Westleigh can be explored through two specific travel interests: walks of varying lengths and a distinctive village scene of church and landscape views. At the upper end of the village, the crenellated 15th-century tower of the Church of St Peter stands out. The Tarka Trail is also within easy walking distance. Both the route lengths and the features mentioned for each route can help you make your choice.

Walking trails of varying lengths

Westleigh has numerous footpaths and several forgotten lanes that are suitable for circular walks. The Island is about 1.5 miles long, making it the shortest route described here. Longer options include a walk of about 6 miles and a circular walk of approximately 8 miles in the parish.

The routes also differ in the features they include. The approximately 8-mile circular walk follows footpaths, parish roads and forgotten lanes. The approximately 6-mile walk takes in country lanes, the Tarka Trail, a beach and sand dunes. So the comparison is about more than distance: you can also consider whether to include a circular route on the path network or a walk linked to the trail, beach and dunes in your plans.

The Tarka Trail and access to the parish path

The Tarka Trail is within easy walking distance of Westleigh. To reach the parish path to the Tarka Trail from Westleigh, take the B3233; the entrance is on the left beside the bus stop opposite. The trail is also part of the approximately 6-mile walk. In addition, the section of the South West Coast Path between Bideford and Westleigh partly follows the Tarka Trail. These are different route connections: access to the parish path, a longer walk in the parish, and the shared route of the coastal path along the section described.

Church architecture and landscape

The Church of St Peter features two distinct architectural details: the crenellated 15th-century tower that stands out at the upper end of the village, and 16th-century pews with elaborately carved bench ends. The bench ends are the side pieces of the pews. The tower’s distinctive shape and the finely worked carvings on the pews thus represent different aspects of the church’s architecture.

Another local landmark is Tapeley Park. It lies in the parish of Westleigh, on a hill overlooking the River Torridge and the North Devon coast. This adds the river and coast as landscape features alongside walking trails and church architecture. If you are considering Westleigh as a travel destination, you can choose a route based on its length and course, and also decide whether the local cultural or landscape details suit your interests.

Discover more destinations: Dunsford, Bigbury-on-Sea, Lynmouth, Horrabridge, Slapton, Talaton, Drewsteignton, Ottery Saint Mary.

For the broader travel overview: Devon.