Discover Molland: Moorland, Paths and St Mary

Molland combines an impressive moorland landscape with an exceptional historic church and several paths suited to different travel ideas. At its heart is Molland Moor, a 681-hectare moor on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park. Added to this are St Mary, with its remarkable church interior, prehistoric remains, and a landscape of small fields, tall hedgerows and narrow, winding roads. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Molland can therefore choose the village according to their preferred travel theme: culture, landscape, activity or quiet observation outdoors.

Molland Moor: Open Landscape and Traces of the Past

Molland Moor is more than an expansive natural backdrop. It preserves an extensive and well-preserved system of medieval cultivation ridges and strip lynchets. The moor is also home to prehistoric remains. This combination of different periods makes a visit particularly interesting: the open landscape tells of both earlier agricultural use and a much more ancient past.

Molland’s historic landscape also has a character of its own. Small fields, tall hedgerows and narrow, winding roads shape the scenery; the roads date back to Saxon times or even earlier. For your travel planning, this above all means a varied setting in which not only individual attractions but also the landscape between destinations deserves attention.

St Mary: Saxon Origins and a Historic Interior

St Mary in Molland is a listed building in the highest Grade I category. The church has Saxon origins, a medieval exterior and an interior dating entirely from the 18th century. At the same time, it contains one of the finest examples of an unrestored church interior in the country. Those interested in church art, architectural history and historic interiors will find a particularly distinctive focus for their stay here.

The church adds a cultural perspective to the landscape experience. After a day spent exploring the moor and the old roads, St Mary directs attention to the development of the village and the visible traces of different eras. In this way, Molland can be experienced not only as a starting point for walks, but also as a destination for focused cultural discovery.

Paths for Different Day Plans

The Molland Explorer Walk follows a bridleway and carriageway north to Molland Moor. This connects the village with the open moorland and provides a practical way to get to know the surroundings step by step. The Molland Cycling Trail reaches East Anstey Common, an open section of moorland along the route. Those who prefer travelling by bicycle can include this section when planning a more active day.

Around Molland, local walking routes cross the open moorland and pass through deeply cut, sheltered combes. Another option is the Molland Family Walk, which leads to a gate at the corner of Bond Wood. The different route names and landscape forms make it easier to adapt the day’s plan to the interests of your travel group without arranging every outing in the same way.

Starry Skies and Practical Orientation

Molland Moor is also an observation site with an unobstructed 360° view for observing the moon, constellations and planets. This offers a distinctive focus alongside visiting the church and walking during the day: Molland provides not only daylight experiences, but also a reason to look up at the night sky.

There are several designated parking areas at Molland Moor; the main area is at the memorial stone. This information can be taken into account when planning your day. When looking for accommodation in Molland, it is sensible to establish your personal priorities first: should the trip focus mainly on St Mary and the local history, should the paths across the moorland and combes take centre stage, or would you like to combine different interests?

More Places for Your Research

If you would like to compare other village pages alongside Molland, here is a concise selection: Newton Saint Petrock, Whitchurch, Dunsford, Chapelton, Exmouth, Talaton, Shaldon and Budleigh Salterton.

To the main travel overview: Devon.