West Devon Way Leaflet 2010

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West Devon WayExplore the western edge of Dartmoor

along this 37-mile waymarked walkingroute, linking to local buses

www.devon.gov.uk/www. .co.uk

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The West Devon Way is a recreationalroute for walkers of 37 miles, runningfrom Okehampton in the north toPlymouth at its southern end.

The walk is relatively easy with manylevel stretches, gradual gradients anda few steep short sections. The routecrosses a variety of terrain, and whilein the summer the route is likely tobe dry, in the depths of winter parts

of the route can be wet and muddy.

The route is waymarked and with thedirections in this booklet should bestraightforward to follow, thoughextra care should be taken acrossopen moorland sections where way-marking is not possible. The bookletdirections describe the route startingin Okehampton and walking in a

southerly direction. Some points ofinterest along the way are highlightedin boxes within the route descriptions.

The waymarks contain a logo of thedramatic Brentor Church perched ontop of its rocky outcrop. The logo isdark green on a white backgroundoutside of the National Park, and darkgreen on wood within the National

Park, with the route directionsindicated by black arrows.

A number of alternative and circularroutes have been included in thebooklet, showing further walking

possibilities alongside the main WestDevon Way route.

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West Devon WayExplore the western edge of Dartmoor

At a glance37 miles in total

Divided into 8 stages Easy to follow, waymarked trail

Stage 7 suitable for wheelchairs andbuggiesEach stage starts and finishes at ornear a bus stop

View from Meldon Dam

Sustainable TravelThe route has been divided into eightsections, all accessible at each endby public transport. Since carparking is very limited along theroute, the use of public transport(see page 23) is recommended. For

up to date bus times call Traveline on0871 200 22 33 or visitwww.traveline.org.uk.

There are car parks (paying), toiletand food and drink facilities inOkehampton, Lydford, Tavistock,Yelverton and Plymouth, along withpubs at a number of villages alongand close to the route.

For walkers over-nighting in the area,details of local accommodation can befound at the Okehampton orTavistock Tourist Information Centresor from the visitor websites detailedon page 22 of this booklet.

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Brentor

Mary Tavy

Peter Tavy

TAVISTOCK

PLYMOUTH

Bickleigh

Stage 2

DARTMOOR

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

Stage 8

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OS Maps of the route and area:Explorer OL281:25,000 - coversthe majority of the routeExplorer 108 and 112 -to the westExplorer OL20 -southern end ofthe route

The8stages

Stage 1:5 miles (8km)Okehampton to Sourton

Stage 2:4.5 miles (7.25km)Sourton to Lydford

Stage 3:4.5 miles (7.25km)Lydford to Mary Tavy

Stage 4:4.5 miles (7.25km)Mary Tavy to Tavistock

Stage 5:7 miles (11.25km)Tavistock to Yelverton

Stage 6:4.5 miles (7.25km)

Yelverton to Bickleigh

Stage 7:4 miles (6.5km)Bickleigh to Marsh Mills

Stage 8:3 miles (5km)Marsh Mills to Hooe Lake

Marsh Mills

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West Devon Way

Alternative routes/ loops

See directions in text

Points of interestBus services

Tourist Information Centre

Refreshments

Pub

Public toilets

Shops

Parking

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Key to symbols used onroute maps on following pages

Route of theWest Devon

WayStage 1

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Clearbrook

Sourton

Lydford

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Meldon Reservoir

For a scenic detour from the WestDevon Way route, follow the roadon your left signed to MeldonReservoir at point . The reservoirwas created by damming the WestOkement River, and opened in1972. From the car park and publictoilets you can access a range oflocal walks leading around the

reservoir, into the surrounding hills,or towards Meldon Viaduct.

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Alternative route:Across the Meldon Viaduct

To cross the spectacular MeldonViaduct, turn left after the A30road bridge, , and opposite theparking area onto a bridlewaythrough woods.

Follow the path straight ahead atany path junctions, walk under theviaduct and climb the steps.At the top, turn sharp left acrossthe viaduct, and follow the GraniteWay along the old railway path to apoint where it crosses a road.

Turn left here to rejoin the WestDevon Way, ,with the routeheading up the lane to the right.

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OKEHAMPTON

Pass under the railway bridge and continue ahead, as the road soonbecomes an unsurfaced green lane. Passing through a gate,the lane widens out, then reaches the open moor throughanother gate with Sourton Tors ahead.

