Birch Down

Downs, Moorland in Devon Teignbridge

England

Birch Down

River Teign near Steps Bridge Looking upstream.
River Teign near Steps Bridge Credit: Jonathan Thacker

Birch Down is a picturesque area located in Devon, England. Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, it is characterized by its rolling hills, dense woodlands, and expansive moorlands. This diverse landscape makes Birch Down a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The downs of Birch Down offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The undulating hills are covered in a patchwork of vibrant green fields, interspersed with grazing livestock, creating a quintessentially English rural scene. These downs provide ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with numerous well-marked trails crisscrossing the area.

The moorland of Birch Down adds another layer of natural beauty to the landscape. Blanketed with heather and gorse, the moors are home to a variety of wildlife, including wild ponies, foxes, and birds of prey. The vast expanse of open space creates a sense of tranquility and solitude, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unspoiled surroundings.

In addition to its natural wonders, Birch Down boasts a rich cultural heritage. The area is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, such as stone circles, burial mounds, and remnants of Bronze Age settlements. These historical landmarks provide insight into the area's past and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land.

Overall, Birch Down in Devon offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical significance. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outing, visitors to Birch Down are sure to be captivated by its charm and allure.

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Birch Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.673397/-3.6773472 or Grid Reference SX8187. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Teign near Steps Bridge Looking upstream.
River Teign near Steps Bridge
Looking upstream.
Cottages, Dunsford Date from the early nineteenth century <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1215490?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1215490?section=official-list-entry">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>
Cottages, Dunsford
Date from the early nineteenth century LinkExternal link
Steps Bridge
Steps Bridge
The River Teign at Steps Bridge Looking upstream.
The River Teign at Steps Bridge
Looking upstream.
Sluice at Steps Bridge
Sluice at Steps Bridge
Grassland and Bridford Wood
Grassland and Bridford Wood
Telephone Kiosk, Dunsford K6 telephone kiosk with working telephone <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1228634?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1228634?section=official-list-entry">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>
Telephone Kiosk, Dunsford
K6 telephone kiosk with working telephone LinkExternal link
Post Office, Dunsford The building probably dates from the late sixteenth century <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1215127?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1215127?section=official-list-entry">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>
Post Office, Dunsford
The building probably dates from the late sixteenth century LinkExternal link
The Royal Oak, Dunsford
The Royal Oak, Dunsford
Dymond Cottage, Dunsford Dymond Cottage probably dates from the eighteenth century <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1214828?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1214828?section=official-list-entry">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> The adjacent cottage (on the left) is of similar date <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1214827?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1214827?section=official-list-entry">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>
Dymond Cottage, Dunsford
Dymond Cottage probably dates from the eighteenth century LinkExternal link The adjacent cottage (on the left) is of similar date LinkExternal link
Dartmoor National Park Information - 1987 Dartmoor National Park Information at the car park near Steps Bridge.
Dartmoor National Park Information - 1987
Dartmoor National Park Information at the car park near Steps Bridge.
River Teign Weir - 1987 River Teign Weir near Steps Bridge.
River Teign Weir - 1987
River Teign Weir near Steps Bridge.
Tower, St. Mary's, Dunsford, Devon
Tower, St. Mary's, Dunsford, Devon
Mill near Steps Bridge The waterwheel is visible by the gate
Mill near Steps Bridge
The waterwheel is visible by the gate
Converted buildings on the outskirts of Dunsford Some of these buildings formed a watermill; the River Teign runs close behind them
Converted buildings on the outskirts of Dunsford
Some of these buildings formed a watermill; the River Teign runs close behind them
"No vacancies tonight" A rather discouraging notice at the start of the right of way carrying Bridford Bridleway 38 and Footpath 32 away from the car park near Steps Bridge. I assume it refers to the former youth hostel.
"No vacancies tonight"
A rather discouraging notice at the start of the right of way carrying Bridford Bridleway 38 and Footpath 32 away from the car park near Steps Bridge. I assume it refers to the former youth hostel.
Path in Bridford Wood Bridford Footpath 32 climbs through delightful woodland above the Teign.
Path in Bridford Wood
Bridford Footpath 32 climbs through delightful woodland above the Teign.
Rosebay willowherb near Bridford Epilobium angustifolium growing alongside the ridgetop byway between Plaistow Green and Windhill Gate.
Rosebay willowherb near Bridford
Epilobium angustifolium growing alongside the ridgetop byway between Plaistow Green and Windhill Gate.
Show me another place!

Birch Down is located at Grid Ref: SX8187 (Lat: 50.673397, Lng: -3.6773472)

Administrative County: Devon

District: Teignbridge

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///detergent.valley.groomed. Near Moretonhampstead, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.673397,-3.6773472
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.6744398/-3.6826011
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.6744753/-3.6791599
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 50.6718337/-3.6734703
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 50.6773529/-3.6741999
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6773699/-3.6791767
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6775466/-3.6779295
Power: pole
Source: bing
Lat/Long: 50.6777344/-3.6766595
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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