< Buckfastleigh - Ashburton >

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Buckfastleigh - Ashburton

 

• Start: SX744 666 Dart Bridge, Buckfastleigh
• Finish: SX756 699 North Street, Ashburton
• Distance: 3.75km/2.3 miles
• Ascent: 95m/312ft
• Descent: 56m/184ft
• Refreshments: Ashburton
• Public toilets: Ashburton
• Tourist information: Ashburton.

At the mini-roundabout at Dart Bridge (High Moor Link joins from the left) bear right to cross the River Dart and turn immediately left, signed Ashburton/Princetown. After approximately 2.4km / 1.5 miles, at a T-junction, turn right and immediately left, signed to Exeter/Newton Abbot; after 70m turn left on Old Totnes Road. This soon ascends to a junction; turn right to descend to Ashburton town centre, passing 15th-century St Lawrence Church en route, to reach the junction with North Street at the bottom of the hill.

Ashburton is the largest town within Dartmoor National Park, and has a civilised feel (and an extensive range of antique shops and cafes!). One of the original Dartmoor stannary towns (responsible for administering the tin-mining industry), from 1305, the town`s continued wealth - from tin and then cloth, with a regular market and two annual fairs - is demonstrated by its fine buildings, many with impressive 18th- and 19th-century facades. Unusually Ashburton still retains the Saxon office of Porteeve and a Court Leet. A historic Bread Weighing and Ale Tasting ceremony takes place in July, and a popular Food and Drink Festival in early September.