In Molland, a remarkable church and traces of a long landscape history meet moorland paths and wide-open views for stargazing. This lets you get to know the place through different interests: St Mary offers a glimpse of architectural history, while Molland Moor features prehistoric and medieval remains as well as outdoor activities. When planning a stay, this mix offers several points of focus without prescribing a fixed itinerary.
St Mary: History Across Several Eras
St Mary is a listed building in the highest protection category, Grade I. The church also has one of the finest examples of an unrestored church interior in the country. Its history can be read in three distinct periods: it has Saxon origins, a medieval exterior and an interior dating entirely from the 18th century. For those interested in architecture and history, the particular appeal lies in this contrast. The origins, exterior and interior do not belong to the same period, but bring together several chapters of architectural history in one place.
Molland Moor and Its Historical Traces
Molland Moor covers 681 ha and lies on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park. It preserves an extensive, well-preserved system of medieval cultivation ridges and beds, as well as prehistoric remains on the moor. Together, these traces reach far back into the history of the landscape. The field patterns point to medieval land use, while the prehistoric remains add an even older period.
Molland’s ancient landscape was also shaped by small fields, high, thick hedges and narrow, winding lanes. These features date from Saxon times or earlier. Alongside the archaeological traces on the moor, this offers another historical perspective: the inherited form of the landscape around Molland.
Walking and Cycling Around Molland
Local walking routes around Molland cross open moorland and pass through deeply cut, sheltered combes. The Molland Explorer Walk follows a bridleway and carriageway north to Molland Moor. Another footpath, the Molland Family Walk, leads to a gate at the corner of Bond Wood.
There is also a dedicated option for a bike ride: the Molland Cycling Trail reaches East Anstey Common, an open moorland section of the route. On foot, the routes mentioned lead to Molland Moor or to a gate at the corner of Bond Wood; by bike, East Anstey Common is the stated destination. Check local conditions for walking and cycling routes before setting out.
Stargazing and Getting to the Moor
Molland Moor is a stargazing site with an unobstructed 360° view for observing the moon, constellations and planets. How clearly you can see the sky also depends on the weather and light pollution. The all-round view and the celestial objects mentioned make the moor a different focus from the historic field patterns: here, it is about looking up rather than looking for traces in the landscape.
Check the current parking situation before travelling. If you are planning a stay, you can weigh up church architecture, historic landscape traces, walking routes, cycling and stargazing rather than trying to fit every theme into a single outing.
Discover more destinations: Sampford Courtenay, Thorverton, Yelverton, Newton Saint Petrock, Broadclyst, Totnes, Longdown, Holne
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
