After yesterday’s trek Lynnie has requested an easier walk today. So in the morning I catch up with some work and then we pop into South Molton to do some shopping and get access to decent wi-fi to send emails. It is great staying in remote locations, but the downside is that I occasionally need access to the internet for work.
One of the benefits of travelling and working at the same time is the constant change of scenery from my office window. Usually the awning doubles as an office, but this week the ground is too wet and muddy for us to even contemplate trying to erect our new fancy air awning, so I am working from inside the Coachman. The view out of the window across the small lake at Plymptons Farm CL is a great setting to work.
After lunch we head off, we have decided to explore from the site and whilst the immediate area does not have a lot of footpaths the lanes around here are very quiet. On leaving the site we turn left on the road, initially there are high hedges, but as we reach Pounceys it becomes exposed and we are walking into a chilly wind. In compensation there are fine views across to Exmoor.
At a T-junction we turn right and then after a couple of hundred yards at a fork in the road we take the route to the right. This leads downhill and then after a cattle grid we are surrounded by moorland, to our right is Hares Down and to our left Rackenford Moor Nature Reserve. This is a pleasant spot, despite being so close to the A361, (the busy North Devon relief road). We continue on a bridge over the A361, and now have Knowstone Outer Moor to our right.
On reaching another T-junction we turn right and follow the road, the Moor still to our right. If drier underfoot we could walk on the moor rather than the road, but with no traffic it is easier going on the tarmac.
At the bottom of the hill, just after passing Great Comfort Farm, we take a footpath on the right to walk alongside the Sturcombe River. This route is part of the Two Moors Way, a long distance path linking Dartmoor to Exmoor.
The section besides the river has been made passable by raised walkways, we continue under the A361 before turning left to walk on the edge of Knowstone Inner Moor. Initially this section is boggy but soon becomes firmer under foot.
On reaching the road we turn left and walk a few hundred yards, pausing to look at the Millennium Stone standing on the moor, we then take the road opposite towards Knowstone. To our left wind turbines dominate the skyline, since arriving we have yet to see these functioning. I would prefer to live close to a wind or solar farm than have a nuclear power station on the doorstep.
This road is still part of the Two Moors Way and at a footpath sign we follow the way-markers down into Knowstone emerging by St Peter’s Church. I leave my muddy boots at the door and go in to look whilst Lynnie wanders around outside.
Opposite the Church is the Masons Arms, it is closed so no chance of a pint of Tawny Owl. With the pub in front of us we turn right and walk through the village of East Knowstone with it’s two working farms dominating. At a fork in the road we take the left route, but first Lynnie has to stop to take pictures of lambs.
The lane leads us back into Roachill where we turn left and at the crossroads take a right to wander back down to Plymptons Farm CL. My Suunto Traverse tells me that we have covered almost 6.5 miles, a very pleasant stroll it has been too.
To follow this walk on OS Maps Click Here
To follow this walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 114 – Exeter and The Exe Valley.
2nd April 2016
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2016)