Vale Down

Settlement in Devon West Devon

England

Vale Down

St Patrick's church
St Patrick's church Credit: Tim Glover

Vale Down is a picturesque village located in the county of Devon, England. It is nestled in the heart of the stunning Dartmoor National Park, offering residents and visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. With a population of around 500, Vale Down is a tight-knit community that prides itself on its tranquility and natural beauty.

The village is characterized by its charming thatched-roof cottages, which add to its traditional and idyllic atmosphere. The central hub of Vale Down is its village green, where locals often gather for community events and festivities. The green is surrounded by a few essential amenities, including a local pub, a village store, and a post office.

Nature enthusiasts find Vale Down particularly appealing due to its close proximity to Dartmoor National Park. The area offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The nearby moorland and woodlands are home to an array of wildlife, including rare bird species and wild ponies.

Vale Down also has a rich history, with several historical landmarks scattered throughout the village. The 12th-century St. Mary's Church, with its stunning stained glass windows, stands as a testament to the village's heritage. Additionally, the remains of a nearby ancient hill fort attract history enthusiasts and archaeologists alike.

Overall, Vale Down offers a serene and picturesque setting, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Devon countryside.

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Vale Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.654747/-4.089969 or Grid Reference SX5285. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Patrick's church
St Patrick's church
The Dartmoor Inn near Lydford Beside the A386 road to Tavistock and Plymouth. By one of the entry points onto the moor. Sadly, the inn is closed on three nights a week - a sign of the times?
The Dartmoor Inn near Lydford
Beside the A386 road to Tavistock and Plymouth. By one of the entry points onto the moor. Sadly, the inn is closed on three nights a week - a sign of the times?
A right of way onto the moor Leading to the Dartmoor Common Land, also leads to a public car park a short distance ahead.
A right of way onto the moor
Leading to the Dartmoor Common Land, also leads to a public car park a short distance ahead.
Pathway on the edge of Dartmoor common/access land Across High Down. Great Links Tor ahead.
Pathway on the edge of Dartmoor common/access land
Across High Down. Great Links Tor ahead.
Three options for crossing the River Lyd You can ford the river, hop over the stepping stones or use the footbridge. I chose the latter!
Three options for crossing the River Lyd
You can ford the river, hop over the stepping stones or use the footbridge. I chose the latter!
The footbridge over the River Lyd Looking towards Great Links Tor.
The footbridge over the River Lyd
Looking towards Great Links Tor.
The river Lyd ford
The river Lyd ford
Heading across Arms Tor There doesn't appear to be a defined path here. If there is, I had wandered off it.
Heading across Arms Tor
There doesn't appear to be a defined path here. If there is, I had wandered off it.
Easy walking on the slopes of Brat Tor This area is littered with old workings which have to be negotiated whilst climbing the hill.
Easy walking on the slopes of Brat Tor
This area is littered with old workings which have to be negotiated whilst climbing the hill.
Moorland between Arms Tor and Brat Tor Heading for Bleak House.
Moorland between Arms Tor and Brat Tor
Heading for Bleak House.
Looking towards Widgery Cross The cross was constructed to commemorate the 1887 Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria by William Widgery, a noted Dartmoor artist.
Looking towards Widgery Cross
The cross was constructed to commemorate the 1887 Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria by William Widgery, a noted Dartmoor artist.
Widgery Cross on Brat Tor Viewed from near Dick's Well.
Widgery Cross on Brat Tor
Viewed from near Dick's Well.
Widgery Cross on Brat Tor Viewed from the Dartmoor access track near the Dartmoor Inn.
Widgery Cross on Brat Tor
Viewed from the Dartmoor access track near the Dartmoor Inn.
Ladder stile beside the path to Bleak House Across the stile for a public footpath to Nodden Gate and beyond.
Ladder stile beside the path to Bleak House
Across the stile for a public footpath to Nodden Gate and beyond.
On the path to Bleak House approaching the River Lyd crossing Brat Tor rises on the right and Arms Tor is on the left.
On the path to Bleak House approaching the River Lyd crossing
Brat Tor rises on the right and Arms Tor is on the left.
River Lyd stepping stones and ford There is also a footbridge just out of shot on the left.
River Lyd stepping stones and ford
There is also a footbridge just out of shot on the left.
Path crossing the lower slopes of Brat Tor Looking towards Arms Tor.
Path crossing the lower slopes of Brat Tor
Looking towards Arms Tor.
Arms Tor Viewed when walking to Bleak House. Had strayed away from the Right of Way here, but no matter as it's all access land.
Arms Tor
Viewed when walking to Bleak House. Had strayed away from the Right of Way here, but no matter as it's all access land.
Show me another place!

Vale Down is located at Grid Ref: SX5285 (Lat: 50.654747, Lng: -4.089969)

Administrative County: Devon

District: West Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///skies.royal.sounding. Near Okehampton, Devon

Nearby Locations

High Down Vale Down

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.654747,-4.089969
Vale Down
Place: hamlet
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 50.6559178/-4.0906301
Moor View House
Addr City: Okehampton
Addr Postcode: EX20 4BB
Addr Street: Vale Down
Addr Suburb: Vale Down
Tourism: guest_house
Lat/Long: 50.6553939/-4.0904023
Ncn Milepost: mills
Sustrans Ref: MP781
Lat/Long: 50.6565034/-4.0960974
Post Box
Brand: Royal Mail
Brand Wikidata: Q638098
Brand Wikipedia: en:Royal Mail
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 07:00; Su off
Drive Through: no
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Design: type_c
Post Box Mounting: brick_pillar
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: EX20 154D
Royal Cypher: GR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102273
Source: survey;streetlevel imagery;aerial imagery
Lat/Long: 50.6553157/-4.0899305
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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