Hemyock: Castle, Church and Walking Routes

Hemyock offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the extensive remains of Hemyock Castle, the architectural history of St Mary's Church, and two walking routes with different characteristics. One route goes to Culmstock Beacon and back; the other is described as an easy walk crossing the River Culm. There is also Hemyock Market and the long-standing tradition of the Hemyock & Culmstock Horse Show and Gymkana. For your planning, it is worth keeping an eye on visiting days and event dates.

Hemyock Castle and St Mary's Church

Hemyock Castle is designated as a Scheduled Monument. On opening days, visitors can explore the extensive castle remains and its interpretation centre. Check the opening days before making the visit a fixed part of your itinerary. The combination of the visible remains and the interpretation centre connects the historic site with an informative stop.

St Mary's Church is listed as a Grade II* building. The font bowl in St Mary's Church dates from 1200, and traces of Norman arches can be seen on the tower's interior walls. These details offer two specific points to look out for: a dated furnishing and architectural traces in the tower. If you are interested in church architecture, these details draw attention to particular parts of the building rather than just its listed status.

Two routes with different characteristics

The route from Hemyock to Culmstock Beacon and back starts on the edge of Hemyock. It passes through Culm Davey and Blackdown Common to Culmstock Beacon, then returns. The route goes through fields, woods and heathland and offers wide-ranging views. The named landscape areas and destination give the walk a clearly traceable sequence.

The second route, Hemyock and the Culm Valley, is described as an easy walk and crosses several branches of the River Culm. Unlike the route to the Beacon, this walk is characterised by its river crossings and easy-going nature rather than by a single destination and return journey. This lets you compare the two descriptions by their specific focus: named landscape areas and a destination in one case, river branches and a walk in the other.

Market and event dates

Hemyock Market is normally held on the third Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 noon at Hemyock Parish Hall. If you would like to visit the market, check the current schedule before travelling rather than treating the usual date as guaranteed.

The Hemyock & Culmstock Horse Show and Gymkana is one of the long-standing local traditions. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the announced dates, as they can vary. The scheduling information differs: opening days are key for the castle, the market follows a usual monthly pattern, and the event has variable dates.

Discover more destinations: Washfield, Ipplepen, Chulmleigh, Newton Saint Petrock, Mortehoe, Starcross, Southleigh, Chudleigh.

For the broader travel guide: Devon.