Crediton & District

Short walks 2017

In January we started climbing in bright sunshine from Lords Meadow Leisure Centre to Sandford Orchards and up Miss Buller's ride. This cobbled road enabled Miss Buller to travel from Downes House to church. We were rewarded with dramatic views of our church, town and countryside, before crossing the bridge over the new Link Road and heading downhill through the "snowdrop wood".

Across the A377 and into fields again, we passed catkins and other young trees, to the iced-over, bullrush ponds, downstream from Tesco. Crediton Station Tearooms accommodated all 11 of us grandly around a large table, to looks of amazement from other cafe users.

Our February walk was a record turnout, 16 walkers, and in blustery weather too. Jan, who has helped with Morchard Bishop's footpaths for a long time, led us skilfully. We had mud, as promised, some hills, a misty 360 degree view, white periwinkles as well as blue ones, and skylarks. Keith's photos also tell the tale!

In March 12 of us met at Crediton Station to travel to Barnstaple for our short, flat walk along the River Taw. From Long Bridge, first built around 1280, we turned right, up river, past the Leisure Centre and weeping willows coming out, to cross at the iron bridge, built 1887. We returned to the Long Bridge along the opposite bank, and then squeezed in for coffee at Fair's Fair, the Fairtrade shop in Bear Street. Part of the group took the next train back, while others chose to explore Barnstaple Museum and teashop, returning on a later train. This walk, and its historic detail, is described by Peter Craske in "Tarka Line Walks", available from Crediton Community Bookshop.

In April, Rosalind Hobbs led 13 of us through Shobrooke Park with opportunities to recognise and admire wild flowers and butterflies in the hedgerows along the way. At the top of the avenue of trees we had a choice of lane or nettles (a new path parallel to the lane) and then continued across the A3072 to Normansland, past Haske and back. Those who had walked from home clocked up more than 4 miles. Coffee was enjoyed afterwards at Laura and Gerald Conyngham's home. Thanks to Keith Barker for the photos.

Celia Boyle led the May walk, Crediton's highly-acclaimed Redvers Ramble. The early part was uphill and across fields to QE Barnfield followed by lovely views, down Breakheart hill and then spotting wildlife along the river, before coffee at Celia and John's home in Fordton (Celia's flapjacks were scrumptious.)

The June walk was led by Annie and Sandra. The rain held off and, after crossing the golf course, enjoying glorious views above Hookway and spotting a peacock at Rudge Farm, we enjoyed companionable time at Station Tearooms. Take a look at the photos.

For our July walk around Belstone Graham chose a gentle gradient onto the Moor, pointing out a perfect picnic spot, by the river, which we can use on another occasion.... when it's dry! We warmed up at the pub and celebrated a birthday. Out of 19 walks, this was the first time we have got properly wet!

In August, Keith Barker led 17 of us from Newton St Cyres rec and cricket ground, along by the river Creedy, across the railway line behind Ashfields, then back along lanes to the Beer Engine. Take a look at the happy photos taken by Keith and Sue.

Our September walk, organised and lead by Gill Whittaker and Jo Poulton, saw fourteen of us travel by train from Crediton to Lympstone to complete a 2.5 mile circular walk around this charming riverside village. The walk offered the opportunity to savour stunning estuary views, stroll along leafy country lanes and wander along the village’s quaint narrow streets with its many characterful buildings. At the end of the walk before returning to Crediton, refreshments were taken either in the Swan Inn for those wanting lunch or the delightful ‘Oh Sew Devon’ coffee shop for those seeking lighter refreshments. The photo was taken by Celia Boyle.

6 new walkers joined the rest of us for our October walk, starting with a 5A bus ride to a field near Jewsmoor, just outside Crediton on the Barnstaple road. We walked south along public footpaths, with fabulous views, to Moorlake, then climbed the Yeoford road into Crediton for coffee at Nessie's. Here is the photo I took of us at Hollacombe Farm.

Our November walk started and ended at the Red Lion in Shobrooke with 16 of us. We ordered what we wanted for lunch before setting off on a rectangular walk around a small valley to the northeast of the village. The walk is described as Walk 2 in a leaflet obtainable from the pub, village hall and bus stop. Our thanks to Nick Hamblin for the walk photo and to Celia Boyle who took this happy photo at the Red Lion.

On 20th December 11 of us enjoyed an almost flat town walk of 2.8 miles in Tiverton, led by Graham. There was much of surprising and historic interest and some remarked on Tiverton's sense of community enhanced by its quiet corners and traffic-free centre. The walk included Coggan's Well, the Leat, Pannier Market, St Peter's Church, Tiverton Castle and Hit or Miss Alley.