Culmstock Beacon

Culmstock Beacon and views

Culmstock Beacon is a stone hut which sits at the top of Blackdown Common and watches over a number of nearby villages including Culmstock, Hemyock and Uffculme. The views from the Beacon hut are so extensive that on a fair day it is possible to see almost as far as Exeter. 

The hut

 

Culmstock Beacon from Nicholashayne approach

The hut was initially built in the early to mid-1500s – likely during the reign of Elizabeth I. It was used as part of a network of similar warning signals built at the top of hills across the South West of England. Although the hut at Culmstock is not completely original due to restoration, it has played an important part in British history. 

Path leading to Blackdown Common from Nicholashayne

The hut would have originally supported a basket above the hole within the top of the stone roof which was filled with straw and set alight to warn of impending invasion. In the day, one person from the local community would have taken charge of supervising the Beacon and at night there would have been two or three people on constant watch. As invading ships were spotted, fire beacons were lit to warn of the approaching enemy. This was incredibly important during the Spanish Armada of 1588 when invading Spanish ships were seen from the South West coast of Britain. Fire beacons were lit and this quickly conveyed the message to London that the country was at imminent risk from invasion. It is entirely possible that the Beacon at Culmstock was one of those that was lit to pass the message. In one of the most well-known British naval victories, the Spanish Armada of 1588 was beaten and this success was due in part to the quick reaction of the local people who lit the fire beacons. 

Looking at the sky through the hole in the roof

Looking through the window from inside the hut

Looking through the door from inside the hut

The Beacon is easily viewed from the nearby villages of Culmstock and Hemyock and it is reached by a short drive towards Culmstock from the A38 which passes through the Devon/Somerset border near the village of Burlescombe. The Beacon can be accessed by a number of narrow roads which all have very limited parking so, if possible, the easiest way to reach the Beacon is by walking from one of the nearby villages. At the foot of the Blackdown Common are a number of roads that lead to dead ends and therefore the Beacon itself can only be accessed on foot. If you are intending to walk up to the top of the hill do be careful. It can be uneven underfoot and the rocks and stones become slippery when wet. The paths on Blackdown Common are also easily waterlogged and so it is advised that you wear sturdy, waterproof boots. 

Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common

Heather on Blackdown Common

Views over Culmstock and Hemyock from Culmstock Beacon and top of Blackdown Common

 

 

Be prepared to see plenty of beautiful wildlife as you make your way up to the Beacon hut. Blackdown Common is covered in heather which gives the hills a beautiful purple tinge when it is at its best. There are an abundance of wild ponies which graze on the common and you will be guaranteed to spot them. Rather more tricky to spot however are the beautiful deer which often leap out in front of you as you walk up to the hut. There are no restrictions as to when the Beacon can be accessed and there are amazing views to be seen all year round. This beautiful viewpoint over Mid-Devon is definitely worth many return trips. 

Article by Jo Norton, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Jo Norton

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Grand Western Canal

Situated in Mid-Devon, is the Grand Western Canal. It’s just over eleven miles long and starts at Tiverton basin, winding its way through the rolling mid-Devon countryside, before ending abruptly at Lowdswells close to the Somerset border.

The Grand Western Canal was the last canal to be built in the UK, work started on it in 1810 and finished in 1838. The original intention was for it to link up with the Taunton canal/river Tone, but it was never completed due to the advent of the railways which is why it ends so abruptly. The canal was built to transport coal and limestone, there are two old limekilns, the remains of an old quarry railway, and The Waytown Tunnel – a barge wide tunnel at Greenham. The canal meanders its way through the countryside, and has no locks due to the way it was constructed. At Lowdswells the canal continues as a rough, dry section, and it is possible to walk the intended route, around 13miles, to Taunton. This section has remnants of locks and lifts, and is a lovely section to explore. It makes you wonder what it would have looked like if it had ever been completed, and connected to Taunton and Bridgwater Canal.

Nowadays, the canal is a conservation area. There is a lot to see especially if you love a multitude of wildlife that includes swans, moorhens, ducks, and a variety of other birds such as birds of prey and kingfishers. Pike and other fish haunt the depths of the water hiding among the vegetation and it is also home to elusive otters. The canal is beautiful, serene, and a perfect place to walk whatever the weather. In winter fog hugs the water and ice clings to the bare branched trees. In spring the towpath fills with colour as daffodils, bluebells and primroses bloom in riotous colour. In summer growing cygnets paddle the water accompanied by their proud parents, enjoying the bright sunshine. In autumn leaves of russet and gold flutter to the towpath and vegetation dies back to prepare for another winter.

As well as being a haven for wildlife the canal is also a popular tourist attraction. Runners, walkers and cyclists stretch their legs daily, kayakers and paddle-boarders explore the water, and fishermen cast their lines in search of a catch. At Tiverton basin the history and heritage of the canal is displayed in a small museum, a colourful and traditional, horse-drawn barge offers visitors the chance to experience a trip along the canal, and there are two tearooms, where weary visitors can rest their feet.

Wherever you look, there is much evidence of the old canal industry, and visitors can only imagine what the area would have been like at its height during the industrial revolution, as it seems so far away from the beautiful conservation area that it has now become. As well as the canal so many other interesting things sit next to it. The canal is surrounded by public footpaths that take walkers across fields, through picturesque villages and there is even an old monastery that dates back centuries, giving a real insight into the ancient land that surround this wonderful tourist attraction.

• Have you visited the Grand Western Canal? If so, which is your favourite part?

 

Article by Chrissie Parker, We Love Mid-Devon

Photos by Chrissie Parker.

All articles on this blog are the property of the authors and We Love Mid-Devon. Whilst we are happy for you to share, No articles are to be reproduced, copied or screenshot without the permission of the author. Please contact us if you wish to re-produce in a publication.