Follow the stone wall on the left, then bear awaypast an old granite gate post. As you climb the hill,after 45m, look out for the route along a grassypath to the right, running parallel with an oldstone wall for most of its length. Follow thispath straight across a junction of routesuntil you reach a shallow cutting on yourright between two stone walls.With Sourton Church ahead of you,take this path down between

two parallel walls, leaving themoor and crossing theGranite Way on a trackleading into thesmall villageof Sourton.

Scenic Detour to

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From Sourton, follow the footpathalongside the main road headingsouth towards Tavistock. At the endof the village, 30m past the bus stop,cross the road carefully and take the

path next to the tall house, betweentwo stone barns. Follow the trackround to the left and through a gateinto a field. Follow the track with thehedge on your right through twofields to a small barn. Cross the stileand continue ahead with the hedge toyour left for two more fields. Crossthe stile, and head straight across thenext two fields to another stile before

continuing with the hedge on your leftfor another three fields to arrive at alane. Turn left onto the lane, thenright at the next junction.

After 35m, turn right and descendalong a track, eventually crossing afootbridge. Shortly after crossanother footbridge, before continuingon the track and climbing past some

former mining buildings to arriveat a road.

Stage 2:

Sourton to LydfordDistance: 4.5 miles (7.25 km)

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Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Can be muddy in fieldsection south of Sourton, especially atgates. Generally, grassy fields fromSourton, and gravel/rocky trackstowards Lydford.

Short steep descent northof Lydford, and a steep climb belowLake Viaduct on the alternative route.Otherwise fairly level.

High number of stiles on

main route south of Sourton (can beavoided using the alternative route).A variety of gates, and two footbridges(on alternative route).

has two Norman castles

- a stone tower built as a court anda prison, and an earlier earthworkcastle to the south. The present dayvillage occupies only a fraction ofthe Saxon walled town, which wasattacked and burnt by the Danesin 997.

LydfordD

Lydford Castle

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Lead was discovered here in 1827,although the mine had to be closeddue to the inflow of water.Abandoned in 1868, the ruins of the

engine house are still visible.

Wheal Fanny Copper MineC

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Continue on the track ahead, andfollow it along the edge of the openland of Fernworthy Down, and thenas it descends to cross a stream.

Cross the footbridge at the stream,go through the gate, and 30m beyondturn left up a path to reach a lane by

houses. Alternatively, for a drierroute, continue along the track fromthe stream and climb direct to thelane. Either way, turn left at the laneand straight on at the first junction tothe war memorial. Turn right to followthe route into the village of Lydford.


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Loop/alternative route:Along the Granite Way-

SourtontoBearslakeFrom Sourton, take the trackopposite the pub and follow it uphilltowards the church. Turn left anddescend to the cycle path. Turnright under the arched bridge andfollow the track for just over onemile. Follow the track through twoswing gates. The 230m of trackbetween these gates is a Right ofWay on Bank Holidays and duringAugust, at other times access is bypermission of the landowner. Ifthese gates are locked pleaseretrace your steps and follow themain West Devon Way route.

Turn left down a steep tarmac track

to cross a footbridge. Follow thepath and turn left through a gatebefore passing below Lake Viaduct.Follow the track, and cross afootbridge before continuing alongthe track to the main road. Torejoin the West Devon Way, crossthe main road, and ascend the laneopposite for some 200m beforeturning left to descend along atrack at point .2

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A carried the formerSouthern Railway line, has 9 archesand is built of granite. The steep,narrow valley coming down to it fromthe northeast, known as DeepValley, was once a copper mine.

Lake ViaductE

Sourton

Lydford

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Leave the village in a southerlydirection towards Tavistock, past themedieval prison and courtroom(Lydford Castle) and the church.

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Stage 3:

Lydford to Mary TavyDistance: 4.5 miles (7.25 km)

Keep to the road for approximatelyone mile, then take the track on theleft immediately before the bridge withmetal parapets.

On the track bear left and go

through a wooden gate leading ontothe moor. Turn right, next to thefence, and follow the most obvioustrack as it continues roughly parallel tothe fence, then alongside a stone wall,then ahead to join a clearer path.This in turn leads to a surfaced lane.

Continue ahead on the lane for150m and where a track goes off to

the right, leave the lane on a path thatbears left over the moorland, goinggently uphill.

