Thorverton - Bickleigh

John Coombes

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The walk starts in Thorverton with its quaint thatched cottages and village green with a stream running through the centre of the village. The village setting is in the countryside with the Thorverton Arms and small village shops set along the cobblestone paths.

After starting from Thorverton, set out across the countryside and up a couple of steep hills before levelling out to some spectacular views. They are three-dimensional, covering all directions across the Exe Valley and beyond, even as far as the sea on a clear day.

Then it is a rapid drop down into the valley below, which is very flat. Here the route takes you past Bickleigh Castle. This was a Royalist stronghold with 900 years of history; it is a fortified manor-house with a moated garden. The gatehouse is 14th Century and also in the grounds is an 11th Century chapel, along with Cromwellian arms and armour. There is a museum of 19th Century rural life and toys; check website to see if it is open to the public before you walk. Bickleigh Castle is also mentioned in the Domesday Book and was the family residence of the Carew family in the 17th Century.

Further along the route you will come to Bickleigh Bridge, next to the Fisherman's Cot. Bickleigh Bridge was thought to be the spot that inspired Paul Simon to write the classic song Bridge over Troubled Water, but sadly this is not true. However Paul Simon did stay at the Fisherman's Cot back in the 1960s.

Once across Bickleigh Bridge you enter Bickleigh Mill, a 18th century water mill with a pottery studio. In the complex it has a rural shopping area which also sells unusual gifts and children's toys and there is a working water wheel with a restaurant and bar.

Just outside Bickleigh Mill complex is the village of Bickleigh, which is a heritage village and lies in an area of natural beauty. There are many features with thatched cottages and the Trout Inn, a 400-year-old pub.

England - South West England - Devon - River Walk

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland