Walk

Out and about

with Tavistock Ramblers

A walk of 3 miles up one side of the River Plym and back on the other with John Noblet of Tavistock Ramblers. A level walk but there are Tavistock Ramblers. A level walk but there are steps up to, and down from the viaduct crossing steps up to, and down from the viaduct crossing the river. the river.

Today Plymbridge Woods is a place of peace and tranquillity, especially at this time of year when autumn leaves carpet the ground. It is hard to imagine that this area was once very industrial. This walk follows the river upstream from the ancient Plym Bridge. There are remains of old buildings along the way and a massive railway viaduct high above the valley fl oor. Park in the small car park on the western side of Plym Bridge (SX523587). To get there, go right at George Junction if coming from Plymouth (or left if coming from Roborough) towards Estover and straight on at Wrigley’s roundabout.

1. Walk away from the parking area and the bridge on the road signed to Estover. After 100m bear right through a wooden gate into the National Trust Plymbridge Woods. Soon the river comes into view, beside a beach area popular with families in the summer months. Continue walking upstream alongside the river. As you round a corner the fi rst clues to the area’s industrial past become apparent. There are waste slate tips, a small quarry and an incline plane on the left and then the massive Cann Viaduct ahead. This viaduct, built unusually of Staff ordshire blue brick, was constructed in 1907 by Great Western Railway to replace one of Brunel’s old timber trestle viaducts on the line from Plymouth to Yelverton and Tavistock. Go under the viaduct, past the ruin of a water wheel pit and almost immediately left up a fl ight of steps. 2. Turn left at the top and walk over the viaduct. Halfway across is the Peregrine Project lookout. For many years a pair of peregrines have nested on the quarry face. At the end of the viaduct turn sharp left back down the steps towards the river. Turn left to walk under the viaduct again. More clues to the industrial past are visible. The path has remains of an old horse drawn tramway and a canal is on the left. Both canal and tramway were used to take slate from the quarry down to Marsh Mills and on to Plymouth. An extremely pleasant stroll through the woods

alongside the river brings us under an old railway bridge and through a kissing gate to meet a road. To shorten the walk turn right over Plym Bridge back to the car. 3. Otherwise, cross the road and take the footpath to the left of the parking area. Beware, this is a multi-use trail and there may well be cyclists. The old canal is still on the left but is now not much more than a muddy ditch.

Cann Viaduct Start: newly.motel.such newly.motel.such SX 5233 5872

2

Note the sculptures and a derelict brick building on the left which was once stables for the horses which pulled the wagons on the tramway. On the right is the old railway, now restored by the Plym Valley Railway and occasional trains run on the track. 4. Cross the tracks on the level crossing and almost immediately (at the end of the metal fencing) turn sharp right down a footpath into a meadow. Bear right on a well- defi ned grassy path and go straight on at a path crossing to reach a bridge over the Plym. Turn right on the road back to the start. Tavistock Ramblers walk on most Saturdays and Sundays and some Wednesdays. There is a mix of short walks and longer all day hikes to suit all. Go to www.tavistockramblers.org.uk to see the latest programme of walks on off er. You are welcome to join us. You will also fi nd a series of selfguided walks on the website to download or print. n 4 1

3