Keep on the path as it climbs past asmall cairn, then descends to join aroad. Cross the cattle grid and followthe road to reach the A386 in thevillage of Mary Tavy.

Trips to Lydford GorgeIf taking a trip to Lydford Gorge(there is an admission charge for

the Gorge), this can be accessed onyour right just after Lydford Bridge.

At the far end of the Gorge, toreturn to the West Devon Way, gothrough the car park to the road,turn left, cross the bridge and takethe track on your right.

Lydford Gorge is the deepest

gorge in the southwest and hassome spectacular sights, includinga 30m waterfall, and the 'Devil'sCauldron' whirlpools. The paththrough the Gorge is rugged,uneven and slippery with steepdrops, so care should be taken atall times. The National Trust ownsLydford Gorge and an admissioncharge is payable. There are toilets

and tea rooms at both entrances.

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Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Road for approx 1 mile fromLydford. Otherwise uneven tracks overopen moorland (grass followed bygravel).

Short steep road descentand climb by Lydford Bridge. Somegradual climbs and descents.

One gate when joiningmoor at Black Down.

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Brentor ChurchThe Church of St Michael de Rupe(St Michael of the Rock), built 335mabove sea level, is an iconic featureof the West Devon skyline. Twolegends are told about how thechurch came to be built here. Thefirst is that a wealthy merchantvowed to build a church on the firstland he saw if he survived a violentstorm at sea, and this was Brentor.The second claims that while thechurch was being built at the foot ofthe hill, the Devil would move thestones that had been laid to the top- maybe to deter worshippers fromthe hard climb. Another version ofevents is that the church was builtin 1155 by the lord of Lamerton and

Whitchurch.

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Loop route: BrentorAt continue on the lane turningright on meeting another road,following it to North Brentor. Turnleft at the T-junction (by the war

memorial) and as the road bearsright, take the cul-de-sac to theleft, which turns into a publicfootpath signed to South Brentor.Continue to follow across a numberof fields. On reaching anunsurfaced unclassified countryroad, turn right to reach a lane.Bear left and follow for around600m until you see a signed publicbridleway at a metal gate on yourright. Leave the road here to climbBrent Tor.

To return to the West Devon Wayretrace your steps to theunsurfaced unclassified countryroad (signed not suitable formotors). Stay on this track crossingWortha Mill Bridge, and turn righton meeting a road to rejoin the

West Devon Way at the cattle griddescribed in .

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Brentor Church

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From the main road in Mary Tavy(the A386) take the track oppositeBrentor Road. Follow this down to alane and bear right. Keep ahead atthe first road junction.

Pass the school and at the nextjunction bear left. Pass Mary Tavy

church and at the end of the road,take the footpath which goes downthe track to the right.

Take the track downhill and crossthe footbridge then climb steeply tothe right-hand bend. Climb the stileon the left then follow the wall onyour right uphill to a gate. Continuewith the hedge and a wire fence onyour right through a gate to anothergate and stile.

Climb the stile and continue ahead,

hedge still to the right, and descendto a gate. Pass through and now with

the hedge on your left continuestraight ahead across the field to agap in the wall, then on to a stonestile. Continue across the next field toan obvious gap in the hedge, andthen head for the gate next to aprominent tree to the right of thebuildings. Go through the gate anddown the track to reach a lane.

At the lane turn left and crossHarford Bridge and the River Tavyand take the right fork at thejunction. Climb the hill and at thesmall crossroads after 300m take thenarrow lane to the right.

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Stage 4:

Mary Tavy to TavistockDistance: 4.5 miles (7.25 km)

The leats andwater courses which were once usedto work local copper, silver and leadmining machinery are now utilisedby a hydro-electricity power stationat Mary Tavy.

Mary TavyH

Eventually the lane descends tomeet a main road. Be very carefulover the next 70m. This is a busyroad with no footway. Turn right andkeep to the nearside. After 70mcarefully cross to the footpath. At thejunction opposite the school entranceturn left up Violet Lane then, near

the top, turn right, down the hill.

This Grade IIthListed Building is probably of 16

Century origin. Built of local graniteand metamorphic stone it was

threbuilt in the mid 19 Century. Thelocation marks where stags crossedthe Tavy in Saxon times, the namederiving from hart ford.

