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Take a step back in time at Plym Woods |
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| The
river under the viaduct in Plymbridge Woods |
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The
Plym Bridge Woods provide a haven of peace for the people of Plymouth
- but this area has an industrial past and there are tell-tale signs
of the woods' history everywhere you look.
By: Laura Joint. |
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If you
were feeling particularly energetic, you could walk the entire length
of the Plym Trail from Point Cottage, Laira Bridge, Plymouth, to Clearbrook
on Dartmoor.
That's 7.5 miles (15 mile round trip), so on this dark, gloomy December
day, we decided to keep it short!
We began the walk at Plym Bridge Car Park (for directions, see left)
and walked to the viaduct at Cann Quarry. The walk there and back
was 2.5 miles and it took around an hour and a half.
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| A
bridge over the trail |
The
walk from Plym Bridge to Clearbrook (where there's a lovely pub) is
4.75 miles if you want to extend the walk.
From
the car park, the walk is sign-posted on the left, near the entrance
to the car park. Then, veer right onto the Plym Trail section of the
National Cycle network.
This takes you through the higher part of the woods, with the river
down below.
The cycle track is a good surface, so is suitable for wheelchairs
and pushchairs - however, take care, as this is a cycle route!
Along this path, you can see why this area was quarried during the
industrial revolution, as the cliffs are of slate, covered in ferns,
mosses and lichens.
A series of tram and railway lines were built to bring granite down
from Dartmoor and to transport the slate from the quarries.
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| The
remains of an old house |
The
latest line to be built was the South Devon and Tavistock Railway,
which Brunel worked on. It was later taken over by the Great Western
Railway and was closed in 1962 - now, it's the cycle route.
There
are other remnants of the quarrying era too, including the shells
of old buildings which were probably used by families involved in
the industry.
There's one great example just before you reach what is perhaps the
most spectacular section of the walk - Cann Viaduct.
From here, you can look down to the river and across to Cann Quarry
where peregrine falcons can be seen during the summer months.
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| The
river, beside the viaduct |
We
went down the steps at the viaduct and walked under the structure
to make our way back on the lower level, beside the river.
Really, the best time to do this walk is in the spring, when there
are bluebells, primroses and foxgloves to be seen.
The 200-acre woods are also alive with birds and other wildlife -
again, spring time is best.
The woods are maintained by the National Trust, and the charity has
carried out a lot of work here in the past few years.
Whether you opt for the long, medium or short walk, this is a lovely
place to visit - and it's suitable for people of all ages and fitness
levels.
Article published: 21st December 2004.
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BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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Listen
to Laura Joint and BBC Radio Devon's Jo Bishop, as they explore
the Ply Bridge Woods.
