Lapford Circular Walk

John Coombes

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The walk begins in the heart of rural mid-Devon and soon leaves the village of Lapford to continue through the countryside crossing fields, green lanes and quiet country roads. On the walk, once at the top of the hill look out for the hills of Dartmoor in the distance, with great views all around the countryside.

Lapford fits snugly in the side of the hill where the countryside drops away down to the valleyside next to the River Yeo, making it rich in wildlife. The name Lapford is believed to originate from Lappeford; this is said to be from the name Leapaford which means 'ford marked by leaps', which are baskets for catching fish. The origins of Lapford can be traced back to the Iron Age Celts and the Romans. The main industry of Lapford has always been dominated by agriculture, with the old mill helping the local economy with its service to the farmers. Today the Lapford Mill is a private residence.

In Lapford there was the creamery known as Ambrosia. This produced the famous canned cream rice pudding, but in the early 1970s this operation moved to Lifton.

The railway arrived in Lapford in the 1850s, which improved communication and trade to the area. There was then a large cattle market and a slaughterhouse at the station for ease of transportation.

The railway line between Exeter and Barnstaple is known as the Tarka Line, taking its name from the area north of Lapford from the book Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson.

The wildlife in the area can be very varied, ranging from birds, insects, bats, foxes and deer and this place is quite close to where the BBC TV nature series Spring Watch was filmed.

England - South West England - Devon - Countryside