Walk 1 (2.4 miles) | Walk 2 (6.5 miles) | Walk 3 (1.2 miles) | Walk 4 (8 miles) |
Buckfast Abbey & Buckfastleigh | Buckfast Abbey & Holne | Town Trail | Buckfastleigh to Totnes |
The name implies 'a place where buck and deer were kept'.
Walk 1 Buckfastleigh (2.4 miles)
Difficulty:
A very pleasant short walk to Buckfastleigh and the ruins of a church destroyed by fire.There is an option to see some cave entrances.
There are some steep steps to climb.
![]() | Buckfast Abbey the Valiant Soldier |
A This short walk starts at Buckfast Abbey and after a steady climb turn left at the crossroads then first right as it descends into Buckfastleigh.
BThe village ,according to White,had 'about 300 woolcombers,several corn mills,and four blanket and serge mills; and has quarries of limestone and a sort of black marble.
C There are still 4 pubs in Buckfastleigh. The walk passes the famous Valiant Soldier,a place where time stood still; it was closed in the 1960s.
D Continue and cross a bridge across the Mardle. Next,turn left onto a public footpath and up some fairly steep steps .
E The parish Church (Holy Trinity) stands on an eminence,ascended by 144 steps,and is a large antique structure,which has been restored and beautified since June,1844.'
Unfortunately most of the church was destroyed in a fire on 21st July 1992.
You can still see the now metal barred tomb of the Cabells.
![]() | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was inspired to write the 'Hound of the Baskervilles' after visiting the tomb of the Cabells. |
more historic walks |
From here you can see the caves of Higher Kiln Quarry . Route shown from centre of church.
FThe caves are maintained by the Devon Wildlife Trust and not open to the public.
Walk 1
Walks near Buckfastleigh: | |
Ashburton | |
![]() | One of our most popular walks following part of the Dartmoor Way along the river Ashburn. |
Hembury Woods | |
![]() | Two delightful walks through this ancient oak wood and along a most enchanting stretch of the river Dart - a key attraction in Victorian Times! |
New Bridge | |
![]() | Explore a most idyllic and romantic landscape and enjoy a paddle in the Dart or a picnic nearby! |
Dartington | |
![]() | Four top scenic walks of different lengths exploring a region that has attracted artists,musicians and walkers alike. |
terrain: | tracks,paths |
lanes | |
main roads | 0 % |
![]() | after rain |
altitude range | 36 - 128 m |
quality of track | **** |
Walk 2 Buckfast Abbey to Holne (6.5 miles)
Difficulty:
A longer but equally delightful walk follows the Dartmoor Way & Two Moor Way.The fauna can be stunning with yellow flags & blue bells in late spring.
![]() | Part of the Dartmoor way follows a relatively busy country lane. |
Church House Inn at Holne has real character and is well worth a visit. It is under new management and serves great lunches and evening meals ! (July 2019)
![]() | Holne is the birthplace of Charles Kingsley,author of Westward Ho! & the Water Babies |
more historic walks |
. Restaurant,Buckfast Abbey
Download Walk 2 GPX for Mobile / GPS
Download Walk 2 FIT for Watches / GPS
![]() | How to view a GPX file | |
Walk 4 Long Distance walk to Totnes (8 miles)
Difficulty:
Using mainly quiet lanes and public footpaths this pleasant walk via Staverton and Dartington Cyder Press connects the Dartmoor Way with the John Musgrave Heritage Trail.