The Dartmoor Area
Sticklepath Village
Sticklepath is an ancient village, with many thatched cob and stone cottages, nestling under Cosdon Beacon on the north edge of Dartmoor, a wonderful wild and beautiful area, ever changing with the seasons and weather, a paradise for walkers and anybody interested in wildlife and plant life.
As far back as the late 13th century the power of the River Taw, which flows through the village on its way to the sea at Barnstaple in north Devon, was being harnessed to operate water wheels for working mills, by means of a man made leat – a water course taken off the main river.
A variety of crafts and businesses were operated, from grain milling, wool fulling, a woollens factory, serge production and later, in the early 19th century the Finch Foundry was established for tool making. The Finch Foundry continued operating until 1960 and is now owned by the National Trust as a fascinating working museum. The village has also been a stronghold for Quakers, and the Quaker burying ground remains as a memorial to this.
Sticklepath is a lively village with lots going on and if you feel like joining in you would be made very welcome.
The annual Fireshow on November 5th is an amazing spectacle and takes place in the field immediately behind the Barn (you can even view it all from there if it’s raining!).
Okehampton
Okehampton Castle is impressive and worth visiting, on the west side of the town, down Castle Street (next to main post office).
Local Farmers’ Markets
There are several excellent farmers’ and local producer markets around Sticklepath, selling a wide variety of local foods and other produce. Closest to us are Okehampton Farmers’ Market (3rd Saturday morning each month) and Hittisleigh Produce Market (2nd Saturday morning each month). A good website for all sorts of local produce is:
www.devonfoodlinks.org.uk
Local Music
There are lots of musical events locally, often in local pubs, including folk music, jazz and classical. Please ask us for details of things going on when you are planning your visit. The renowned annual Dartmoor Folk Festival takes place in South Zeal (5 minutes drive, 15 minutes walk) in early August, while in Bude (1 hours drive) there is an annual week long jazz festival at the end of August.
Sticklepath
To view some more about the Finch Foundry please click on the link below. (This will open in a new window.)
We will be happy to supply you with information about Dartmoor walks and the barn has a well stocked bookcase with Dartmoor maps and guides.