STICKLEPATH

South of the A30 near Okehampton and famous for its Bonfire Night show - the Sticklepath Fireshow. Magnificent. Unique. The drama of fireworks, a theme with a storyline, puppets, music, wonderful costumes. The ultimate Wow Factor! The show has been going for 25 years and is more popular than ever. Nearly 3000 people saw the last one, so if you are going - get there early!!!

The Tarka Trail runs through Sticklepath. That incredible 180 mile figure of eight trail following the sites of the adventures of Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson's much loved novel. There is a film of the same name with Peter Ustinov as narrator.

Sticklepath   © Copyright Derek Harper and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Finch's Factory

The last working water powered forge in England and is owned by the National Trust. It has the last original working trip hammer, grindstones and three water wheels. Can be found in the centre of of the village. Fascinating. Live machinery demonstrations.

The Foundry made agricultural and mining tools for the local area and the factory ran from 1814 to 1960. It has been said that in its heyday it produced the sharpest tools in Devon.

Open now from the middle of March to the beginning of November, except Tuesday. Wrought ironwork can be bought in the shop. Refreshments available.

A circular walk Four Villages Trail starts just outside the foundry.

Sticklepath itself is a friendly, pleasant wooded village on the edge of Dartmoor, Its Saxon name means 'steep' and it is. Quite central as a place to stay for day trips around Devon, as start for the Tarka trail, or just a pleasant short break. B & B and self catering accommodation in the area.

Buses run through the village – to Exeter and to Plymouth. However the nearest train is in Exeter.

Sticklepath was an important junction geographically. The village lies along an old ridgeway track, an important route centuries ago, that ran from the capital of Devon, Exeter, to the old capital of Cornwall, Launceston. Probably a resting place for travellers at the foot of the mount. It is here too that the River Taw crosses the ridgeway. Mariners Way, the old route that sailors took from Dartmouth to Bideford also crosses the track and Harepath, a Saxon name for The Way of the Warriors is close by.

The village has never had a manor, or a squire or even a rectory. Almost unique. Samford and Sticklepath were historically united under the Courtenay family, wealthy landowners in Devon. The Courtenay's fell out with Henry VIII with the normal consequences of such an act and it was not until Cromwell's time that the village then became united with Belstone nearby.

Quakers moved into this safe haven and eventually bought a burial ground behind the Museum. Some of these people may have sailed to America with the Pilgrim Fathers.

Return to Devon

Return to Home

If you wish to return to your previous page please click the back button.

Perhaps you might like to browse some more, if so please click one of the navigation buttons on the left.