Gatcombe Park

Downs, Moorland in Devon South Hams

England

Gatcombe Park

Approaching Dartington Hall The drive curves across the head of a side valley of the Dart before climbing to the hall and its gardens, although the Valley Field of the gardens, seen ahead, can also be accessed from this bend - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3741663">SX7962 : Garden entrance</a>. A ha-ha separates it from the field on the left. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000453?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000453?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> See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6483896">SX7962 : Field and trees, Dartington</a>. — Approaching Dartington Hall Credit: Derek Harper

Gatcombe Park is a picturesque estate located in Devon, England. Spread over an expansive area, the park encompasses various terrains, including downs and moorland, making it a diverse and captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.

The downs of Gatcombe Park are characterized by rolling hills covered in lush green grass. These open spaces provide ample opportunities for activities such as hiking, picnicking, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The downs are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and birds soaring through the clear skies.

In contrast, the moorland of Gatcombe Park offers a different experience altogether. This rugged and untamed terrain is characterized by vast expanses of heather, interspersed with rocky outcrops and glistening streams. Moorland walks provide visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, while also offering glimpses of wildlife such as red deer and ponies that roam freely in the area.

The estate itself is steeped in history, with Gatcombe Park having been in the possession of the Royal Family since the early 19th century. It is currently the private residence of Anne, Princess Royal, and her family. The park is also known for its equestrian facilities, hosting various equestrian events throughout the year.

Overall, Gatcombe Park in Devon is a captivating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Whether exploring the downs or venturing into the moorland, visitors are sure to be enchanted by the charm and tranquility of this idyllic estate.

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Gatcombe Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.449458/-3.6640189 or Grid Reference SX8162. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Approaching Dartington Hall

The drive curves across the head of a side valley of the Dart before climbing to the hall and its gardens, although the Valley Field of the gardens, seen ahead, can also be accessed from this bend - see SX7962 : Garden entrance. A ha-ha separates it from the field on the left. Link

See also SX7962 : Field and trees, Dartington.

Derek Harper

Woodland and grassland at Dartington Hall

On the road to Totnes, the road passes from grassland to woodland between the Hall and the River Dart

David Smith

Garden entrance

This entrance is at the lower end of the gardens off Dartington Hall Drive.

jeff collins

Field, Dartington

This is the field that can be seen on the left of SX8062 : Road into Dartington, seen from the road as it swings past the gate. Tyre tracks cross the snowy field towards the pine shown in SX8062 : Pine, Dartington.

Derek Harper

Fence at Dartington

In the background, in SX8062, is Aller Park School Link

Derek Harper

Berry Pomeroy Castle

The castle seen above Pomeroy's Leap from the lane to Castle Mill, with a beech tree and the walls catching the lowering sun.

Derek Harper

Travellers' Site - beside and along the footpath

It would appear from local residents that this an approved site with squatter's right securing the establishment of this settlement. It seemed a daunting prospect as one walked along the John Musgrave Heritage Trail which takes you through the caravans which are on both sides of the footpath.

Colin Vosper

Travellers' encampment along footpath

From locals it appears that this an approved site with squatter's right securing the establishment of this settlement. It seemed a daunting prospect as one walked along the John Musgrave Heritage Trail which takes you through the caravans which are on both sides of the footpath. Intimidating for some. SX8161 : Travellers' encampment along footpath SX8162 : Travellers' Site - beside and along the footpath

Colin Vosper

Travellers' encampment along footpath

From chatting to locals, it appears that is an approved site with squatter's right securing the establishment of this settlement. It seemed a daunting prospect as one walked along the John Musgrave Heritage Trail which takes you through the caravans which are on both sides of the footpath. With barking dogs locked in some of the vehicles, it is a little unnerving to walk this section of the footpath. SX8161 : Travellers' encampment along footpath

Colin Vosper

Road bridge or viaduct, A381 at Littlehempston

This substantial viaduct enables the link to be maintained along the A381 - the main road between Newton Abbot and Totnes. It takes traffic across the valley which is home to a tributary to the Hems river and further east there is Gatcombe House with its old mill which used to use the water in this tributary to power the machinery. This is a view from the public footpath from just above the old farm in Littlehempston which passes through the woods to the carpark of the Pig and Whistle public house. Well signposted but not quite so obvious as to which way the path takes through the woods, but it becomes more obvious as you climb the hill to the woods. At the start of this footpath at the Littlehempston end, the footpath route is in effect inside the curtilage of a bungalow for the first 50 metres. Keep to the footpath!!

Colin Vosper

Littlehempston Farm Buildings

This rather old and somewhat dilapidated traditional farm and farm buildings is a real gem and worth a closer look. It is a glimpse into the layout of farms as they used to be. It would look like the farmyard and outbuildings have not been in full use for sometime. SX8162 : Littlehempston Farm Buildings SX8162 : Littlehempston Farm Buildings

Colin Vosper

Littlehempston Farm Buildings

This rather old and somewhat dilapidated traditional farm and farm buildings is a real gem and worth a closer look. It is a glimpse into the layout of farms as they used to be.... a proper farm yard. It would look like the farmyard and outbuildings have not been in full use for sometime. SX8162 : Littlehempston Farm Buildings SX8162 : Littlehempston Farm Buildings

Colin Vosper

Littlehempston Farm Buildings

This rather old and somewhat dilapidated traditional farm and farm buildings is a real gem and worth a closer look. Today as you look into the yard you have to imagine the hive of activity in the yard and the barns of years gone by as it is now all but unused and silent. As it alongside the road, it is an ideal opportunity to get a glimpse of the layout of farms and style of buildings as they used to be.SX8162 : Littlehempston Farm Buildings SU5913 : Oak in West Walk, Forest of Bere

Colin Vosper

Totnes (Littlehempston Riverside) station

This is the Totnes terminus of the South Devon Railway, which runs for seven miles roughly northwestwards to Buckfastleigh, following the River Dart. Not to be confused with the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which runs from Paignton to Kingswear. Both have been called, and operated by, the Dart Valley Railway Company in the past. This photo was taken from the 1158 Penzance to London Paddington train, having left Plymouth at 1400.

Graham Horn

River Hems

Some of the water meadows of the River Hems, a tributary of the River Dart. This photo was taken from the 1158 Penzance to London Paddington train, having left Plymouth at 1400.

Graham Horn

Littlehempston church

This is a prominent landmark from the train. It predates the railway by some hundred years but the architecture suggests that it may have been rebuilt during the Victorian Gothic years, perhaps contemporary with the railway in the 1840s. This is not the best photo, but surprisingly there are no other pictures of the church, apart from the tower, on Geograph. This photo was taken from the 1158 Penzance to London Paddington train, having left Plymouth at 1400.

Graham Horn

Peep over a hedge

Walking or driving along the Devon lanes, one is very often below the level of surrounding fields, and also invariably between high hedges. This peep over such a hedge is from inside a field at Red Post Cross. The lane pictured heads for Marldon.

Richard Dorrell