1. Home
  2. England
  3. Devon and Cornwall
  4. Devon
  5. West Devon
  6. Gidleigh Common

Gidleigh Common

Downs, Moorland in Devon West Devon

England

Gidleigh Common

Old Boundary Marker near Teigncombe Parish Boundary Marker on the north side of a minor road 500 metres west of Teigncombe and 10 metres east of the open moor. On the boundary of Gidleigh and Chagford parishes. Inscribed G P, for Gidleigh Parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_CGBC01pb
Old Boundary Marker near Teigncombe Credit: T Jenkinson

Gidleigh Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Devon, England. Situated within the Dartmoor National Park, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. The common is characterized by its rolling hills, lush green meadows, and expansive moorland, providing visitors with breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 1,500 acres, Gidleigh Common is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The heather-covered moorland provides a habitat for various bird species, including the rare cuckoo and the majestic peregrine falcon. Additionally, the common is also home to several species of deer, such as red deer and roe deer.

The landscape of Gidleigh Common is dotted with ancient archaeological remains, including stone circles and hut circles, which offer insight into the area's rich history. These remnants give visitors a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of Dartmoor.

The common is crisscrossed by numerous footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Hiking and walking are popular activities, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems such as babbling brooks, cascading waterfalls, and charming woodland areas.

Gidleigh Common is a haven for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Gidleigh Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.675238/-3.9073091 or Grid Reference SX6587. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Boundary Marker near Teigncombe Parish Boundary Marker on the north side of a minor road 500 metres west of Teigncombe and 10 metres east of the open moor. On the boundary of Gidleigh and Chagford parishes. Inscribed G P, for Gidleigh Parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_CGBC01pb
Old Boundary Marker near Teigncombe
Parish Boundary Marker on the north side of a minor road 500 metres west of Teigncombe and 10 metres east of the open moor. On the boundary of Gidleigh and Chagford parishes. Inscribed G P, for Gidleigh Parish. Milestone Society National ID: DV_CGBC01pb
Scorhill Prehistoric Stone Circle (Scale 1m) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1018915?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1018915?section=official-listing">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Scorhill Prehistoric Stone Circle
(Scale 1m) LinkExternal link
Will May's House A well preserved peat cutters shelter (Scale 1m).
Will May's House
A well preserved peat cutters shelter (Scale 1m).
Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh The church has Saxon or possibly Norman origins, but was completely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. It comprises a nave continuous with the chancel which is covered with a waggon shaped roof of Devon oak. The side aisle on the south side is separated from the nave by a three-bay arcade, supported by granite columns. The tower at the west end contains the ring of bells, which are rung from the floor of the church. The rood screen dates from the 15th century and was decorated in 1853 when the images of saints were added along the lower panels. The font is 15th century but had a wooden cover made in 1843 by Charles Finch, the parish clerk. In 1853 John Aggett carved the granite pulpit and lectern. He also carved the reredos in 1868 which was originally installed in Chagford church. In 1863 the rector, Arthur Whipham, divorced his wife on the grounds of her alleged adultery with Philip Rowe, a local farmer's son. They were caught in bed at the rectory by the village bobby.
Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh
The church has Saxon or possibly Norman origins, but was completely rebuilt at the end of the 15th century. It comprises a nave continuous with the chancel which is covered with a waggon shaped roof of Devon oak. The side aisle on the south side is separated from the nave by a three-bay arcade, supported by granite columns. The tower at the west end contains the ring of bells, which are rung from the floor of the church. The rood screen dates from the 15th century and was decorated in 1853 when the images of saints were added along the lower panels. The font is 15th century but had a wooden cover made in 1843 by Charles Finch, the parish clerk. In 1853 John Aggett carved the granite pulpit and lectern. He also carved the reredos in 1868 which was originally installed in Chagford church. In 1863 the rector, Arthur Whipham, divorced his wife on the grounds of her alleged adultery with Philip Rowe, a local farmer's son. They were caught in bed at the rectory by the village bobby.
Tolmen stone Water erosion has left a gaping hole in this boulder on the bank of the North Teign River. Among the fanciful tales about the stone is that rheumatism sufferers will be cured by crawling through the hole.
Tolmen stone
Water erosion has left a gaping hole in this boulder on the bank of the North Teign River. Among the fanciful tales about the stone is that rheumatism sufferers will be cured by crawling through the hole.
Scorhill stone circle This is the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.
Scorhill stone circle
This is the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.
Scorhill stone circle This is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. When viewed from the centre of the ring, the tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice.
Scorhill stone circle
This is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. When viewed from the centre of the ring, the tallest stone marks the setting sun on the summer solstice.
Clapper bridge over the North Teign River
Clapper bridge over the North Teign River
Edge of the moor
Edge of the moor
Clapper bridge over the North Teign River
Clapper bridge over the North Teign River
Lane near Shilstone The lane up the edge of the open moor from Ensworthy, seen at a double bend in horrible weather. A driving thick drizzle, and yet strangely light, as if the sun isn't far away.
Lane near Shilstone
The lane up the edge of the open moor from Ensworthy, seen at a double bend in horrible weather. A driving thick drizzle, and yet strangely light, as if the sun isn't far away.
Gidleigh church A typical Dartmoor parish church dedicated to The Holy trinity. the original church was Saxon or Norman but was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. There is a stream that runs through the churchyard.
Gidleigh church
A typical Dartmoor parish church dedicated to The Holy trinity. the original church was Saxon or Norman but was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. There is a stream that runs through the churchyard.
Wallabrook Bridge The Wallabrook clapper bridge below Scorhill Down.
Wallabrook Bridge
The Wallabrook clapper bridge below Scorhill Down.
The Scorhill Stone Circle The western stones in what is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tall stone, the tallest in the ring, marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.
The Scorhill Stone Circle
The western stones in what is probably the best preserved Bronze Age standing stone circle on Dartmoor. The tall stone, the tallest in the ring, marks the setting sun on the summer solstice when viewed from the centre of the ring.
Gallaven Brook A clapper bridge over the Gallaven Brook below Scorhill Down.
Gallaven Brook
A clapper bridge over the Gallaven Brook below Scorhill Down.
The Gallaven Brook, Dartmoor The Gallaven Brook with the ford on the track from Scorhill Down. The dwarf gorse was putting on a fine display
The Gallaven Brook, Dartmoor
The Gallaven Brook with the ford on the track from Scorhill Down. The dwarf gorse was putting on a fine display
Road junction near Gidleigh A road junction with Gidleigh off to the right and Moortown to the left.
Road junction near Gidleigh
A road junction with Gidleigh off to the right and Moortown to the left.
Gidleigh, Dartmoor The main road through Gidleigh, a rural settlement in the Dartmoor National Park.
Gidleigh, Dartmoor
The main road through Gidleigh, a rural settlement in the Dartmoor National Park.
Show me another place!

