[2] The hamlet lies on the old east–west A30 (London-Penzance) road, between Exeter and Okehampton at the cross-roads with the south–north route up to Bideford.

The 'down' itself is a ridge of high farmland some 800 feet above sea level with commanding views.

Population growth in the 19th century was sufficient for the establishment of a small primary school in 1879[5] and a Methodist church in 1906.

There is a small number of agricultural businesses in the hamlet, and a caravan park, but there are no longer any shops apart from the nearby service station.

Farmland on the south side of the hamlet provided the setting for the annual Chagstock music festival, held in July from 2007 to 2022.