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Great Torrington,second oldest Saxon market town in devon,makes an ideal centre for walking offering extensive views of a dramatically meandering Torridge.
In 1642 Fairfax captured the Cavaliers and imprisoned them in the church of St Michael and All Angels (see below) . Unfortunately,a powder magazine ,also kept in the church,exploded killing all inside.
The town suffered a large fire during in 1742.
There are several pubs in Torrington
 | Leper Colony (see below) |
Walk 1 Torrington Common,river & Obelisk (3.5 miles)
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Note:There are several steady climbs and descents.
A This popular walk starts from Torrington's main Car Park. By the toilets turn right into South Street,then left into High street and continue past St Michael and All Angles Church crossingA386 into School Lane.
Continue for half a mile ignoring lane on right ,then beyond the outskirts of the town turn left into a public footpath.
B Continue through the Common for a bit more than half a mile then turn left into another public footpath which zigzags uphill towards a small car park near a cemetery. Follow a service road to the main road.
C Turn left then almost immediately on the edge of the cemetery turn right into a tarmac footpath opposite.At the end take path diagonally cutting through wasteland .Near residential area into a small alley leading to Mill Street.
Next,turn right until main road then left. Before bridge turn left into a track next to a Toll House.
D Across the river lies Taddiport where during the 13th century lepers were housed - fields were set aside for them to cultivate but only two remain ,see picture below.
Continue taking path nearest to the river then after half a mile take a left path zigzagging uphill. Cross another path then up until next crossing of paths.
E Turn right then continue until the Obelisk which was built 1in 1818 to commemorate the battle of Waterloo (1815).
Turn left then climb steadily up hill to the car park.
A GPS is highly recommended.
Note:Free Parking available for this walk only - see below
length: | 3.5 miles |
time: | 1 hr 30 mins |
| stiles | several |
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Walk 2 to Puffing Billy (3.9 miles)
An equally pleasant walk to the old station and Puffing Billy.
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Walk 1
Walk 2
