This easy stroll in Ivybridge alongside the River Erme and in Longtimber Woods takes about an hour
DISTANCE: Under two miles
NEAREST REFRESHMENTS: Ivybridge
CAR PARKING: Harford Road car park
While Ivybridge may be the starting point for the Two Moors Way walking route, I was looking for something a little less strenuous to walk off my overindulgence of mince pies over Christmas.
There are many trails in Longtimber Woods so I found a short route on a map and headed here to stretch my legs.
Parking at Harford Road car park I wandered up to the old Ivy Bridge, from whence the town got its name. The first reference to Ivybridge was in 1280 and it was the main crossing point of the River Erme.
Following in the footsteps of centuries of travellers I crossed the bridge and turned right along Station Road, next to the river. Soon you’ll come to a triangle of tarmac which has room for some cars, but I suspect you’d have to arrive very early to beat the dog walkers.
On the right is the entrance to the old mill. Originally a corn mill, it changed to manufacturing paper and has been there for 200 years, producing its last paper in 2013.
Straight ahead you’ll spot a footpath sign, so follow it off the road, with the river on your right and you’ll shortly enter Longtimber Woods. It was a little muddy underfoot, but I was soon up close to the viaduct and walked through its legs. Just past here you link onto a wider track where I turned right.
The viaduct was built in 1892 by Sir James Inglis for the South Devon Railway. You can also spot some other structures next to it, which are piers from an earlier viaduct built in 1848 and designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The viaduct seems to dominate the landscape. Just when you think it’s out of sight, it peeks out at you from behind clumps of trees.
This section of the walk was gorgeous. Above me, wintry tree branches speared the clear blue sky and beside me was the River Erme, eagerly tumbling over rocks. Bliss.
It wasn’t long before I came upon a wider pool of water which is a former reservoir and has also been used as a swimming pool. It was a nice spot to take some snaps of the roaring rapids.
Continuing along the path I eventually came to a little picnic area and some signposts. Taking the left one, I started up the short but steep path, which took me to a road.
It was then a pleasant and non-muddy stroll down a hill which took me under the viaduct, past the start of the footpath and back to the bridge and car park.
© Gillian Adams 2015
For information on where to stay, eat and visit on Dartmoor, please see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk
To view my Dartmoor walks ebook click here, and my Dartmoor colouring book click here