Walk in the footsteps of Tom Pearse
A short circular walk following the River Taw, one of the few northerly-flowing rivers in Devon, and taking in Tarka Bridge and the water channel – or leat – that powers Finch Foundry.
Tom Pearse
You may have heard of Tom Pearse lending his grey mare to get Uncle Tom Cobley and all to Widecombe Fair. This old Devon folk song may be a tall tale, but Tom Pearse was an influential man in Sticklepath in the early 19th century. He moved with his family in 1810 to open a serge mill, which produced high quality fabric, allegedly shipped as far as India for military uniforms. In 1836 he purchased the Quaker burying ground for the village as it would otherwise have been sold and repurposed. The committee he formed to look after it continues that work to this day.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Finch Foundry car park, grid ref SX641940
Step 1
Between the car park and the garden look for the small entryway to a narrow path between two hedges, follow this path and go through the gate. To your left you'll see the Quaker burying ground and Tom Pearse's summer house - which you can explore from the garden at Finch Foundry. Continue on through the trees to the river.
Step 2
At the bank of the River Taw, turn right and follow the river to the footbridge. Cross the bridge and at the signpost turn right in the direction of 'Two museums walk via Belstone'. Continue up the hill, go through the five-bar gate and bear right, signposted to Skaigh Woods and Skaigh.
Step 3
Follow the river path. On the far side of the river you'll see the sluice gate which lets water into the leat that feeds Finch Foundry. Continue along the path and go through the small five-bar gate. From here you can either follow the higher path or branch right to the lower riverside walk.
Step 4
Meander along the river, or follow the higher route, until the two paths meet up again, then continue until you come to the Tarka Bridge which forms part of the Tarka Trail. This 180-mile, figure of eight loop is inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter.
Step 5
Cross the Tarka bridge and bear left. Almost immediately afterwards, bear right and about 100 paces from the river you'll come to a T-junction. Turn right onto a wide track, continue until you reach a road and turn right again. Follow the road over the cattle grid and back towards Sticklepath.
Step 6
Just before another T-junction, you'll see a standing stone and a signpost on your left: 'Public bridlepath to Tongue End and Skaigh'. Turn right at the junction.
Step 7
Continue along the road, stopping to see the Ladywell just after the junction, and head into the village of Sticklepath, past the Church of St Mary on your right and back to your starting point at Finch Foundry.
End point
Finch Foundry car park, grid ref SX641940
Trail map
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