Codden Hill Walk
This circular walk climbs to Codden Hill from the village of Bishop's Tawnton in North Devon. It also visits the Venn Quarry before a waterside section along the Venn Stream. The hill is located just to the south of Barnstaple.
The walk starts in the pretty village of Bishop's Tawnton which lies just to the west of the hill. Head south from the village to Golden Hill Cross before turning east to follow footpaths up to the hill. At the summit you'll find a monument to Caroline Thorpe, who died in a car crash in 1970. Caroline was the wife of local MP Jeremy Thorpe who went on to become leader of the Liberal Party and part of the Thorpe affair, a major British political scandal of the 1970s. He was famously tried at the Old Bailey on charges of conspiracy and incitement to murder, arising from an earlier relationship with Norman Scott. Actor Hugh Grant played Thorpe in an excellent BBC drama of the affair in 2018. From the elevated position of the monument there are excellent views back to Bishop's Tawnton and across the surrounding countryside.
The route then heads east towards Higher Bableigh before heading north to the Venn Quarry. Here you pick up the Tarka Trail and follow the waymarked footpath west along the picturesque Venn Stream before returning to the village.
Postcode
EX32 0DQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCodden Hill Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Codden Hill Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Codden Hill OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Codden Hill Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Back in the village head to the Chichester Arms for some post exercise rest and refreshment. The 15th century thatched pub has been serving the people of the village since 1880. They serve and excellent Sunday roast and also have some outdoor seating. You can find them on East Street at postcode EX32 0DQ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The open space on the top of the hill is a great place for the dogs to run around. You'll probably see other owners on a fine day.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you follow the Tarka Trail south west from Barnstaple it will take you to nearby Great Torrington. The historic town is well worth a visit with a number of listed buildings, riverside trails and a splendid viewpoint on Castle Hill to enjoy.
A few miles to the south there's the little village of Umberleigh where there's pleasant walks along the River Taw and views of the Railway Viaduct. The village has a train station on the Tarka Line between Portsmouth Arms and Chapelton.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A view towards Ashford from the monument on Codden Hill
Bishop’s Tawton: Codden Beacon Obelisk erected in 1971. Inscribed ‘To Caroline who lived closely at Cobbaton and loved this hill, the beloved wife of the Right Honorable Jeremy Thorpe MP and mother of Rupert, she died on June 29th 1970 aged 32’. The obelisk was designed by architect Clough Williams Ellis of Portmeiron fame and the monument was dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Crediton on 4 December 1971
Bishops Tawton
A Valley Through Which Runs Venn Stream
Landkey: Venn Quarry. Although quarrying here ceased in 2006, some activities still continue on site. Seen from the Tarka Trail footpath
Landkey, Tarka Trail
Looking up Venn Stream from the River Taw in Bishop's Tawnton.
Landkey: Higher Bableigh. The farm in the centre of this shot, with Pitt Farm nearer the camera, in the hollow, now a residence. Seen from Codden Hill, beyond the square. The plantations, right, are on Hangman’s Hill