The Buddle,Hatherleigh, Devon, EX20 3

## Overview The Buddle is an ancient spring-fed water source in the heart of Hatherleigh, a small market town in Devon's rural West Country. Still flowing at an estimated 5–10 litres per minute, this enduring spring has likely sustained the local community for well over a thousand years. It is thought that the settlement of Hatherleigh may have originally grown up around this reliable, well-watered source during Saxon times — or possibly even earlier, when access to clean, flowing water was the primary factor in choosing a place to live. The name "Buddle" itself hints at the spring's long working history. In many parts of England, a buddle referred to a shallow pit or trough used for washing — whether for ore processing in mining regions or for cleaning wool and other materials. In a Devon market town like Hatherleigh, the spring may well have served practical purposes beyond drinking water, supporting local trades and agriculture for centuries. Hatherleigh is also home to two other notable wells on its outskirts: St. John's Well, located out on Hatherleigh Moor, and the lesser-known St. Mary's Well, tucked away in woodland a few miles to the west. Together, these three water sources speak to the area's rich history of spring veneration and communal water use. ## Directions 1. Head to the centre of Hatherleigh, a small town located off the A386 between Okehampton and Torrington in mid-Devon. 2. The Buddle is found in the town itself — look for it near the historic core of the settlement. The GPS coordinates (50.821143, −4.071817) will guide you to the approximate location. 3. Parking is available in the town centre. From there, the spring is accessible on foot. 4. For those interested in visiting the other local springs, St. John's Well can be found on Hatherleigh Moor to the north, while St. Mary's Well lies in woodland a few miles to the west of town. ## What to Expect The Buddle is a public spring that continues to flow year-round at a modest but steady rate. Visitors will find a small, historic water source set within the fabric of this quiet Devon market town. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified. Hatherleigh itself is a charming and walkable town with traditional Devon architecture, a weekly market, and a welcoming atmosphere. The surrounding countryside is classic mid-Devon — rolling green hills, narrow lanes, and ancient hedgerows. A visit to The Buddle pairs well with a wider exploration of the area's other historic wells and the open moorland nearby. Those visiting in wetter months should be prepared for muddy paths, particularly if venturing out to St. John's Well on the moor or St. Mary's Well in the woods.