Harford BridgeI

Remains of Tavistock Abbey

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Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Tarmac roads, gravel anduneven rocky paths. Fields betweenMary Tavy and Harford Bridge. Wet andmuddy in winter around field entrancesand stiles.

A number of short climbsand descents near Mary and Peter Tavy.Very steep road sections at Violet Bankand Green Hill.

A number of stiles and

gates on section between Mary Tavy andHarford Bridge.

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A small Saxoncommunity existed here in the

thearly 8 Century beside the RiverTavy. A Benedictine Abbey wasfounded around the year 974, andthe town developed around the

thabbey. By the early 12 Century

Tavistock had a market and a fair,and in 1305 become one of thefour Devon stannary towns. Itsprosperity came firstly frommedieval tin mining, then from the

thcloth trade and, in the earlier 19Century, from the copper boom,which eventually collapsed in the1870s. Today, Tavistock is a busy

town, with markets and a numberof specialist shops and cafsattracting visitors.

TavistockJ

At the bottom carefully cross theroad to the footpath and turn left. Atthe next junction carefully cross themain road and bear left. Bear leftagain at the next junction (Dolvin

Road) and follow to the bridge aboveTavistock Weir. H

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Mary Tavy

TAVISTOCK

Turn right across the bridge,and immediately cross the roadwhen opposite the Post Office.After crossing, turn left and thenimmediately right following theriverside path on the right bankof the River Tavy.

This path follows theriverbank into the TavistockMeadows.

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From Abbey Bridge follow the pathon the right bank of the River Tavy.

Pass a pedestrian bridge on your left,and after a further 50m fork right andfollow a path through a subway underthe A386. Double back on your right(using the steps or slope) to reachthe road and turn right alongside it.

Follow the main road for a shortdistance and follow the pavementinto the first road on your right.Follow the path past the schoolplaying fields. Cross the minor roadand continue along the cycle path,crossing the River Tavy bridge toreach Brook Lane.

Turn right towards Walreddon andcontinue straight on, ignoring all sideturnings.

At the cattle grid go straight on,following the track downhill acrossopen moorland and then into wood-land. Where the bridleways meet,take the right fork steeply downhill tothe river. Turn right alongside theriver, following the path up and rounda rocky knoll to reach a footbridge atDouble Waters, a picturesque spotwhere the Rivers Tavy and Walkhammeet as they descend from Dartmoor,and flow on to the River Tamar.

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Stage 5:

Tavistock to YelvertonDistance: 7 miles (11.25 km)

Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Road, gravel, grass, uneven

in the Walkham Valley. Some sectionscan be muddy and wet.

Some steep climbs and

descents in the River Walkham area.

Steps and a narrow

footbridge.

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Cross the bridge and walk up tothe track. Turn left and follow thetrack as it turns into a tarmac roadand climbs uphill.

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Just before you reach a cattle gridturn left alongside a bank. Follow thebank for approximately 550m untilyou reach a right-angled corner thenfollow the grassy path diagonally toyour left.

Grenofen Wood and West

Down SSSI: Over 80 lichen specieshave been recorded in GrenofenWoods including some rare anduncommon species. The woodlandvalley slopes are dominated by oak,while West Down is a south facingslope of acid grassland.

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Yelverton and Roborough

Down: Near the main road are theremains of RAF Harrowbeer, a WWIIairfield - for more information, seewww.rafharrowbeer.co.uk Shopsin Yelverton were reduced to singlestorey for the safety of aircraft usingthe airfield. Grass-banked Spitfireshelters remain around its edges.

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LinearWalk:

FromTavistocktoCrowndaleThis linear walk follows a pleasant,level path alongside Tavistock Canalto Crowndale Farm - reputed to bethe birthplace of Sir Francis Drakein around 1540.

After passing through the subwayand climbing the steps

immediately on your right, leavethe West Devon Way by passingthrough the gap in the hedge fromthe lower paved path to thenarrower path alongside theTavistock Canal, and turn left.Follow this path past the school andcollege. After around 600m thepath enters Crowndale woods.Continue for another 600m untilyou reach Crowndale Farm on yourleft, at which point you cancontinue following the path along-side the Canal for another mile toShillamill Viaduct, or retrace yoursteps back to the West Devon Way.

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Drake statue,Tavistock

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Footbridge at Double Waters

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Roborough Down

At the next corner of the wall,head diagonally to your left to aminor road. Turn left and follow ituntil you reach a T junction.

