeroy mansion. The Great Hall was on the first floor, with the Long Gallery above, at 65 metres, “it was among the longest ever built in England” (guide book). The longest surviving long gallery at 52 metres is that at Montacute House (NT) which I visited earlier this year.

Berry Pomeroy Castle - the lake - Ragged Robin (Lychnis Flos-Cuculi)

 

 

 

 

I made the lake (or is that pond), formed by Gatcombe Brook, that lies at the foot of the castle my next objective. This was worth the detour as the sun came out and the lake looked splendid. And, as I was taking photographs of the ducks swimming on the pond, there to my side was the illusive Ragged Robin. How delightful it was to come across this wildflower at long last.

 

 

I climbed the track back towards the castle. My way forward at this point was obstructed to by a bold sign reading, ‘No public footpath – please do not access’. A walk route through the forest that I’d used before was well and truly blocked today. It’s a shame, as I can’t think that the occasional walker along this forest trail would cause any harm to the life of the forest. Anyway, instead, not willing to lose the height I’d gained, I decided to backtrack up the castle drive to the lane, and loop around to pick up my intended walk route. An alternative from the lake would be to head for the lane at this point which would form a shorter connection with my route as planned for today.

A little way further into my walk I came across an elderly man with his arms in the hedgerow. I was wondering just what he was doing. As I got closer he withdrew his arms and I could see he was holding a bag. He explained that he came out every day to feed the birds. He said he had coconuts in the hedgerow that he’d fill with food. I asked him what the food was and he showed me his bag. It was made up of bread crumbs and grated cheese. He explained the birds loved the cheese. I’d never thought to feed birds cheese.

Torbay - Beacon Hill

From here my path climbed steeply along a track and then into a field. I knew this way from a previous walk, but the views were no less breath-taking for that. I think the views across Torbay from here on Beacon Hill are some of the best to be had. By now I was suffering hunger pangs, so I ducked behind a wall out of the strong wind and sat in the warm sun to eat my picnic lunch.

 

 

Torbary - Occombe Valley Wood Nature Reserve

After lunch, setting off again, it wasn’t long before I was entering Occombe Valley Woods Nature Reserve. This is a surprising little space, so natural and unspoilt, and yet just on the outskirts of Torbay. I did have to make a correction to my advance as I picked up the wrong path, and this you’ll see if you examine my tracklog. Backtracking for a few minutes I soon picked up the correct route following the small stream quietly babbling on my right. The ferns that line this stream were looking magnificent at this time.

Oldway Mansion

 

I climbed steeply to emerge from Occombe Valley Woods rather abruptly in Torbay suburbia. I followed roads through the many houses until I arrived at the backdoor, so to speak, of Oldway Mansion. I walked a tree lined garden path that wound its way towards the main lawn of Oldway, and there to my left stood the grand and imposing Oldway Mansion. A splendid sight to behold, gleaming magnificently in the sun.

Oldway Mansion - gardens

 

The gardens of Oldway Manson are normally planted with a suffusion of colour, but today the formal flower beds were most uninteresting. Whether this is ‘austerity’ in action, I do not know. Perhaps I merely arrived between planting schemes. There is an enchanting little pond just below the lawn, reached through a small rock garden. I made for there and found this to be the best feature of the garden on my visit today.

Paignton - Victoria Park

 

From Oldway Mansion I followed a main road a short distance till I came to the entrance of Victoria Gardens. This is an old stomping ground of my childhood days, as my parents would bring us here to spend time in the play park. I noticed that the children today have the added convenience of food available from a little wooden hut serving snacks and ice cream. Luxury! From here I walked down the main shopping street of Paignton to the bus stop on the seafront to await my bus home.

