A medieval font, an intricately decorated memorial cross and numbered walks make Ashwater a destination where local history and time outdoors come together. For planning, three themes can be distinguished: the history of churches and house construction, remembrance of two world wars, and different ways of walking—from a six-mile circular route to designated public footpaths.

Church and House-Building History

St Peter ad Vincula, also known as St Peter in Chains, is a medieval Grade I listed church in Ashwater. Its historic details include a 12th-century font and a Beerstone monument dating approximately to the late 15th century. It is probably dedicated to Thomas Carminow, who died in 1442. Thus, a firmly assigned century and an approximate date with a probable dedication appear side by side.

Another architectural-history reference is Bell Tower Cottage, a former farmhouse built between 1420 and 1540, with later alterations. The two-room-through-passage plan describes an arrangement in which two rooms are connected by a passage. Together, the church and house illustrate different historic building forms: a medieval church and a former farmhouse with a named floor-plan type.

The Ashwater War Memorial Cross

The intricately decorated Celtic-style granite memorial cross commemorates 12 local servicemen who died in the First World War; four names from the Second World War were added later. These later additions mark a second point in time at the same memorial cross.

Circular Walks and Public Footpaths

Ashwater Parish Walk No. 1 is a six-mile circular walk that starts and ends at the Village Inn. Along the way, it crosses the River Carey. Its length and circular route answer two practical questions at once: how far the walk is and whether it returns to the starting point.

Ashwater Parish Walk No. 2 passes a marsh and reedbed where butterflies and dragonflies can be seen in spring and summer. For nature enthusiasts, the season is therefore part of choosing a route; if you want to look out for this wildlife in particular, take the stated period into account when planning.

In the Parish of Ashwater, Church Walk is designated as public Footpath No. 11. Another designated public footpath, Footpath No. 13, leads from Ashwater via Lower Larkworthy to the A388.

The route details answer different planning questions: No. 1 is defined by its length and circular route, No. 2 by the marsh and reedbed and seasonal wildlife watching; Church Walk and Footpath No. 13 are designated public routes. This lets you weigh up whether a circular route, the season for wildlife watching or an explicitly named public footpath is the main consideration for your trip.

Nature in the Parish of Ashwater

Quoditch Moor Nature Reserve is also located in the Parish of Ashwater. It adds another named natural attraction to the local history and route descriptions.

Discover more destinations: Ashreigney, Torquay, Buckland Brewer, Hennock, Dunkeswell, Wick, Sampford Spiney, Colebrooke

For the main travel overview: Devon.