12 Pound Lane loop

Blackdown Hills AONB, Devon

This is a short loop that runs along the valley and up along a ridge with great panoramic views of the Yarty Valley. It runs mainly along quiet single track country lanes with a very short section on the A30.

• Total distance 3.15 miles (5.1km)
• Estimated time 1 hour
• Elevation 290 ft at lowest point, 437 ft at highest point
• Total ascent 296 ft

Note – the route crosses a small ford which may be flooded if there has been recent heavy rain

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

1. Leave Ley Farm turning left out of the gate onto the lane (heading north). Continue along the lane for about a mile, passing a turning on your right, then passing two turnings on your left. Not long after passing the second left turn you’ll see a lane heading up to the right with a small wooden bridge crossing a stream. The lane is marked ‘Unsuitable for motor vehicles’.

2. Cross the wooden footbridge and head up this lane (Rag Lane). When you reach the top, continue straight, passing a few houses on your left – take care walking the short section along the edge of the A30 before taking a right turn up onto Pound Lane. After passing the Baptist Chapel on your right, continue along the lane for about three quarters of a mile until you reach a junction with a house on your right.

3. Follow the lane curving right before falling steeply to a ford crossing a stream. Once you’ve crossed the stream continue straight gradually heading uphill. Once you pass Little Hay and Hay Farm you’ll return to the lane which passes Ley Farm.

4. Turn left and continue back along the lane heading south for just over half a mile until you arrive back at Ley Farm.

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