Washfield: Footpaths and Historic Buildings

Washfield offers travellers two practical starting points for planning a stay: nine footpaths and several historically notable buildings. If you are looking for a hotel in Washfield, you can first consider whether your trip will focus more on walking routes and scenery or on architecture and history. The routes and architectural features described provide a distinct, tangible point of interest for each of these interests.

Footpaths and Route Lengths

The local network includes nine footpaths to explore. Two of the routes described can be distinguished more precisely by their course and length. Footpath three runs from Footpath two, across a field above New Park, via Courtenay to Ennerleigh, and is 1.44 miles long. Bridleway seven runs from the road above Smiths Farm to the road above Ramstorland; it is 0.92 miles long. This makes Bridleway seven the shorter of the two routes with stated lengths, while Footpath three covers more ground. These details can help you make an initial choice based on route length and named points along the way or at the end. Also take typical trail conditions into account when planning your visit.

Historic Buildings with Distinctive Features

The Church of St Mary the Virgin has a 12th-century font. Cowlins Farmhouse has a different architectural focus: the farmhouse probably dates from the 16th century, is made of cob, and has a cruck roof formed from joined crucks. The building also preserves clues about the way of life of a late medieval household. Buildings with joined crucks were a regionally distinctive building type at the time. The construction and evidence of household life thus offer two different perspectives on Cowlins Farmhouse. Pilemoor and Adjoining Outbuilding also date back to the 16th century.

Wynerfreds is a former farmhouse that may originally have formed the solar wing of a larger house. Its notable oriel window is supported by a carved head and framed by carved mouldings with beading and incised ornament. Another historic highlight is the War Memorial Seat, a First World War memorial erected around 1918. It takes the form of a shelter with a bench inside.

Historical Context

Chronologically, the overview spans the 12th-century font, Cowlins Farmhouse, which probably dates from the 16th century, and the 16th-century origins of Pilemoor and Adjoining Outbuilding, through to the War Memorial Seat of around 1918. This brings out ecclesiastical heritage, domestic history and commemoration of the First World War as distinct historical periods.

Washfield Wetland in the Regional Context

Washfield Wetland, a new wildlife restoration area, is also located in the wider Exe Valley region. Nature adds another possible focus for planning a stay, alongside the footpaths and historic buildings. If you include Washfield Wetland in your plans, check the visitor facilities separately before relying on public access.

Discover more destinations: Culmstock, Cheriton Bishop, Hawkchurch, Stoke Gabriel, Abbotskerswell, Horrabridge, Newton Saint Petrock, Halberton.

For the broader travel guide: Devon.