The Little Dart Way – where the river flows life will flourish
A circular route, of approximately 12.5 miles, taking in All Saints Eggesford, St James Chawleigh and St Mary Magdalene Chulmleigh.
Welcome to the Little Dart Way, a pilgrim route that takes in three of the twelve churches in a group known as the Little Dart Mission Community. It is, in a sense, a pilgrimage in search of two rivers. The first is the wonderful Little Dart River, which rises on Rackenford Moor and winds its way by Witheridge and Chulmleigh into the River Taw, some 15 miles from its source. The second is the spiritual river of life, which by tradition flows out from churches into the wider world.
OS Map Google Map Details and reflections
The interactive map below should be used for illustrative purposes only. For detailed maps download and print the OS Maps for each stage, or download the GPX file at the bottom of this page to import the route into your favourite navigation app.
Stage 1: Eggesford to Chawleigh
From All Saints, Eggesford the route initially follows the Tarka Trail, coming close to the River Taw before crossing both the Exeter—Barnstable train line and the A377 to pick up a bridleway that climbs out of the valley and makes its way towards one end of Chawleigh.
Stage 2: Chawleigh to Chulmleigh
From St James the route leaves Chawleigh along the B3042, to Hollow Tree Cross, before taking a footpath that leads via an unusual monument and through woods to an impressive footbridge over the Little Dart River. The way then tracks the river before turning onto the Ridge and Valley Walk and making the steep ascent up Rock Hill to St Mary Magdalene, Chulmleigh.
Stage 3: Chulmleigh to Eggesford
From St Mary Magdalene — going back down Rock Hill, up the valley and past Chawleigh Week Cross — a footpath across a field and through woods reaches the B3042. The way then descends to the A377 before making a long, semi-circular ascent and descent through woods, back to the A377. After crossing the road and the Exeter—Barnstable train line the route, finally, returns to All Saints Eggesford.
The Little Dart River
The Little Dart Way is, in a sense, a pilgrimage in search of two rivers. The first is the wonderful Little Dart River, which rises on Rackenford Moor and winds its way by Witheridge and Chulmleigh into the River Taw, some 15 miles from its source. The second is the spiritual river of life, which by tradition flows out from churches into the wider world.
Chawleigh Barton Wood
A charming woodland on the approach to the Little Dart river.
Views over Eggesford Forest
The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel
A friendly country hotel in the heart of Devon where guests and their pets always receive a warm welcome. Set in six acres on the River Taw we have 22 rooms, restaurant, licensed bar, café and even a luxury treehouse.
Tarka Line Bistro
Licensed Bistro/Cafe with a great range of food for both eat in and takeaway.
Chawleigh Village Store
Earl of Portsmouth
Recently renovated and reopened family run pub in the village of Chawleigh.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion Hotel resides in the charming, rural, hilltop town of Chulmleigh. As a hotel, bar, and restaurant, The Red Lion provides great value gastropub grub, alongside a range of beers, local ales, and wines. Offering comfortable accommodation, it is a fitting base for exploring the beautiful North Devon countryside.
The Old Court House Inn
Enjoy a traditional Devon pub experience. Delicious home cooked pub food served with quality ales.
The Old Dairy
The Old Dairy is situated in the beautiful town of Chulmleigh, our charming tearoom and deli is at the heart of the local community.
Chulmleigh Tandoori Indian Restaurant & Takeaway
Chulmleigh Tandoori is the landmark of fine Indian dining serving exotic mouth-watering dishes in a pleasant environment.
The Fox and Hounds Country Hotel
A friendly country hotel in the heart of Devon where guests and their pets always receive a warm welcome. Set in six acres on the River Taw we have 22 rooms, restaurant, licensed bar, café and even a luxury treehouse.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion Hotel resides in the charming, rural, hilltop town of Chulmleigh. As a hotel, bar, and restaurant, The Red Lion provides great value gastropub grub, alongside a range of beers, local ales, and wines. Offering comfortable accommodation, it is a fitting base for exploring the beautiful North Devon countryside.
The Old Court House Inn
Enjoy a traditional Devon pub experience. Delicious home cooked pub food served with quality ales.
All Saints, Eggesford
A small and isolated church, restored and much rebuilt in 1867. Some older fabric remains at the East end, the tower dates from the 15th century. The interior dates mainly from the 1867 restoration, including the tiled floor, altar rails, choir stalls and pulpit. Seating includes some 18th century box pews.
St James’, Chawleigh
St James’ is almost entirely a 15th century structure, considerably embellished around 1840. The rood screen extends across the nave and aisle and is a delight to the eye.
St Mary Magdalene, Chulmleigh
The Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene is a Grade I listed building, with a prominent four stage tower over ninety feet high, completed in 1520 and restored in the 1950s. Its impressive castellated top and granite pinnacles were restored by the community very recently.