MMO2638 - Medieval or post-medieval routeway on the west slopes of Furzehill Common (Monument)

Irregular linear depressions on east slope of Furzehill Common. Old trackways. Very good on the 1947 and 1977 aerial photographs. [1] 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 MDE12862). Centred at approximately SS 7413 4430, the tracks run roughly north to 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 1st 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. [4-7] Several hollows run across the east side of Furzehill Common down to Hoaroak Water. One of these hollows, which is up to 3 metres deep and 2.5 metres wide, is used as the north boundary of the Hoar Oak holding, indicating that the hollow is older than this part of the Hoar Oak enclosures. [8] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [9]