Crediton

Map: OS Explorer 114 Exeter and the Exe Valley

Crediton is a thriving market town serving the local agricultural area, but with tourism becoming an increasingly important part of its economy. It is set in a landscape that is typical Devonshire, amidst lush valleys of fertile deep red soil. Visiting the town today, it is doubtful if you would appreciate its historic importance, were it not for the impressive red sandstone collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, which suggests an affluent past. In fact Crediton is regarded as the birthplace of St. Boniface, one of the founding fathers of the Christian Church in Europe. St. Boniface is the patron saint of both Germany and the Netherlands. Its Christian history led to Crediton becoming the See of the first bishopric of Devon, an honour which it lost to Exeter in 1050AD. Much later, in the 15th century the town became one of the most prosperous of the county's wool towns.

The surrounding countryside provides idylic peaceful walking and there are a number of attractive and interesting villages worth visiting including the cob and thatched village of Cheriton Fitzpaine, Colesbrooke and Shobrook Barton. North of the town, besides the little river Creedy, a footpath leads to Upton Hellions.

This leaflet is one of a series published by Mid Devon District Council. Two walks are included, together with an introductory history of Crediton.
Walk 1 Shobrooke uses a combination of quiet country lanes and footpaths across farmland, which may be muddy after wet weather. The route visits Shobrooke Mill Farm, Shobrooke Barton with its lovely Anglo-Norman church of St Swithins and Shobrooke Park. The climbs in the walk are rewarded by fine views across rolling Devon countryside. Distance 11km.
Walk 2 Salmon Hutch is mainly through pleasant farmland with a short but steep climb at the start. There are panoramic views across the countryside, including the hills of Dartmoor. The route heads south from Crediton past Queen Elizabeth College towards Uton. After crossing the Tarka railway line it heads west, following the River Yeo for a short while. before heading to Fordton. Distance 5km.

Purchase this guide as part of a set of 12 Mid Devon walk leaflets. [For further information or to purchase]

 

Sandford The small village is just 1.5 miles north of Crediton. Documented history of the village goes back to a Saxon charter of 930AD and its true origin is probably much earlier. The name means 'sandy ford'. The centre of the village dates back to the Middle Ages and has changed little since the 19th. century. On 15th July the Sandford Revel, a revival of a medieval fayre, includes open-air sports and fairground attractions. The village today is a thriving community with a village store and two pubs. The historic centre of the village has been designated a Conservation Area by Mid Devon district Council.

This leaflet is one of a series published by Mid Devon District Council. Two walks are included, together with an introductory history of Crediton.
Walk 1 Sandford to Upton Hellions. This is a varied walk, using footpaths, green lanes and quiet country roads, and passes through some beautiful Mid Devon countryside. The route also takes in the historic parish churches of Sandford and Upton Hellions. Leaving Sandford to the north the route then heads east to Northlakes and along a green lane to Helions Mill after crossing 'Shakey Bridge' over the River Creedy. At Upper Hellions the attractive church of St. Mary the Virgin can be visited. From here there are fine views across the Creedy Valley. Return is via Lower Creedy and Thornhedges Lane.
Walk 2 West Sandford mainly uses quiet country lanes and takes in the hamlet of of west Sandford. There is a long climb up to an attractive green lane to a high road with splendid views of the mid Devon countryside and Dartmoor beyond.

Purchase this guide as part of a set of 12 Mid Devon walk leaflets. [For further information or to purchase]

 

Tourist information and Accommodation:
Crediton TIC. Refer to TIC information page for contact information
Local Accommodation Suggestions

 

 

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