Cross the road and follow thegrassy track, where it divides bearleft. Pass a bench and bear left again.Pass a second bench, keep straight

ahead on the level path until youreach the surfaced cycleway.

Turn right along it.

Follow the cycleway tothe minor road at LegO' Mutton. Cross theroad and continue tofollow the cyclewayaround the edge ofthe car park andpast the play areato the roundabout

at Yelverton.

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Stage 6:

Yelverton to BickleighDistance: 4.5 miles (7.25 km)

The leats here were built to provide awater supply. Sir Francis Drakeprimarily initiated and directed theconstruction of The Drake's (orPlymouth) Leat, which was originallydug in 1591 to take water to

Plymouth and is granite lined. TheDevonport Leat is wide and deepand, higher on Dartmoor, still carrieswater to the Burrator Reservoir. TheWest Devon Way passes by both ofthese leats south of Yelverton.

Leats:

Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Tarmac, gravel and grass.Some muddy and stony sections.

Generally fairly level, witha couple of short steep sections.

Some stiles and narrowkissing gates.

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From the church at the roundaboutfollow the tarmac road parallel to theA386 and continue alongside Drake's

Leat. Cross a bridge and continuealong the cycleway.

Turn left over a bridge and thenimmediately right on the trackalongside the leat. After 200m takethe public footpath to Hoo Meavy onyour left, follow over a bridge anddescend to pass through a gate.Follow the track downhill and at the

next T junction turn right.

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Follow the track as it turns leftunder the railway and turnimmediately right through a kissinggate.

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Follow the path, as it passes throughanother kissing gate and continuesthrough a gate to the right of ahouse. Follow the track to reach theroad below Clearbrook.

Turn left along the road and thenimmediately before the road bridgeturn right over a stile onto a riversidepublic footpath through fields,woodland and gates to another roadat Goodameavy.

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This is where the West Devon Wayjoins the old GWR line betweenPlymouth and Princetown orTavistock. This stretch of line followsthe course of the River Plym andcrosses a number of imposingviaducts.

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At the road turn right, go underthe railway bridge, then turn left andshortly afterwards left again onto therailway path and cycleway. Turn rightalong the cycleway.

Follow the cycle way through the300m Shaugh Tunnel. An atmosphericexperience, a torch is recommended!Pass the old station at Shaugh Haltand cross over the Ham GreenViaduct.

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Loop Routes:There are 3 circular walking routesin the Yelverton area ranging from

easy 4.5 mile walks to difficult 9mile walks - further informationabout these can be found atwww.drakestrail.co.ukor bypicking up a Drakes Trail routepack from the Tourist InformationCentre at Tavistock.

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As well as being the West DevonWay, the old railway path also carriesthe Devon Coast to Coast cycleroute. The Plym Valley Cycle Waybetween Plymouth and Clearbrook

becomes the Drake's Trail betweenClearbrook and Tavistock.

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Bickleigh

7 If leaving the walk here to catch abus at Bickleigh, pass under a bridgethen turn sharp left off of thecycleway (shown in red on the map).

Follow the path to the road and turnleft crossing over the old railwaybridge. Continue on the road toBickleigh village where you will beable to catch a bus.

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Stage 7:

Bickleigh to

Marsh Mills

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)

It is thought that peregrines have

nested on and off at this former slatequarry (Cann Quarry) for fifty yearsor more. More recently records showthem to be present every year sinceat least 1995. The RSPB have around50 volunteers that watch and protectthe birds, and there are around25,000 visits each year to theViaduct from which they can beobserved. You can see nesting

peregrines on the web cam atwww.plym-peregrines.co.uk

Peregrines at Plymbridge

Woods:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Generally level along thecourse of an old railway line. One quitesteep slope from the Bickleigh Camp laneonto the cycle way.

There are no stiles, gatesor other barriers, this route is suitable forwheelchairs and buggies.

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If starting your walk from the bus

stop at Bickleigh Camp, walk downhillaway from the village, ignoring theturning on the left hand side sign-posted to Shaugh Prior. Instead crossover the old railway and turn rightstraight away on to the path whichjoins the cycle way and then leftalong the route of the old railway line.

The walk now follows the cycle way

all the way to Plym Bridge, crossingspectacular viaducts over deepwooded valleys along the course ofthe River Plym. In early times, thePlym Valley was not as peaceful as itis now. The Plymouth-TavistockRailway and the earlier horse drawnPrincetown Railway both passed thisway.

