Walks in and around Ivybridge
All the following information has been taken from the Ivybridge, South Dartmoor and South Devon guide book by kind permission of The Ivybridge Book Shop and Information Centre, the guide book is available from the address listed below.
Town Trail
From the Information Centre, follow the footpath along the river Erme to the steps at the side of the Devon Expressway (A38). On the opposite bank is the site of the LOWER MILLS, and the remains of the VICTORIAN AQUEDUCT. On the other side of the A38 is the ENGINE HOUSE of the Lower Mills, now in use as a sailmakers and antique bath restorers. Climb the steps and turn right into Keaton Road. 'The Erme' at the junction of Clare Street was once the ERME INN. Continue along Keaton Road to Marjorie Kelly Way and cross over (by the pedestrian crossing) and turn left towards Fore Street. Opposite, is The Old Post House and Grosvenor House, built about 1800, these were originally a coaching inn called the ROGERS ARMS. The first Ivybridge Post Office was situated in a room of the Old Post House.
Fore Street (now pedestrianised) and Western Road were part of the main road from Exeter to Plymouth from the days of the pack horse until the dual carriageway was opened in 1973. A cattle market was held in 1793 where Ivybridge Motors now stands. Cross over Fore Street and walk up the lane between McCarthy and Stone property, which stands on the site of the former Grosvenor House and the garage, and after the Health Centre pass an entrance to Highland House on the right. William Cotton lived in Highland House from 1839 to 1862.
When William Cotton died he bequeathed his collection of paintings by his friend SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS to the museum in Plymouth. POUND FARM on the left is built on the site of the old MANOR HOUSE.
Continue up the footpath to the gate on the right and cross the field into Blachford Road. NIRVANA on the left was built in 1898 for a retired governor of Sri Lanka, further along is TREMARRON COURT which was once the home of Dame Hannah Rodgers School, founded in 1787 for the poor children of Devon and Cornwall. Turn right and walk down the hill passing the parish church of St John, built about 1882. On the left, the gates on the corner of the lane leading to Victoria Park were the entrance to the old Chapel of Ease built in 1789 and finally demolished in 1925.
At the cross roads, the Constitutional Club is on the site of the first house to be built in Ivybridge. Station Road to the left leads to the old railway station, Longtimbers Woods and the Health Centre, which was built on a site of a cattle market. Next to the Health Centre is the first school to be built in Ivybridge. To the right is Erme Road, one of the oldest parts of the town.
Opposite is the famous 13th century IVY BRIDGE, meeting point of the three parishes. Cross over the bridge and the building in front of you is the former LONDON HOTEL, another coaching inn. To the left along Harford Road are the Paper Mills, which have been producing fine quality paper since 1787. The gardens, car park and picnic area on the right, once belonged to the London Hotel and are now used for the public's pleasure. The turbine was once an essential part of the power in the mills of Ivybridge. Cross over Exeter Road, into Costly Street and walk back to the Information Centre where a more comprehensive version of this trail and map is available as part of a set of walks around Ivybridge.
Walking and Cycling from Ivybridge
In the centre of the South Hams, on the edge of Dartmoor yet just eight miles from the South Devon Heritage Coast is Ivybridge, one of the best centres for walking in Devon.
Whether it's a long moorland hike or a gentle riverside stroll, walking is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore the area - and with such beautiful countryside, coast and historic towns, slowing down to walking pace ensures you have time to observe and enjoy the scene and meet the locals.
Go it alone
Or with family and friends and explore the South Hams coast and countryside at your own pace. Take one of our extensive range of guide leaflets and its like having a knowledgeable companion - keeping you on track and entertainingly informed along the way. The range includes routes for every age, Interest and distance.
From Moor to Sea- As Far as You Like!
From Lynmouth on the North Devon coast to Plymouth, the Two Moors Way stretches for 102 miles across Dartmoor, Exmoor and Devon. On the route itself, Ivybridge is the ideal place from which to sample a section of the trail - or take a walking holiday. Why not try the new specially developed routes, signposted from Ivybridge to Plymouth and the coast?
Moorland Walk up to Western Beacon, Ivybridge
(©Colin G. Lennox-Jones)
Western Beacon from Henlake Down,
Ivybridge (©Colin G. Lennox-Jones)
Town and Country Trails
The Erme Valley Trail from Ivybridge to the village of Ermington, follows the river through woods and fields past historic mills and old farms. The Erme Plym Trail continues through fields, woods and along green lanes all the way to Wembury on the coast or right to the heart of Plymouth. Trail guides to both routes are easy to follow and help you make the most of your walk. The main bus route from Plymouth to Ivybridge is always close by if you get tired.
In Ivybridge you can discover medieval manors and mills, beautiful Longtimber Woods in the heart of town, and two walks on the edge of the moors following a hidden tramway and ancient rows.
There are also sets of trails for Modbury where you can discover the story of the town in Civil war times and find out how Runaway Lane got its name! The Salcombe routes include a boat trip down the estuary and a visit to a cliff top National Trust garden. A new series of Salcombe and Kingsbridge Estuary Trails follow the edge of the estuary Local Reserve in search of waders, wildfowl and the history of travel on the water.
In Totnes you can find out about medieval markets, learn how the Normans built their castle and follow the Dart downstream.
In Dartmouth discover Elizabethan streets trodden by sea captains, explorers and merchants in a town reclaimed from the water. Or try out the new Dart Valley Trail which links the two towns with miles of glorious walking and ferries across the river.
From Cliffs to Coves
There are almost 60 miles of glorious South Devon Paths to explore. From the rugged towering cliffs at Bolt Head to the long shingle beach and ley at Slapton - the scenery is ever changing and always amazing. Guides are available covering the whole length. There are also a selection of easy circular coastal walk guides on sale.
Walk with an Expert
Throughout the year you can join local experts who lead the South Hams 'Coast and Countryside Events'. Meet locals and visitors and you could be visiting a local farm or historic house, learning to birdwatch, trying your hand at woodlands crafts, even paddling Canadian Canoes around the estuary. There are events to suit all ages and interests - ask for a free copy of this season's events leaflet at the Tourist Information Office.
Get on Your Bike
Explore South Devon's quiet country lanes following special waymarked routes. There are guides to routes around the Dart and Kingsbridge estuaries, the Avon Valley and the edge of the moor from Ivybridge to South Brent.
For the more adventurous and experienced mountain bikers five new mountain bike trails have been developed. Each offers an exciting ride taking in stunning coastal scenery, green lanes and giving plenty of opportunities for ice cream or a cream tea on the way!
All of the guide books and maps mentioned are available from the:
The Ivybridge Book Shop and Information Centre or see the Tourist Information Centres' page