Yelverton to Tavistock

We have been so busy this summer looking after our grandchildren and the Christians Against Poverty ministry that we have not been out walking except when on holiday.  (See my holiday blog for details of our holiday)  today,   When we have had a few hours free we have visited gardens, which I have posted photos of in Tumblr. or short favourite walks in or near Plymouth, such as around Saltram, Wembury or Mount Batten.

Today, however we had a whole day free so decided to walk from Yelverton to Tavistock.  We caught the bus to Yelverton then followed the Cycle Network Route 27 all the way to Tavistock.  It was a very easy walk of about 5 miles.  It was flat or downhill most of the way, with only one slight incline.  The path was tarmaced all the way and most of the way it was in countryside away from roads.  There were lots of wonderful views over Dartmoor and the Walkham valley.

After an hour we walked across the spectacular Gem Bridge and just a bit further on we came to the Grenofen Tunnel.  As we approached this we felt the temperature drop.  You could see the light at the end of the tunnel but it was very dark in the middle of the tunnel, with water dripping down from the ceiling.

It took us about 1.5 hour  to reach the edge of Tavistock.  We walked into the town to buy our lunch and then ate it by the River Tavy.

We then walked back the way we had come along the canal, but instead of keeping to the cycle path we stayed on the canal path and walked to Crowndale Farm, the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake and then on to Shillamill Viaduct.

Tasvistock

As a break from driving we decided to take the bus from Plymouth to Tavistock.  We had been wanting to do this for a few weeks since we learnt there is a duo ticket that meant both us of could travel there and back for £8, which we thought was good value.  We caught the double decker bus by Plymouth Railway Station and enjoyed the view from the top deck during the journey.

After coffee in the Wharf coffee shop we started by walking along the river to the centre of Tavistock.  There was a lot of water coming down the weir.

We spent a pleasant hour looking around the pannier market, the stalls outside and other shops before a fish and chip lunch.The market is certainly a very interesting place to visit.

We then walked up to the viaduct and onto the old railway line that is now a cycle and foot path.  From here we had an elevated view of Tavistock.  After going under several bridges we came to a road which we followed downhill until we came back to the main road by Drakes statue.  Another time we will walk up the canal from here but today we made our way back to the centre of Tavistock.  We had intended to walk along the canal but we noticed some purple by the river and so went to investigate.  It was masses of crocuses that had been planted at the end of  Meadowlands.  A lovely cheerful site.

Tavistock is definitely a good destination for a day out from Plymouth, and with buses every half an hour it is easy to use public transport.