A wander through the village of Whimple famous for the orchards of the Whiteways Cider and the Whimple Wonder apple. Whiteways are no longer with us but the trees and the apples remain. This is a wonderful springtime walk when the bees are buzzing amongst the blossom.
The walk starts at the Square near Whimple Village Stores (who had some lovely cakes when I visited in November)
1. There has been a church in Whimple since at least Saxon times. St Mary's Church was rebuilt and extended by Charles Force and John Hayward in 1845. The oak tower screen incorporates genuine 15th century painted panels: ancient colour, rustic representations of saints that may have been part of the old rood screen.
2. Grove Lane Cemetery was consecrated when the churchyard around St Mary's became too small. It contains three Second World War War Graves.
3. Woodhayes Lane is full of bird song in the spring.
4. Woodhayes Lane orchards supplied apples to Whiteways who made cider in Whimple until the business closed in 1989.
5. Whimple Heritage Centre is a small museum run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers committed to researching, collecting and making available to everyone, information and artefacts relating to the history of Whimple. The Museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays from April to October.
Next to the Museum is the New Fountains Inn which is being renovated and should be open in the Spring of 2023.
Whimple Railway Station has a direct rail service from Exeter, Cranbrook, Honiton, Axminster and many more stations all the way to London Waterloo.
6. The Thirsty Farmer is an award winning local pub.
7. Knowle Cross has some lovely old cottages.
8. Knowle Hill orchard has fine views north-west to Killerton and Ashclyst Forest and views south to Whimple Hill. The direct route to the village involves stiles and some-time muddy paths. Instead you could retrace your route back via Knowle Cross to the village.
End your walk back at the Square.
A gpx file for this route is available here
Hourly trains to Whimple via South West Trains from Exeter St Davids or from as far as London Waterloo!
382 Hatch Green Coaches bus service runs 4 times a day (except Sundays) to Whimple Square from Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary.
Buses every 20 minutes from Exeter St Davids or Axminster (Stagecoach Route 44A) Alight at Hand and Pen 0.9 miles from Whimple
At Whimple Railway Station
Webbers Close near the Square
Whimple Village Stores cafe, or The Thirsty Farmer
Most of the walking is on quiet country roads or footpaths. Some stiles on one part of the walk.