Medium difficulty. Distance 5 miles (8 km)
This is an easy-to-follow and flat walk, mostly beside the River Culm and incorporates a visit to the working wool mill. Approx. 5 miles (8 km).
Cross the road from the inn and take the footpath beside the Culm. Follow it through several fields, with the river on your left. You will reach Hunkin Wood. At the far end of this millennium project, cross the river and bear right. The clear path again leads you ahead through several gates and fields towards Uffculme. Look out for kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails along here.
The path eventually takes you through a kissing gate on your right and back over the river on a high bridge. Turn left along the lane and left again up a set of wooden steps on to the riverbank. Walk along here to the road. Cross the road and cross the bridge and immediately descend a flight of steps to another riverside path. This leads you to the road, where you turn right to walk to Coldharbour Mill. You can visit the mill and enjoy lunch or tea there.
To vary the return route, cross from the mill car park to a metal gate which leads you on to the former Tiverton Junction – Hemyock railway line. Walk along here, ignoring the first path off to the left. By the animal feed mill, the path bears left between buildings to emerge onto Bridge Street through a wrought iron gate beside the village hall.
Turn left and follow the road round to the village square. Cross the road and walk past the post office and up some steps. Turn right and pass the tall redbrick building which was Furze’s steam brewery. Walk on to the edge of the village, where the road forks. Take the right-hand option and follow this for over half a mile, enjoying views down to the meanders of the Culm. Just after Five Ford Farm, the road goes down a short hill. A footpath is signposted to your right. This leads you back into Hunkin Wood, where you bear left to re-join the outward route as you head back to Culmstock. There is a fine view of Culmstock Beacon ahead… a good walk for another day!
