11 Low Yarty Valley to Stockland

Blackdown Hills AONB, Devon

This is a short circular walk from Ley Farm Cottages across the Yarty valley and back through Stockland village. The route consists of quiet single track country lanes and is relatively flat with one steep section heading down the valley towards the start of the walk.

• Total distance 4.7 miles (7.6km)
• Estimated time 2 hours
• Elevation 192 ft at lowest point, 410 ft at highest point
• Total ascent 326 ft

You can stop at The Kings Arms in Stockland for refreshments if desired.For information (or for other local pubs and contact details), check out our Local Pubs web page – we recommend you do this before planning your walk as many pubs here have limited opening hours throughout the week.

These instructions start at Ley Farm, Yarcombe, EX14 9LW.

1. Leave Ley Farm turning right out of the gate onto the lane (heading south). Continue to the end of the lane where you’ll reach a T junction (Road End Cross). Turn left and head down the steep valley side – you’re now on ‘The Old Chard Road’ which was originally part of the main coaching route between London and Exeter. Cross the River Yarty at Long Bridge – Look out for the old warning sign on the bridge; you’re now in Stockland parish which had historically been an exclave of Dorset until the Counties (Detached Parts) Act 1844. After crossing the bridge turn first right at the cross roads.

2. Follow this lane south along the bottom of the valley until you get to Lake Farm, and a junction with a sharp left turn uphill signposted towards Furley. Ignore this turning and continue along the lane. After passing Lake Farm the lane winds its way along the side of the valley. Soon after you pass a large old oak tree on the left of the road, ignoring the first right hand turning, the lane starts to fall. Continue straight on and the lane will head downhill before rising to another right turning (signposted to Stockland) with a house opposite.

3. Take this turning towards Stockland. After you pass a lane heading off to the right, the lane falls to cross an old bridge over the River Yarty (Case Bridge) and a few minutes later you’ll reach the end of the lane at a T-junction (Crandons). Turn right here. The lane eventually starts heading uphill towards Stockland village. After the road levels you’ll pass a small school (on your left), then Stockland village hall (on your right) before entering the village. When you get to the middle of the village you’ll see an old telephone box, and opposite, a right turning uphill which is the route back to Ley Farm. However, The Kings Arms Inn is straight ahead in case refreshments are in order.

4. Once done at the Kings Arms Inn, head back to the junction in the middle of the village and take the turning uphill signposted towards Yarcombe and Chard (opposite the old telephone box). After passing Battens Farm the road will curve left before you return to Road End Cross with a left turn.

5. Take this left turn back onto the lane which eventually returns you back to Ley Farm.

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