Chawleigh

Welcome to Chawleigh:

Chawleigh is a welcoming village set on the south side of the Little Dart valley, with far‑reaching views across to Dartmoor. Its location makes it an ideal base for walking holidays, with direct links to the Two Moors Way, the Tarka Trail and nearby Eggesford Forest. Each spring, the renowned Chenson Woods Bluebells create a spectacular blanket of colour, drawing visitors to the woodland at Chenson Farm along the A377 between Exeter and Barnstaple for a short but unforgettable seasonal display.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing meal at the Haywood Restaurant at the Fox and Hounds Hotel, which also offers cosy accommodation — including a luxury woodland Treehouse featured on BBC’s Countryfile.

Local Experiences:

Chawleigh offers a rich mix of beautiful scenery, local history and outdoor activities. The village’s walking routes — including the Chawleigh 1, 2 and 3 trails — offer stunning views of Dartmoor’s tors, including Cosdon (Cawsand) Hill and High Willhayes, the highest point on the moor. The parish also includes Burridge, an ancient pre‑Roman settlement with double‑banked earthworks, and nearby Burridge Camp, an Iron Age hillfort overlooking the Little Dart Valley.

The Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk, an 11‑mile Devon County Council route, passes directly through Chawleigh, linking the Two Moors Way at Witheridge with the Tarka Trail at Eggesford. Chawleigh is also home to the Church of St James, with its distinctive lychgate featuring a small lifting gate.

For family outings, the Queen’s Stone picnic area lies conveniently between Exeter and Barnstaple on the A377. This peaceful woodland viewpoint offers forest trails, free parking and a mile‑long circular walk. Visitors can also try clay pigeon shooting or paintballing at Blue Fox Glade Target Sports, set across more than 200 acres.

Chawleigh is well connected, with Eggesford Railway Station just outside the village on the scenic Tarka Line between Exeter and Barnstaple. Adventurous visitors can even enjoy wild swimming in the Little Dart River.

History & Places of Interest:

• Ancient Settlements: Chawleigh parish includes the prehistoric site of Burridge — a pre‑Roman settlement featuring double banks and a ditch — and the Iron Age hillfort of Burridge Camp overlooking the Little Dart Valley.
• Dartmoor Views: Local walking routes offer sightlines to Dartmoor’s tors, including Cosdon Hill and High Willhayes.
• Historic Walking Routes: The 11‑mile Little Dart Ridge and Valley Walk links national trails and runs directly through Chawleigh.
• St James’ Church: Known for its unusual lychgate with a small lifting section.

Acknowledgement:

Image courtesy of Barrie Cann / Chenson Woods Bluebells / CC BY-SA 2.0

Thanks to Chawleigh Parish Council for providing information and walking routes.