Ford Down

Downs, Moorland in Devon North Devon

England

Ford Down

Yarnscombe: Buckâs Mill, Langley Bridge Now a farm, at some time in the past a watermill stood here or nearby — Yarnscombe: Buckâs Mill, Langley Bridge Credit: Martin Bodman

Ford Down, Devon, also known as Downs or Moorland, is a picturesque area located in the county of Devon, England. This stunning expanse of land is characterized by rolling hills, lush green pastures, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Ford Down is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The landscape is dotted with ancient woodlands, glistening streams, and tranquil ponds, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

The area is renowned for its rich history, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological discoveries have uncovered ancient burial mounds and stone circles, adding to the area's mystique and allure.

Ford Down offers a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The expansive open spaces are perfect for leisurely walks, horse riding, or picnicking, offering a chance to reconnect with nature. The area is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with a wide variety of species calling Ford Down their home.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Ford Down provides opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, with numerous trails crisscrossing the landscape. The rugged terrain and undulating hills offer a challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Ford Down, Devon, is a hidden gem in the heart of the English countryside. Its natural beauty, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

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Ford Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.003693/-4.0199149 or Grid Reference SS5824. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Yarnscombe: Buckâs Mill, Langley Bridge

Now a farm, at some time in the past a watermill stood here or nearby

Martin Bodman

Atherington Village and Post Office

Atherington lies on a crossroads and has some very pretty buildings. It still has a Post Office and shop at the crossroads with a small car park.

David Brinicombe

Traffic in Atherington

This illustrates a problem shared by many rural villages. The roads were not built with modern traffic in mind. This is the B3217 beside Atherington Post Office which is part of the direct route between Winkleigh and Barnstaple and regularly carries large articulated lorries on single track roads like this. Photographs were taken of a large articulated lorry on this road which had to reverse to negotiate the corner, but this photograph was submitted instead as the lorry blocked out everything else.

David Brinicombe

St Mary's Church, Atherington

St Mary's is easily recognised from a distance by the turret on its tower.

David Brinicombe

Wild Snowdrops on the A377

This spectacular bank of the wild Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is near Umberleigh House on the verge of the A377 County Road between Exeter and Barnstaple.

David Brinicombe

Traditional Houses in Atherington

A group of thatched houses in the South of Atherington Village on the West side of the B3217.

David Brinicombe

Modern Houses in Atherington

Recently built houses in the South of Atherington Village on the East side of the B3217. Note this image joins up exactly with "Traditional Houses in Atherington" to form a panorama either side of the B3217.

David Brinicombe

Sharp Valley in Road at Eastacombe

Not as deep as the road valley at Langridgeford, but another sharp "dip" in the B3227.

David Brinicombe

Fishleigh Rock Garage

The Murco Garage and Shop at Fishleigh Rock on the A377 near Umberleigh has a well stocked grocery. The next filling station is at Lapford, about 18 miles further on.

David Brinicombe

Bishopâs Tawton: the Taw

Looking downstream from a footbridge near Chapelton Station on the Tarka Line. The river here is said to be favoured by kingfishers.

Martin Bodman

Tawstock: Chapelton Station

The station house is now a private residence; its platform no longer in use. Passengers use a second platform this side of the track. The crossing leads to a footbridge over the Taw and on to Herner and Yeotown

Martin Bodman

Tawstock: train on the Tarka Line

Approaching, but not stopping, at Chapelton Station: a train from Barnstaple to Exeter crossing a bridge over the Langham Lake, a tributary of the river Taw.

Martin Bodman

Atherington: Langley Cross

The road ahead leads to Langridgeford and on to High Bickington. It marks the parish boundary with Yarnscombe. Looking south east

Martin Bodman

Tawstock: Chapelton

Lane to farm

Martin Bodman

Valley near Atherington

The head of the valley of a tributary of the Taw, whose valley can be seen in the right background. The wood in the valley floor is Moor Copse. Seen from the lane between Atherington and Christmas Close.

Derek Harper

Wanhill

The farm is on a ridge between two valleys running north towards the Taw, and on a slight saddle. The lane, which is from Langridge, continues past a junction at Brown's Hill Head on the next rise, towards Chapelton.

Derek Harper

Langham Lake valley

Langham Lake gathers together a number of streams before meeting the Taw some 600 metres below this spot. Left of centre, a footbridge across the stream can be partly seen. The pylon line runs between sub-stations at Fideoak near Taunton, and nearby Alverdiscott. Seen from the lane between Langridge and Chapelton, near Birbrook.

Derek Harper

Horestone Copse

A small wood riddled with quarries, and currently with snowdrops in bloom, on the valley side of the River Taw. The lane is between Herner and Hawkridge Cross.

Derek Harper

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Ford Down is located at Grid Ref: SS5824 (Lat: 51.003693, Lng: -4.0199149)

Administrative County: Devon

District: North Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall