Week St Mary to Penhallam
This captivating walk offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic splendor, making it a must-visit destination for any explorer. The route traverses Ashbury Woods, where ancient trees whisper tales of centuries gone by. Beneath the watchful gaze of the iron age fort, explore the rugged terrain and imagine the lives of those who once roamed these lands. The path leads you to the evocative ruins of Penhallam Manor, a testament to the enduring legacy of times long past. As you wander through this atmospheric site, let your imagination roam free, conjuring images of bygone eras.
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Written Directions:
Head away from the Post Office and turn right at the sign towards Penhallam. Follow the lane until you see a gate and signpost towards Week Green on your left. Pass through the gate and continue along the greenway. At the end, another gate awaits, with a track leading to the right marked by a footpath sign.
As you pass the last barn on the left, take the right-hand fork marked with a waypost sign. This path leads through some woods to a stile; cross it and continue along the same path to Ashbury Farm. Keep to the left of the farm track to avoid the muddy area on the right, which serves as a drain for a spring.
Continue straight through the farm, and at the last gate, turn left. Ahead, you’ll see two fields. Take the left-hand field but follow the right-hand hedge down into the woods. Near the bottom of the hill, you’ll find two stiles close together on the right, marking the entrance to Penhallam Manor, a 13th-century ruin with preserved foundations.
After exploring Penhallam, return over the drawbridge and follow the moat anti-clockwise until you reach the main entrance to the site. Follow the main track for about half a mile to reach the car park.
Follow the lane to the right, climbing a moderately steep hill to reach a T junction. At the T junction, turn towards Week St Mary. Opposite the junction, you’ll see a footpath sign across the field towards St Mary’s Church.
Follow the hedge on the right to reach a footbridge. Cross the footbridge and stile, and approach the earthworks, the remains of a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle.
Continue towards St Mary’s Church, passing through the stile into the churchyard. This ancient church stands on the footings of its Norman predecessor and features battlements and pinnacles topped with crosses.
Pass through the front gate and follow the short lane back to the parking area in front of Week St Mary’s Post Office.