Ashford

Civil Parish 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 civil parish located in the county of Devon, England. Situated in the South Hams district, Ashford is a small and picturesque village that offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike. The parish covers an area of approximately 5 square kilometers.

The village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush fields, and meandering rivers. It is located near the Dartmoor National Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside. The nearby River Avon also offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Ashford is a close-knit community with a population of around 400 people. The village is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Grade II listed St. Peter's Church, which dates back to the 15th century. The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.

The village has a primary school, providing education for local children, and there are several small businesses and shops serving the community. Ashford also has a village hall which hosts various events and activities throughout the year, fostering a sense of community spirit.

Overall, Ashford is a charming and peaceful village that offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its natural beauty, historic buildings, and strong community spirit, it is a place that attracts those seeking a slower pace of life and a connection to the countryside.

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Ashford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.094234/-4.097272 or Grid Reference SS5334. 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

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