Gidleigh Common is located at Grid Ref: SX6587 (Lat: 50.675238, Lng: -3.9073091)

Administrative County: Devon

District: West Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///blackbird.newsstand.folders. Near Chagford, Devon

Nearby Locations

Gidleigh Scorhill Circle Scorhill Down Gidleigh Common Scorhill Tor

Related Wikis

Scorhill
Scorhill

Scorhill (pronounced Scorill) Stone Circle is now the commonly known name for Gidleigh Stone Circle or Steep Hill Stone Circle, one of Devon's biggest...

Gidleigh Castle
Gidleigh Castle

Gidleigh Castle was the manor house of the manor of Gidleigh on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor, about two miles (3.2 km) north-west of the town of...

Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh
Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh

Holy Trinity Church, Gidleigh dates from the late 15th-century, and is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in Gidleigh...

Gidleigh
Gidleigh

Gidleigh is a village and civil parish in the West Devon district of Devon, England. Located within Dartmoor National Park, the parish is surrounded clockwise...

Shovel Down
Shovel Down

Shovel Down is an area of Dartmoor in Devon that is covered in megaliths including the remains of several stone rows, the Fourfold Stone Circle, and several...

Gidleigh Park
Gidleigh Park

Gidleigh Park is a hotel and restaurant located in Gidleigh, near Chagford, Devon, England. Chris Eden joined as Executive Head Chef in September 2019...

Central Devon (UK Parliament constituency)
Central Devon (UK Parliament constituency)

Central Devon is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2010 by Mel Stride, a Conservative. == History == The constituency...

Frenchbeer
Frenchbeer

Frenchbeer is a settlement in Devon, England. It is in Dartmoor national park. Fernworthy reservoir is to the south and so is the South Teign river. Chagford...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.675238,-3.9073091
Buttern Hill
Created By: Potlatch 0.10f
Natural: peak
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 50.679536/-3.9070804
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Heale Down Devon
Western Moor Devon

Have you been to Gidleigh Common?

Leave your review of Gidleigh Common below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy