Ashipp one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ashipp here.

I walked this slow way from Ipplepen to Ashburton. Both are served by regular buses between Newton Abbot and Totnes. The route is not suitable for wheeled users as it has some stiles and steep gradients but can’t be avoided, given the landscape and topography. There are several pubs en route, a most excellent community shop at Broadhempston (cake!) & shops at both Ipplepen and Ashburton. Ashburton is a lovely town, with lots of independent shops, well worth a visit.

I walked the route when ground conditions were very wet and after (not during) recent flooding. It was passable in walking boots, but there were some muddy and also very wet sections.

From Ipplepen to Broadhempston the route largely follows Bucipp two.

Leaving Ipplepen the route is on pavement or wide village road (there is an option to instead follow a footpath through the churchyard (Bucipp two) and rejoin the slow way, but it does have a stile). The route follows an off-road footpath crossing the road and continuing as pavement & separate footpath to and across part of Orley Common - the footpath shown on OS mapping does not reflect what’s on the ground but the route is very clear.

The route continues on quiet lanes to Torbryan then field footpaths to Broadhempston. The footpath across Am Brook water meadow was (unsurprisingly) wet, but it was possible to walk without deviation. There is a stone clapper bridge across the stream but other channels to step across. It would be impossible in flood conditions.

At Broadhempston the route deviates from Bucipp two and passes through the village on lanes. Again though, you could cut through the churchyard (through an archway next to the Monks Retreat pub) if liked, but there are steps when rejoining the road and the route.

The route then follows a quiet lane through Beaston before taking an unmetalled road which skirts Torcorn Hill. Beyond the hill, one section was flooded by a small stream (photo 10). I was able to keep my feet dry by keeping to the eastern side and on the foot of the hedge.

The route continued along quiet lanes and byway to the edge of Ashburton. Passing under the A38 it picks up a footpath, which it follows all the way into town, passing the church.

A very enjoyable walk that I hadn’t intended to do until the ground had dried out a bit, but the temptation (of cake from Broadhempston store in particular) was too great! Even so, I managed it in walking boots. It will be even better in drier weather I’m sure.

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