The route passes over theBickleigh and Riverford Viaducts, highover the Plym.

At Plym Bridge, follow the path onthe left that takes you down to thecar park, cross over to the gap in thefence on the other side and bear righton the path that will take you toCoypool, near Marsh Mills.

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After a while you will see a railwayline on your left where the volunteersof the Plym Valley Railway Associationare aiming to restore and operate amile and a half of the old linebetween Marsh Mills and Plym Bridge.

The Association ispreserving steam and diesellocomotives, carriages andwagons.

See www.plymrail.co.ukfor detailsand a timetable of public passenger

The line used to run from Tavistock

Junction, just outside of Plymouth, toLaunceston.

rides on the line from the station at

Marsh Mills to Lee Moor Crossing,a distance of 1,200m.

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Peregrine Falcon

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The name 'Marsh Mills' denoted the

former large flour mill, east ofLongbridge. Marsh Mills station, from

thwhere the 19 Century mill ownerssent their flour to be carried by therail network, was closed in 1962after serving the area for 101 years.

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When you reach Coypool,the Park and Ride is on theright hand side, from where,on Mondays-Saturdays a buswill take you back into the

centre of Plymouth.

If walking this route on a Sunday,continue on to Marsh Mills East onPlymouth Road to catch a bus intoPlymouth.

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Stage 8:

Marsh Mills to

Hooe Lake

Distance: 3 miles (5 km)

Saltram House, above the RiverPlym, is a Georgian Mansion owned

by The National Trust. SaltramHouse is filled with a notablecollection of paintings and furniture,many of which can be seen today.Visitors can enjoy the gallery, tearoom, restaurant and walks in thegardens and park. The parklandoffers a good location from which towatch wading birds in the estuary.

Saltram:

Surfaces:

Gradients:

Obstacles:

Mainly tarmac.

Almost flat.

Busy roads.

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Starting from the Coypool Park andRide site follow the signs to the CityCentre, then bear left past an oldrailway platform (signposted Saltram

and Laira Bridge). Go under theelevated A38 dual carriageway.

The path now keeps to the RiverPlym alongside Saltram Housegrounds, then next to a tarmac roadon to a main road next to Laira Bridge.

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Cross the main road very carefullyand turn left to the roundabout. Turnright here, cross a road and headtowards Oreston. Cross another roadto a path which soon becomes adisused railway line.

After the road bridge, bear leftonto the path towards the watervisible ahead (Hooe Lake).

Carry on to Radford Castle on

the dam between Hooe Lake andRadford Lake.

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This is the southern end of the WestDevon Way. We hope you enjoyedyour walk, be it just one or all eightstages!

From here you can connect with theSouth West Coast Pathor, via theErme-Plym Trailwith the TwoMoors Way.

For a scenic trip back to Plymouth,join the Coast Path throughTurnchapel to Mount Batten andcatch a passenger ferry back to theBarbican and city centre.

thThis was built in the 19 Century asan embellishment to the grounds ofRadford Park, the home of theHarris family of Plymstock.

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The maritime city of Plymouth hasmuch to offer visitors. The Barbicanarea is the historic heart of

Plymouth, the quay is still used bylocal fisherman, and boat trips tothe naval dockyards departregularly from the harbour.

On Plymouth Hoe, where Drake issaid to have been bowling prior tosetting sail to battle the Armada, isSmeaton's Tower. The red and whitelighthouse spent 123 years on the

Eddystone Rocks before beingre-erected here in 1884.

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Hooe Lake

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Drakes statue and Smeatons Tower,on Plymouth Hoe

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Scale: 0 0.5 1km Crown copyright. All rights reserved. License No: 100023302 Published 2010


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TLES SA TC RAO IW L

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Other Walking and Cycling Routes in the Area

The Two Castles Trail

TheTamarValley

DiscoveryTrail

This 24 mile route links the medievalcastles of Okehampton andLaunceston, passing through a varietyof landscapes, including moorland inthe east, woodland and river valleys.

In addition to the two castlesthemselves, it also gives insightsinto a wealth of historic interestalong the way including a wooded

hilltop Iron Age fort, and the site ofa Dark Age battle.

This is an exciting and varied route,straddling two counties, crossing two

rivers and taking in the Tamar ValleyArea of Oustanding Natural Beauty.

