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Map of Walks and Places of Interest

Placque commemorating the first tree planting of the Forestry Commission.

Dec 8th 1919

Eggesford Airfield is a small private airfield. It holds a historical collection of Auster aircraft plus some other vintage aircraft.
Viewing by appointment only

Hover your mouse over the yellow squares, the church and the station for more information.
Where relevant there is more info , phone numbers, web links etc. on the Directory page.

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Heywood
1.5 hours - Graded as moderate
Red waymarked posts
This is an attractive woodland for walkers and cyclists offering easy access and a carpark.
This circular walk takes you past the magnificent Douglas fir (circa 1840) a veteran of the old Eggesford Estate and other conifers from the early plantings by the Forestry Commission in 1920.
You will also encounter the impressive Motte and Bailey, all that remains of the once imposing Norman Fort. This ancient scheduled monument is now managed for its protection while providing fine views of the surrounding landscape.

The Fox & Hounds Country Hotel was formerly a coaching inn, built in the 19th century, situated just off the A377 a 2-minute walk from Eggesford Station. It is open daily offering food and accommodation. There is salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing on the River Taw.

Hilltown Wood - 45 minutes per walk Graded as moderate
Red waymarked posts
Blue waymarked posts
This wood has a car park and picnic area with toilet. It has an information point and is the site of the ‘Queen’s Stone’ which commemorates 1 million acres planted by the Forestry Commission in Great Britain on May 8th 1956 .
There are two circular walks starting from the car park that take you through an attractive and diverse woodland. Alternatively you can take a longer walk along the Public Footpath to All Saints Church, Eggesford Gardens & Country Centre and the Railway Station.

Taw Valley Ventures
Easily reached on foot from the Railway Station or by trail from the Garden Centre. Taw Valley Ventures at Hilltown offers quality leisure courses for all ages to enhance your visit to this unspoilt area.

Granary Cottage was previously the grain store at Trenchard Farm. It is now converted to holiday accommodation. A beautiful character cottage, overlooking the Taw valley with stunning views.

Motte and Bailey fort
(remains of )
strategically placed to control this crossing at the north end of Heywood

Pine Cottage Plants is a small nursery overlooking the Taw valley in rural Mid Devon, which should appeal to keen gardeners who seek out the unusual and rarer plants.

THE TARKA LINE
“I arrived at Eggesford Station a little after four, and found there Lord Portsmouth’s brougham waiting to take me up to the house, so there was no trouble at all. The scenery here is lovely and the house very handsome.”
…So wrote Thomas Hardy in 1885 and people have been coming to Eggesford by train ever since.
Even though there are only a few residential properties in the immediate vicinity, all trains stop at Eggesford Station. Historically this was said to be a condition imposed by the local landowner, before releasing the land for the line to be built.
Today all trains stop for the driver to collect a token to allow him to continue his journey. It is still worth travelling to Eggesford by train, and alighting to admire the lovely scenery, in addition to discovering what else this area has to offer.

The Wembworthy Centre
Devon Discovery (DCC) Residential and Outdoor Education Service - providing accommodation and activities for Devon schools, youth and community groups.

Eggesford Gardens & Country Centre
Easily reached from the station, The Garden Centre is an ideal base from which to explore the Eggesford area. Browse and buy from the well stocked Garden & Gift Shop. Dine or snack in the restaurant whilst enjoying scenic views of this stretch of the Taw Valley . Be sure to visit The Gallery, stocking items by local Craftsmen and artists.

Eggesford Barton Holiday Cottages
Originally the main farm serving the Eggesford Estate, the Barton dates from the early 18th century. The house is a fine example of a building of the time in this area, recently converted into 3 quality holiday cottages within easy walking distance of the Tarka and woodland trails.

All Saints Church
Dating from the 14th Century is notable for its superb monuments to local families, the Chichesters and Fellowes and the Earls of Portsmouth.