More information : A series of linear hollows and ditches on the west slopes of Furzehill Common above Hoaroak Water, Lynton and Lynmouth, bear a striking resemblance to the medieval or post medieval packhorse roads seen elsewhere on Exmoor (see NMR UID 1044231). Centred at approximately SS 7413 4430, the tracks run roughly north-south along the contours of the east facing slope above Hoaroak Water. At the southern ends of the tracks, they curve downslope towards the river before fading from view, but presumably the track crossed Hoaroak Water at this point. There is no track or roadway depicted at this location on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, suggesting it was abandoned prior to publication in 1889.
It is possible that this is part of the packhorse road described by Burton and seen elsewhere on Exmoor, which skirted the boundary of the former Royal Forest of Exmoor, crossing Hoaroak Water before continuing up and over Cheriton Ridge (1-3). |