The West Devon Way is just one ofseveral walks and circuits that makethe most of the impressive scenery inDevon and Cornwall.

The local Tourist Information Centreshave guides and information aboutother local walks, and moreinformation about walks, accessibilityand accommodation can be found on

the www.visitdevon.co.ukor www.dartmoor.co.uk websites.

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It runs for 34 miles from Launcestonto Tamerton Foliot on the northernoutskirts of Plymouth. The rivercrossing at Calstock can be made bytrain, and there may be a ferryservice during the summer months.

The West Devon Way, the TamarValley Discovery Trail and the TwoCastles Trail can be linked together toform a 90 mile triangle of walksthrough West Devon, taking in aNational Park and an Area ofOutstanding Natural Beauty.

This renowned and stunning 630 mileroute follows the coastline of theentire Devon and Cornwall peninsula,from Poole in south Dorset toMinehead in north Somerset, passingthrough the Lizard, Land's End andTintagel, among a variety ofattractions. It is accessible from theWest Devon Way at Plymouth.

TheWestDevonTriangle

TheSouthWestCoastPath

WestDevon

Way

Two Castles TrailTam

arValley

Dis

coveryTrail

OkehamptonLaunceston

Plymouth


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TheTwoMoorsWay

TheErme-PlymTrail

TamarTrails

The Two Moors Way is a 102 mile route

between Ivybridge in the south andLynmouth in the north, making it anideal week's walk.

The route links the only two NationalParks in southern England, and crossesboth of them north-south. It passesthrough exceptionally scenic land-scapes, including the high and remotemoorland of some of the Dartmoor and

Exmoor sections, and the deep andwooded valleys of the moorland edgesand between the moors, unspoilt ruralscenery with a remote and tranquilcharacter that is difficult to match.

The Erme-Plym trail connects the Two

Moors Way to the South West CoastPath, creating a spectacular coast tocoast walk. The 15 mile, generallyeasy path takes in the Erme Valleysouth of Ivybridge as well as followinga cross-country route throughattractive pastoral landscape.

There are numerous walking, cycling,and horse riding opportunities in theTamar Valley Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty. These short routestake in dramatic riverside and wood-land scenery, and as part of theCornwall & West Devon Mining WorldHeritage Site, you are never far away

from some history! Find out more atwww.tamarvalley.org.uk

Drake'sTrail

DartmoorNationalPark

DartmoorRailway

Drake's Trail, running betweenTavistock and Clearbrook, is part ofSustrans National Cycle Route 27,which links Devons north and southcoasts. Once completed, the Trail willlink to the Plym Valley Trail andPlymouth to the south, and theGranite Way and Okehampton in thenorth. A network of cycling andwalking routes radiates from the Trail,of varying difficulty and scenery,ranging from 3 to 16 miles.

Check the Drake's Trail website atwww.drakestrail.co.ukfor moredetails, including access todownloadable maps, podcasts andevent information.

To find out more about walking in theNational Park including events andguided walks, visitwww.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

Passenger trains run from Mid Devonthrough Okehampton Station toMeldon Viaduct, with aspirations tolink to the National Rail Network. Therailway provides a fantastic car freeway to access the walking and cyclingopportunities of Dartmoor. Visit

www.dartmoor-railway.co.ukformore information.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Useful information for Visitors

Visitor information about theDartmoor area can be found at

This siteincludes information about where tostay, things to do, eating anddrinking, and events. The site alsohas an online booking facility foraccommodation and includesspecial offers!

To plan your visit or holiday to Devon,including booking accommodation,food and drink, events and activities(including walking!), you will find awealth of information at

For in-depth information aboutaccommodation, things to do andeating out in the Tamar Valley area,

visit the Tamar Valley TourismAssociation website at

Free booklets about Devon's coastand countryside including walkingtrails, cycling, horse riding andwildlife can be ordered through theDevon County Council website at

www.dartmoor.co.uk

www.visitdevon.co.uk

www.tamarvalleytourism.co.uk

www.devon.gov.uk

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Local Tourist Information Centresare able to provide details ofaccommodation, events,recreational activities, places to eatand drink, and visitor attractions inthe area and near to the route -everything that's needed to makeyour visit enjoyable!