I felt well exercised come the end of my walk, as once again the Devon hills had been many, and some rather steep, causing me to clock a total ascent just short of 700 metres (see statistics below). Mixed weather maybe, but only doused and not drenched. A thoroughly enjoyable walk.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 13.7 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 25min
Stopped Time: 1hr 35min
Total Ascent: 692 metres
Maximum Elevation: 189 metres

Buses: X64 & X46

04 June 2013 - Cycle: Haldon Forest Park Cycle Trails (41.9 Miles)

Synopsis: A long day in the saddle riding the blue, red and green cycle trails in Haldon Forest Park. A lot of fun, and no spills, so I live to tell the tale. Not difficult to get to on a bicycle from Exeter.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

 

Haldon Forest Park Cycle Trails - Routes:

GPS Routes Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

(Green, blue and red cycle trail routes for GPS)

Routes overlay on Ordnance Survey OS – WheresThePath

 

Note: I’ve interpolated GPS routes from my tracklog for today and these I’ve made available from the second set of links above entitled ‘Haldon Forest Park Cycle Trails - Routes’. Three routes are available from these links: Green Discovery Trail, Blue Challenge Trail (Long Loop) and Red Ridge Ride Trail. Sadly the GPX 1.1 Schema doesn’t support route colours, so the route overlays will all appear in the same colour. If the GPS Routes Download (.gpx) is loaded to a Garmin application/device, the various colours should display correctly. Refer to the cycle trails leaflet (link below) for further details of each route.

This was a really enjoyable day’s cycling on the trails of Haldon Forest Park. I suppose it brought out the child in me. One of the objectives of today was to get a feel for just how demanding the various cycle trails are before I take others out on them. I also intended to record GPS tracklogs of each trail for subsequent use, although in reality these are not needed for navigation purposes, since all the trails are extremely well signposted. I had stumbled on the trails whilst walking recently in this area, when out on my Walk: Haldon, including Doddiscombsleigh & Ashton.

l must however put the book straight, I’m not a full-blooded mountain biker. Did you think I would be at my age? Extreme mountain biking is something to behold, and for a cyclist like me, it takes my breath away. It was my intention today to attempt three of the forest cycle trails, and that I achieved. I cycled the Blue Challenge Trail initially, which set the pace, requiring a certain amount of control but nothing too daunting. Then I cycled the Red Ridge Ride Trail, and just as described, this was a notch up on the expertise scale, being more testing in places and requiring just a little more nerve. Finally, somewhat fatigued, I rounded off with the Green Discovery Trail, a short easy family trail that is nonetheless most enjoyable. I wore a helmet the whole day, as I always do when cycling, and gloves, but no other protective gear.

Approaching Kennford

As Haldon Forest Park is not that far from me I chose to cycle there from home. This was a distance of 9.6 miles taking me 1 hr 51 minutes, and a stiff climb, to reach the centre. I can understand this would not be everyone’s choice, but it wasn’t so bad, as much of the way is along designated cycle routes and quite safe, although I felt a little buzzed by all the traffic whizzing by on the roads adjacent to me.

Haldon Forest Park Centre - café - that's my trustee steed, the bike (GT Pantera) with pannier

 

 

 

I arrived at Haldon Forest Park at 12:15 ready to tackle the first of my trails, the Blue Challenge Trail. This cycle/walk centre has become very popular and now boasts a café, toilets, information points and a large car park (parking charges apply). I was keen to get started with the first of my trails so I made for the clearly marked trails start gate.

Blue Challenge Trail (Long Loop)

The ‘Moderate’ Blue Challenge Trail was a lot of fun. Stretches of the route are broad and easy, but other stretches narrow and have sharp curves which require good bicycle control. It’s possible to fly along much of the route, which I did, and this is quite exhilarating. It’s also possible to ease the pace back a little and enjoy the many stunning views. There’s a point on this Blue trail on passing close to the forest trails centre when a choice of short loop or long loop is presented. I chose the long loop. This extension added 1.8 miles to the Blue route and took me 18 minutes to complete.

 

After completing the Blue Challenge Trail I took a break at the forest trails centre to have some lunch and rest awhile before attempting the next of my trails. Even on this non-holiday mid-week day there were numerous people about, everyone from really serious mountain bikers, people out walking their dogs, and over-the-hill would-be mountain bikers like me.

