Lower Ashton Devon: The Quiet Hamlet at the Heart of Dartmoor

For visitors seeking the quiet heart of the Devon countryside, Lower Ashton Devon represents a specific kind of destination. This is not a town with a high street or a coastal resort with a promenade. It is a small, picturesque hamlet composed of classic stone cottages and a working farm, set in a landscape of deep lanes and rolling hills. A visit here is defined by a celebrated local pub and direct access to some of the region’s best walking routes.

What to see in the village and surrounding area

Forget a checklist of sights; the hamlet itself is the main event. A slow walk reveals well-kept period buildings and a tranquil, rural way of life. The sound is more likely to be birdsong than traffic. It’s a place for a quiet stroll, photography, or simply pausing to take it all in.

A short drive north-west leads to the historic stannary town of Chagford, known for its independent shops and ancient market square. The useful market town of Moretonhampstead is also easily accessible in the same direction.

The surrounding area is known for its concentration of high-quality wedding venues, including the notable “On The Hill” and “The Great Barn Devon” in the adjacent hamlet of Higher Ashton.

Consulting a detailed Lower Ashton Devon map will show its position as a central node within a web of quiet country lanes, making it an excellent spot from which to explore the Teign Valley by car.

Pubs, gastronomy and local life

The social and culinary life of the hamlet revolves entirely around The Manor Inn Restaurant & Bar. When looking for pubs in Lower Ashton Devon, this is the only one, but it is a destination that draws people from across the region. It is a family-owned and operated establishment run by the hosts, Mick and Jan, who purchased the inn in 2008 and restored it.

Inside, you’ll find a relaxed, stylish interior, and a bar stocked with an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and real cask ales, which include Otter, Legend, Cotleigh Jail, and Teignworthy Reel Ale. The smart restaurant serves lunches and evening meals that are crafted using Devon’s finest produce, with a noted emphasis on seafood specialties and locally caught fish and game. The menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients. Outside, the garden provides shaded seating with views of the local countryside.

Given its reputation as one of the area’s best-kept secrets, planning is essential. To ensure a table, booking is highly advisable. You can find their contact details and menus on their website to make a reservation.

Walks and nature trails

The primary draw for many is the walking. The hamlet is intersected by a network of public rights of way that lead immediately into the surrounding farmland and woodland.

A popular and relatively gentle route is the circular walk to the neighbouring village of Higher Ashton. For a longer, more structured path, the Wray Valley Trail is within easy reach. This trail, following a disused railway line, offers a traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists.

The more dramatic, open terrain of Dartmoor National Park is a short drive away. The area is also excellent for wildlife spotting; deer and a variety of birdlife are commonly seen.

Tips for enjoying the peaceful village

To fully appreciate a visit here, planning is advisable. Firstly, personal transport is essential. The country lanes are unlit after dark, so a powerful torch is a sensible precaution.

The prevailing quiet is a defining characteristic. It is a place to disconnect. Given that The Manor Inn is the sole provider of food and drink, making a dining reservation is crucial. It is also wise to stock up on essential groceries in a larger town like Bovey Tracey or Newton Abbot before you arrive.

How to get around and reach the village

Reaching Lower Ashton Devon is straightforward by car, which is the most practical way to explore this rural area. It is situated just off the B3193, which connects to the B3212, the main road running between Moretonhampstead and the A30. The lanes leading into the hamlet itself are narrow and require careful driving, with passing places.

Public transport options are very limited. The 361 bus runs between Newton Abbot and Bridford, stopping at Lower Ashton Bridge. It only runs once a day, leaving Bridford at 09:25 and arriving in Lower Ashton at 09:39. The return journey leaves Newton Abbot at 13:25 and gets to Lower Ashton at 13:58. This makes having your own vehicle almost essential for a comfortable stay.

A 30-40 minute drive south-east will bring you to the coast and the resorts of Teignmouth, Torquay, and Paignton.

Mobile phone reception can be patchy, so a physical Lower Ashton Devon map is recommended for navigating the smaller lanes.

Discover Lower Ashton and the rest of the small towns in Devon

Lower Ashton Devon provides a specific and rewarding experience of the Devonian countryside. If you are someone who values tranquillity, high-quality local food, and landscapes made for walking, then Lower Ashton is for you. It functions perfectly as the focus of a day trip or as a recurring stop during a longer stay in the region.

For overnight accommodation, look to the surrounding towns and villages. Fresh Escapes offers a wide variety of self-catering holiday cottages throughout this part of Devon, from cosy bolt-holes for couples to larger, characterful farmhouses for families and groups.

To find your ideal rural retreat, browse our full collection and book your stay with Fresh Escapes.