Okehampton


Tavistock


Plymouth


3 West StreetOkehamptonDevon EX20 1JZ01837 53020

The Archway,Bedford SquareTavistockDevon, PL19 0AETel: 01822 612938

Plymouth Mayflower3 - 5 The BarbicanPlymouth PL1 2TRTel: 01752 306330


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BUS

Transport information

www.traveline.org.uk

Why not leave your car at home whenexploring the West Devon Way? Theroute gives good opportunities forusing public transport to walk parts,

or the entire route.

Bus connections / bus stops areidentified on the individual stagemaps throughout this booklet.

The southern part of the West DevonWay is served by frequent servicesbetween Plymouth and Tavistock.These can be caught at Tavistock or

Yelverton, or by diverting from thewalk by a mile or two, from Bickleighor Clearbrook. Frequent PlymouthCitybuses serve Marsh Mills and theCity Centre. Most of these routesoperate daily, including eveningsand Sundays.

Bus services also run parallelto the West Devon Way

between Tavistock andOkehampton with stopsat Mary Tavy, Brentor,Lydford and Sourton.Operating year round,there are extraservices onsummer Sundays.

For up-to-date

information ontimetables callTraveline on0871 200 22 33or visit

Be a Green VisitorDo not disturb any livestock, keepyour dog under close control andleave all gates as you find them.

Take your litter home with you andrecycle if possible.

Do not disturb wild animals, birdsor flowers.

Whether you are walking, cyclingor driving, take special care oncountry roads.

If possible, leave your car at homeand take the bus or train.

Buy locally produced goods,including food and souvenirs.

Support local shops, garages andother local services.


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The West Devon Way is arecreational route forwalkers of 37 miles, runningfrom Okehampton in the

north to Plymouth at itssouthern end.

The walk is relatively easy,crossing a range of terrains andfollowing a waymarked routewith directions described in thisbooklet. The West Devon Wayhas been divided into eight

sections, all accessible at eachend by public transport.

The route follows the westernedge of Dartmoor passing avariety of historic settlements,over moorland and along greenlanes to the market town ofTavistock, before woodland and

riverside paths lead east toYelverton.

West Devon Way

South of Yelverton, the routemeanders close to the RiverMeavy, through the 300mShaugh Tunnel, and along theold Plymouth to Launcestonrailway line as it descends intoPlymouth.

The area has an interestinghistory, and many local relicsrelating to its medieval tinmining prosperity. Sir FrancisDrake was born less than a milefrom Tavistock at Crowndale,and the route crosses one of hislegacies - the Drake's (or

Plymouth) Leat, constructed inththe 16 Century to tap the river

Meavy to supply Plymouth withwater.

West DevonBoroughCouncil

South HamsDistrict Council

Design by www.graphicwords.com 2010/15K

Explore the western edge of Dartmoor

along this 37-mile waymarked walkingroute, linking to local buses


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BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE

Licence No. EX. 70

COUNTRYSIDE TEAM

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL

LUCOMBE HOUSE

COUNTY HALL

TOPSHAM ROAD

EXETER

EX2 4QW

Det

v

s

o

e

n

W

ay

W

Fold here and secureusing sticky tape

before posting


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The details on this fo m ill not be passed on to an thi d pa ties and contact

Please tell us what you think of this bookletIn order to ensure that we are providing you with the best possible information, itwould be greatly appreciated if you could answer the following simple questions,and return this detachable reply-paid slip to us.

1. Where did you get this leaflet from?

2. Were you looking specifically for this leaflet? (Please tick one box) Yes No

3.What appealed to you about this leaflet and walk?

4. Can you suggest ways in which we can improve the booklet in the future?

5. Will you walk the West Devon Way as a result of picking up this booklet?(Please tick one box) Yes No Have walked already

6.Are you likely to walk the whole route or just specific day stages?(Pleasetickonebox) Whole route Day stages

7. If you have already followed the whole or stages of the route, did you feel thedirections and waymarking were sufficient?

8. If you are a visitor to the area, was availability of walking / cycling routes asignificant factor in choosing to visit the area? (Pleasetickonebox)

Yes No

9. If you are a visitor to the area, would you stay in overnight accommodation whilefollowing the route? (Pleasetickonebox) Yes No

If you would like to receive further information on walking in Devon pleasetick here

Name:

Address:

Email address:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Please

detach the slip, fold along the middle, tape the edges and post it to us,no stamp required.

Documents

West Devon Way Leaflet 2010