Red Ridge Ride Trail

After lunch I felt ready and up for the ‘Difficult’ Red Ridge Ride Trail, although not quite knowing what I was taking on. I was prepared to get out of my saddle and push should that become necessary. It wasn’t long before I left the comfort of a broad level track and headed down a narrow trail which fell away sharply to one side. It wasn’t a place one would want to skid off the track. One or two places needed real concentration to climb short steep boulder-strewn ramps in the track some of which I did struggle with, but never did I have to leave my seat and push.

Red Ridge Ride Trail

 

At the point where the Black Ridge Ride Extreme branched off from my route I paused to take a photo. A biker came hurtling down the track I’d just carefully negotiated at a very steady pace. I looked at the entry to the extreme route and could see it definitely wasn’t for me. The biker who’d approached called to me, “Passing on your left.” He then picked up speed and shot down this 45° descent bouncing from boulder to boulder. Absolutely crazy! But an amazing example of the skill of true mountain biking. From here I simply climbed the broad track and followed the relatively easy-going track back to the forest trails centre.

Green Discovery Trail

 

 

 

It was time for a brief respite on a bench near the forest trail centre. Provisions of nuts, raisins and a bit of chocolate soon saw me recharged and ready for more. I had chosen to complete my forest trails experience by finishing with the Green Discovery Trail, a short ‘Easy’ trail, that I felt would round off my trail riding nicely, and so it did.

St Andrew's Lane

 

 

 

Once having completed the Green trail I cycled on to pick up the road that would take me back in the direction of the A38 where I passed under the road bridge. Cycling on, past the travellers encampment, over the A380, I then picked up a track that took me down to the euphemistically named St Andrew’s Lane. I say euphemistically, for to call this a lane is stretching a point. It’s a narrow, tightly enclosed, bumpy route off of Haldon. Having said that, the ‘lane’ served its purpose in that it got me to Kenn with nothing more injurious than a few nettle stings to my arms.

Kenn - Ley Arms

 

 

Mulling over options by the Ley Arms in Kenn I decided it would be nice to avoid traffic and so I opted to pick up the Exe Estuary Trail for my return route home. I knew this would take me a little out of my way, as I would need to join this near Kenton, but it was such a pleasant evening I didn’t mind that at all. The route would be mostly level and conducive to fast(ish) riding.

 

I’d say that all of the trails I cycled today are suitable for anyone with basic mountain biking skills and a keen sense of adventure. I’d happily take my grown-up daughters out on them, and I’m sure they’d have a lot of fun. I think, just like me, they’d struggle a little on the Red Ridge Ride Trail, just as I did in places, but would rise to the challenge all the same, and come away with a sense of achievement. The Blue Challenge Trail I’m confident they’d manage without difficulty. On both of these trails it is necessary to maintain concentration as loss of focus could result in a spill that might result in minor injury. The Green Discovery Trail is easy family cycling suitable for children of all ages. A little more stamina is required on the Red Ridge Trail for the more strenuous sections and the occasional ascent, but nothing was either too physically demanding or intimidating.

A really, really enjoyable day cycling. Long and rather tiring, but that’s the way to make the most of the long days of summer. To anyone wondering if this would be for them, I say, ‘Get out there and do it.’

Available online are Haldon Forest Park maps and leaflets. The Cycling Trails leaflet gives further details of the three trails that I followed on my visit, and also, should that Evel spirit come over you, shows the course of the Black Ridge Ride Extreme, a loop that extends the Red Ridge Ride Trail that I cycled today.

Please note that the times shown against each of the three cycle trails is not indicative of typical time required to complete these circuits. I took time out to take photographs and record notes against my GPS device as I went and therefore my times are rather skewed. And also be aware that although I’ve provided GPS routes for the three cycle trails I cycled today, variations occur over time and that signed directions on each trail should always be given precedence over these GPS routes of mine. My cycling today was based on a tracklog obtained from JustGoRide.

