Aveton Gifford

Pronounced Awton Jiffard, this pleasant small village, little more than one main street, had one of the oldest churches in Devon until it was almost completely destroyed by a German bomb in 1943. The modern replacement is surprisingly satisfying. The village’s most famous son was born here in 1790, the son of a mason. After learning his father’s trade, Robert Macey also studied as an architect. He then walked all the way to London where he successfully established himself and was responsible for designing many hospitals, factories, churches and theatres, of which the most notable were the Adelphi and the Haymarket.

At the southern end of the village, just before the three-quarter-mile long medieval causeway, a lane on the right is signposted to Bigbury. This very narrow road runs right alongside the River Avon and is very beautiful, but be warned – the river is tidal here and when the tide is in the two fords along the way are impassable.