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The Cairn, Ilfracombe

The Cairn lies approximately one mile to the southwest of Ilfracombe and covers an area of some twenty-six acres. Much of this is made up of deciduous woodland situated upon two hillsides, one rising up from Score valley in the east and the other from Slade valley in the west. Its two summits, Cairn Top and Baileys Cleave, both stand at 520 feet above sea level and provide commanding views of western Ilfracombe, the Bristol Channel and the Welsh coastline. Cairn Top also provides an inland view of Slade Valley and Ilfracombe's old railway line whilst Baileys Cleave's summit is at the top of an open field which slopes steeply down to the Cairn's eastern fringe. One other open area, Pall Meadow, is situated in the Cairn's north western corner.

The Cairn's paths offer a choice of routes to either summit. Peddlers Rise and Shelter Steps provide direct but steep climbs whilst West Zigzag Path, The Snake and Baileys Zigzag allow gentle ascents. The Cleave and North Kerne Path meanwhile take the walker on a longer route through ash and beech woodland. Both summits can be appreciated by following The Beard path.

Originally a Victorian pleasure ground, the area later became a "playground" for local children whilst providing an ideal spot for Sunday walks and picnics. In 1974 it became one of Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves and remained so for the next 20 years. Now owned by North Devon District Council, it is maintained by the Cairn Conservation Carers. Thanks to their hard work and the Cairn's variety of habitats (dense and open woodland, grassland, hedge banks, slate walls, hedgerows and meadowland), a great variety of wildflowers grow.

"A Doorstep Discovery - Twelve Months on the Cairn in Ilfracombe" has been written by local author Stephen McCarthy and follows his twelve months observations whilst walking the area. He also plots the Cairn's history, discovering myths, legends and the delusions of grandeur of a Victorian architect. The book retails at £12.99 and is available at Ilfracombe Bookshop, Ilfracombe Museum and Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre.