THE EDEN WAY 3, CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL’S ALL ANGELS DUNCHIDEOCK - ST MICHAEL’S DODDISCOMBSLEIGH

Leaders: Jane P. & Maggie S.
The impressively sited Dunchideock Church is built of sandstone and therefore attractively pink. A walk by lane and footpath, the route passes the impressive triangular Belvedere Tower built by Sir Robert Palk in 1788 on the ridge of the Haldon Hills awarding panoramic views over the Exe valley.
On the north wall is the monument to Major General Sir Stringer Lawrence who transformed irregular troops into a fighting force earning him the distinction of being the founder of the Indian army under Colonial rule. His doubtful inscription reads
”Born to command to conquer and to Spare,
As mercy mild yet terrible as War,
Here LAWRENCE refts: the Trump of honest Fame
From Thames to Ganges has proclaim’d his Name”
From the Church take the lane to the Old Post Office, descend to Haldon Belvedere. At Haldon Gate take the track to Lakenham Farm continuing to Tick Lane leading to St Michael’s Doddiscombsleigh. We admire the five 15th century stained glass windows created by the Doddiscombsleigh Glaziers.
Our return takes the footpath leading to Sexton’s Cross, follows the footpath to Hackaton Plantation turning left at Windy Cross, then on through North Wood, staying on the steep ascending lane to Higher Horrells turning at Iddlestone Brook Cross, finally taking the footpath to Biddypark Lane Cross and return to Dunchideock.
It is to be noted that there is a degree of lane walking to achieve this walk though foot paths where possible are included! Moderate with one steep descent.