Ashford

Settlement in Devon North Devon

England

Ashford

Cutting on dismantled railway at Penhill The old railway line along the edge of the Taw estuary now carries the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. It is also very popular as a cycle path. — Cutting on dismantled railway at Penhill Credit: Tony Atkin

Ashford is a small village located in the county of Devon, in southwestern England. Situated approximately 3 miles from the popular tourist town of Barnstaple, Ashford offers a peaceful and rural setting for its residents. The village is nestled within the North Devon countryside, surrounded by lush green fields and rolling hills.

Ashford boasts a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. The village is home to several historic buildings, including the 12th-century St. Mary's Church, which features stunning architectural details and beautiful stained glass windows. The village also has a number of traditional thatched-roof cottages, adding to its quaint and picturesque charm.

While primarily a residential area, Ashford is well-connected to nearby amenities. The nearby town of Barnstaple offers a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, ensuring residents have access to all their daily needs. Additionally, the village is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Taw River, which runs through the village, provides opportunities for fishing and boating, while the nearby Exmoor National Park offers ample hiking and cycling trails.

Overall, Ashford offers a tranquil and idyllic lifestyle, with its rural setting and close proximity to amenities. Its rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Devon.

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Ashford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.097392/-4.0986808 or Grid Reference SS5335. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cutting on dismantled railway at Penhill

The old railway line along the edge of the Taw estuary now carries the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. It is also very popular as a cycle path.

Tony Atkin

Shelter on Tarka Trail between Fremington and Barnstaple

This intriguing shelter has been defaced by spray-can artists.

David Smith

Near Barnstaple, North Devon

A view looking south west from Bradiford over the estuary of the River Taw.

Ron Strutt

Anchored on the Taw

The River Taw, taken from the Tarka Trail cycle path near Heanton Court.

Ron Strutt

Tarka Trail cycle path near Barnstaple

The Tarka Trail cycle path looking towards Barnstaple from near Strand House. The cycle path uses the course of the old Ilfracombe to Barnstaple railway, which here also forms the sea wall.

Ron Strutt

Cyclists on the Tarka Trail

This photograph is a bit of a cheat. I wanted a picture of a big group of cyclists but the lady in the front came along well ahead of her friends. So I took two pictures and assembled them together. Unfortunately my cut and paste missed part of the shadow of the front bike wheel!

Ron Strutt

Path to Pippacot Wood

John Phillips

View of Barnstaple from Prixford

Taken from the road near the Varley Farm turning.

Grant Sherman

Farmland near Springfield Cross

Looking towards Shirwell Cross.

Grant Sherman

Folly on Poleshill

Taken from the end of Poleshill Lane.

Grant Sherman

View of Barnstaple from Poleshill Lane

Codden Hill SS5829 in the distance.

Grant Sherman

View of Bradiford from Poleshill Lane

Grant Sherman

Taw Estuary and South West Coastpath

The Tarka Trail / South West Coastpath near where Bradiford Water joins the River Taw.

Grant Sherman

Bradiford Water Bird Reserve, Barnstaple

Water meadows, scrapes and ponds just before confluence of Bradiford Water and River Taw. Situated at west end of Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple. Image taken from the Tarka Trail (old trackbed of the Barnstaple to Ilfracombe Railway) looking east with Roborough (iron age fort) in far background.

Maurice Clements

A Path for Everybody

For most of its length around the Taw estuary, the path which constitutes part of the Southwest Coast Path and the Tarka Trail is built along disused railway lines and surfaced as a cycle track making it suitable for anyone to use.

Tony Atkin