Mid Devon

Three stages carry the route across 30 miles of Mid Devon. If it’s unspoiled flora and fauna and verdant countryside you’re after – and ‘getting away from it all’ – you’re really going to enjoy getting to grips with this stretch of the Two Moors Way .

Take in the gorgeous green countryside of Mid Devon – the county's heartland

Drewsteignton to Morchard Bishop

The next three sections introduce the walker to remote and little-walked Mid Devon: 30 miles of fields and woodland separating the two moors. Facilities are very limited, but the walker can enjoy total immersion in the Devon countryside, and exposure to a wide range of unspoiled flora and fauna. Before reaching Morchard Bishop the Tarka Line railway is met at Morchard Road.

Morchard Bishop to Witheridge

From the midway village of Morchard Bishop – good pub and excellent village shop, and home to one of the four Two Moors Way marker stones – the way continues through quiet woodland and fields all the way to Witheridge. It’s a very quiet stretch, encountering only farmsteads and the hamlet of Washford Pyne, home to St Peter’s Church. The old coaching town of Witheridge once had four pubs and regular fairs and markets, but now has only one pub and two shops.

Witheridge to Knowstone

On leaving Witheridge the path crosses Bradford Moor, unimproved pasture rich with wild flowers. Quiet lanes are followed for a few miles towards the two Knowstone moors (SSSIs), now intersected by the North Devon link road, under which the Two Moors Way passes. The only hamlet on this section is at the end: tiny Knowstone with its 15th-century church and pub.

Knowstone to Hawkridge

At last Exmoor is reached – Peter Randall Page’s sculpture is met at Badlake Moor Cross, facing its twin on the route 30 miles away near Drewsteignton. The route becomes more taxing as Exmoor’s southern slopes are reached, with good views south towards Dartmoor. Once again there are no facilities on this section.