We talk a lot on this website about the land here at Hill Crest, but I thought it might be useful for people to know what to expect when they come and visit us. Hill Crest is a project to 'rewild' 16 acres of a Devon valley. In 2011, Hill Crest was sheep-grazed fields with a small wooded stream and mature hedgerows. Now it is a jumble of planted and naturally-regenerating native trees, encroaching thorny scrub and brambles, grass and wildflowers, buzzing with bees, butterflies and other insect life, full of birdsong, and home to mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
There are a number of grassy tracks that crisscross the site so that people can sensitively access nature. People tend to choose two main routes: Bob's Path and Bill's Path. I have outlined these below with what you may be able to experience, as well as features of the paths that describe how you can navigate the space. We are learning from our guests and how they experience the land so I am anticipating adding to this blog, with points that our visitors notice as they make their way around the space.
Bob's Path
Overall distance: 0.8km (or approximately 0.5miles) there and back
Number of benches: 2
Distance to sit spots:
Car park to Hare Clearing: 0.13km
Hare Clearing to Bob's bench: 0.46km
Bob's bench to car park: 0.8km
Maximum gradient: 11%
Elevation gain: 26m
Path width: Approximately 180cm
Path surface: Short grass small areas near the pond can be squelchy underfoot after prolonged rain
There are no gates to open or stiles on this path
Seasonal highlights to notice:
Aspen leaves rustling in the wind
Glow worms can be seen on path edges at dusk in the early summer
Slow worms can sometimes be seen moving across the paths
Watch the kestrel hunting for voles
Pass the pond which hosts herons and amphibians
See if you can spot the 'Lynx' keeping watch where the paths join
Grassy track to Silver Birch clearing
Silver birch clearing with boxing hares sculptures
Bob's bench with views towards Moor Copse
Middle path past pond
Bill's Path
Overall distance: 1.8km (or approximately 1.2 miles)
Number of benches: 4
Distance to sit spots:
Car park to Hare Clearing: 0.13km
Hare Clearing to Bob's bench: 0.46km
Bob's bench to Great Granny's view: 0.81km
Great Granny's view to Stream bench: 1.5km
Stream bench to Car park: 1.75km
Maximum gradient: 32%
Elevation gain: 50m
Path width: Approximately 180cm
Path surface: Short grass small areas near the pond and the landslip can be squelchy. The bottom track along the stream in the autumn is leaf-covered.
There are no gates to open or stiles on this path
Seasonal highlights to notice:
Same as Bob's track above.
In the winter views across to Exmouth can be seen
Deer roam the whole site and are nearly always seen
In the spring enjoy the Hawthorn, Blackthorn Rowan and Cherry blossoms
Glow worms can be seen on path edges at dusk in the early summer
In the spring watch out for Early Purple Orchids on the paths
Steep hill through Moor Copse
Great Granny's View
Bottom stream track
Streamside bench
Illustrative map of Hill Crest
Things to note.
Getting here by bus: Hill Crest is on the 'Country Bus 359' and First 'Dartmoor Explorer' routes and we have a pedestrian gate for making commuting via public transport easier.
Ticks: We are making more space for nature and are regularly visited by deer, they do, of course, carry Ticks so please wear long trousers or cover your legs to ensure that Ticks don't hitch a ride as there is a risk of contracting Lyme's disease from Tick bites.
Toilets: We do have toilets on site which our guests are welcome to use, unfortunately, these are not wheelchair accessible and there is a single step which is 12 cm high.
British Sign Language: Kate has Stage 1 in BSL but just let us know if you would prefer a registered BSL interpreter to be available for your visit.
Car Parking: We have extensive car parking for up to ten cars. The surface of the car parking area is compacted gravel, and has level access to the land:
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