Cycle Statistics – Haldon Forest Park Trails:

Blue Challenge Trail (Long Loop): 7.8 miles / 1hr 48min (12:19 – 14:07)
Red Ridge Ride Trail: 5.3 miles / 1hr 50min (14:40 – 16:30)
Green Discovery Trail: 1.8 miles / 28min (16:48 – 17:16)

Cycle Statistics – total cycle journey, including off-road trails as listed above:

Total Distance: 41.9 miles
Moving Time: 6hrs 21min
Stopped Time: 2hrs 17min
Total Ascent: 887 metres
Maximum Elevation: 261 metres

Buses: (none)

02 June 2013 - Walk: Lympstone from Exeter, via Woodbury Common (19 Miles)

Synopsis: A mountain bike ride on foot. Confused? Well, in part the aim of this walk was to provide detailed route notes for a new MTB route from Exeter to Exmouth first ridden about 2 weeks ago.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

 

Cycle route for GPS:

GPS Route Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

(The off-road cycle route from Exeter to Exmouth)

Route overlay on Ordnance Survey OS – WheresThePath

 

Note: Woodbury Common is used on occasion for military training purposes. In the event that exercises are taking place there may be access restrictions in place. Should you consider following in my footsteps, my advice would be to carry a map such that an alternative course can be plotted if circumstances dictate.

To explain further my hint in the synopsis that this walk was undertaken as part of a mountain bike (MTB) planning exercise. A couple of weeks back I combined an off-road route over Woodbury Common combining elements of a previous cycle route of mine with part of a MTB route ‘Woodbury Common fun single track - England, United Kingdom’ found on the EveryTrail web site. The proved a really good ride but I needed to make some small route changes and gather some route direction notes, hence today’s walk.

Having walked a little way past Clyst St Mary my GPS required a battery change so I inserted my spare batteries only to find these held little charge. Dilemma – what to do? I decided to walk back to the convenience store in Clyst St Mary to purchase a pack of AAs. A bit frustrating but not a show stopper. I reached Woobury Salterton a little after 2pm where I stopped on a familiar bench to eat some lunch.

Woodbury Common, with Devon hills all around

One of the advantages of walking rather than cycling this route is that there is greater time to take in the various views. Woodbury Common is a rather unusual landscape for Devon, and one that I find attractive. I believe it is described as a pebble heath. It has a rather wild and primal quality. Seen beyond the common are the substantial hills of Devon circling all around, and on a clear day the coast is just visible in the distance.

 

Woodbury Common - steep valley crossing

 

The off-road cycling is fun and a little challenging in places, but involves nothing that need daunt the casual mountain biker such as myself. The few streams encountered can be easily crossed on bike. There are a few steep sections, such as the one photographed here, where a little care is required. Generally the track is dry and hard but after heavy rains mud is to be expected, but of course that makes the mountain biking all the more fun.

I really enjoyed today’s walk, and after 19 miles, it left me feeling well exercised. I came off Woodbury Common following a relatively direct route to Lympstone where I arrived just in time to catch the 8:26pm train back to Digby & Sowton, Exeter. I had accomplished my goal of checking out route navigation points and had the information needed to complete the cycle trail route as intended. And, although rather late, it being June and the days long, it hardly seemed to matter.

Note: I’ve edited the tracklog of this walk to clip out the section I backtracked to Clyst St Mary which I did merely to buy a pack of batteries for my GPS. By editing this out of the tracklog today’s route will be more clearly seen if a little shorter (1.6 miles, 36 minutes) than the actual statistics given below.

Note: I’ve made available from this blog post the GPS cycle route I’ve prepared. This is the cycle route as plotted from Exeter to Exmouth which is primarily an off-road route, being a mix of lanes, tracks, paths and a dismantled railway line. This I’ve made available from the second set of links above entitled ‘Cycle route for GPS’. Should you utilise this route it will get you to Exmouth, so then there’s the journey home to be considered. I’d recommend the Exe Estuary trail be used, as this provides quite level cycling along a route that’s largely free of traffic and affords excellent views of the River Exe. An alternative option would be to use the train from Exmouth to Exeter. Cycles are permitted but restrictions apply and I would advise that you make yourself aware of these prior to committing to using rail as your means of return (First Great Western – Cycle Policy).

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 19.0 miles
Moving Time: 6hrs 42min
Stopped Time: 1hr 05min
Total Ascent: 621 metres
Maximum Elevation: 175 metres

Buses: (none)
Train: Lympstone to Digby & Sowton (single fare £3.10)