In the late 19th century, a man called Henry Whiteway had a vision for a modern approach to industrial cider making. Using scientific orchard management, Whiteways Cyder Company was born, operating from Churchill Farm in Whimple and growing extensively for nearly a century. This month’s walk takes you through the orchards that were used to make up to four million gallons of cider a year!

From the car park, take the footpath between the houses and turn left out of the archway. (1) Follow this path under the railway bridge, then along a short, narrow section between fencing to emerge out onto a lane. (2) Go straight ahead following the public footpath sign, then over a stile into the field.

Follow the field footpath uphill keeping the hedge to your left before reaching a stile. Take a look back and enjoy the view over Whimple before making your way over.

Just a few steps in this next field will take you to another stile and into the orchard on your right. (3)   

The orchards here came to life as part of Whiteways Devon Cyder Company, which closed in 1989. The orchards are still used today by other, smaller independent cider makers locally.

Keeping the hedge on your left, travel through the orchard on the well-trodden path. 

Continue on the path down the hill, towards the farm gate at the bottom onto the lane. (4) Go over the stile and turn left, to follow the lane for 350 yards before turning left along a farm track. (5) The cherry blossom in spring is a marvellous spectacle.

Follow the track, which becomes a tarmac lane, for ½ mile until you reach a junction. (6) Turn right here to  pass back under the railway line and turn immediately left, (7) to follow this quiet lane back into the village, turning left at Webbers Close to return to the car park.

Just 100 yards from here, heading back into the village and turning right at the shop, is Whimple Heritage Centre. (8) Run by an enthusiastic team of local volunteers, here you can learn all about the history of Whiteway’s Cyder, see general artefacts found nearby, and discover more about the history of the village. 

The Heritage Centre is open from 1st April – 30th September on Wednesdays, 1pm – 3pm, and Saturdays/Bank Holiday Mondays, 10:30am – 4pm. Learn more at www.whimple.org