Ottery St. Mary Walk, Roncombe Valley, Devon

Cross the bridge and turn left at the footpath sign, then proceed downstream (ignore the modern footbridge) passing through a succession of meadows. Eventually, having passed a weir and a five arch bridge (don’t cross it) the route leads towards the houses of Tipton St. John. Turn left along the road and left at the ensuing junctions, passing the dominantly positioned church (St. John the Baptist) along the way.

Cross the road bridge, continuing along the road beyond The Golden Lion, (refreshments), post office and telephone box following the indicator to Ottery St. Mary’s (road walking is unavoidable. I followed the left turn footpath sign opposite the telephone box upstream for 3/4 mile to be thwarted by an immovable gate at the redundant mill).

A few yards farther on elect the left fork, soon merging with a busier road. Veer left, towards Wiggaton, seeking an isolated row of cottages on the right; 250 yards beyond these, as the road tilts at a T junction turn left and head downward, turn right into a bridleway (signpost). towards some large, farm buildings. At that point swing left, rising along a wide track, then immediately before reaching a road turn right into another bridleway and onwards to emerge on a road close to “Happy Valley”. Turn right.

Pass Round Ball farm, and soon after turn left through a gate (signpost) and cross the lower part of the field towards a stile. Maintain the previous line across the next field towards a wide gate, then pass through the right hand gate of two, and proceed along the left hand edge of the field, seeking a stile tucked away at the distant corner.

Descend the attendant steps, then march directly ahead across the next field aiming for an upright pole close to the field boundary. Pass through a gate, then turn right to walk along the road.

After a short distance turn left, through the impressive gates and proceed beyond the large residence (Knightstone). Walk straight ahead to enter a track that initially rises and passes some large farm buildings.

Now aim straight as an arrow towards the houses of Ottery St. Mary’s. At the road turn left downhill and left again when a junction is reached (Slade Road). Turn right at the United Reformed Church to enter Batt’s Lane, passing The Lamb and Flag. Rising to another junction turn left into Sandhills Street, then turn right to return to the church.