Sticklepath
South of the A30 near Okehampton and once famous for its Bonfire Night show - Sticklepath Fireshow.
Sticklepath
Photograph Derek Harper
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.
Buses run through the village – to Exeter and to Plymouth. However the nearest train is in Exeter.
The village 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.
It 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.
Finch's Foundry
Finch's Foundry.
Photograph © Chris Allen
It was the Venue of the Fireshow. 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.
Entry by guided tour only. Wrought ironwork can be bought in the shop. Refreshments available.
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.
Walking Trails
The Tarka Trail Runs through the village. 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.
Mariners Way, the old route that sailors took from Dartmouth to Bideford also crosses the track.
Harepath, a Saxon name for The Way of the Warriors is close by.
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Beechwood Avenue, Sticklepath
Photograph © Lewis Clarke
Useful Information
Accommodation
B & B and self catering accommodation in the area. Sticklepath's own website has these suggestions.
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