A walk around the village and area of South Zeal. Situated approximately 5 miles east of Okehampton. Walking boots or wellingtons are recommended especially after wet weather.
The walk starts from the Car Park and turns left into Ramsley Lane to the main street. A few yards off to the right is the Old Wesleyan Chapel & Schoolroom. Up the main street and over the stream which provided water for Tucking Mill, no longer in exsistence but once part of the Woollen Industry in this area.( The houses in this end of the village have rooms large enough to hold a loom, another legacy of this important industry). The trail continues on past The Oxenham Arms and St Mary's Chapel and at the end of the churchyard is the 14th century Market Cross, which identifies the Market established by Charter in 1298. Further on up the street is the Kings Arms one of the oldest buildings in the village. Straight on to Zeal Head the trail then turns left and then left again at Ford Cross and takes the signposted footpath that skirts the Burbage Plots and joins another footpath in Millfield to Ramsley. Just after the footpath reaches the road Washing Place and the adjacent Tucking Mill Field on the left are again reminders of the wool industry. Continuing rounds the bend into Ramsley Lane and turning right the trail goes under Dry Bridge to the Throwleigh Road, the waste from Ramsley Mine can be seen on the left. Climbing up to Ramsley Common the remains of the mine workings can be found and a good view of South Zeal & South Tawton can be enjoyed. From the far end of the Common the trail makes its way back to the village, crossing the road by the old Rising Sun pub (now a private house) and descending to the original Exeter/Cornwall road past the Methodist Chapel built in 1866 and back to the start of the walk.
A free copy of this walk is available from Okehampton Tourist Information Centre.
