Interesting information
Colyton has an early origin, being one of the first settlements established by the Saxons in Devon. The complex street pattern is almost certainly of Saxon origin. It was documented as ‘the most rebellious town in Devon’ as it supplied more men in the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion of 1685 than any other town.
As you follow the road signed to Seaton, you will have superb views over the Axe Valley. On the hilltop opposite are two Iron Age hill forts, Boshill to the left above the village of Musbury and Hawkesdown to the right, above Axmouth.
The parish of Colyton is remarkable for the number of farms whose names end in ‘hayne’ or ‘hayes’. These date to early medieval times when new settlements were being made in the area. Many of these settlements became the homes of small local squires.
As the walk joins the East Devon Way the route is waymarked with a foxglove symbol and mauve arrows. Back in Colyton, the market square dates back to the 1400s when the market town was an important centre for wool, cloth and lace.
