5 Walks in and around Ivybridge
Want to get out and enjoy the Spring sunshine? Looking for the best walking trails in Ivybridge? Below we share some picturesque walks in and around our local area.
See the bluebells in Lady’s Wood
Situated on the Southern edge of Dartmoor, near South Brent, this small nature reserve belongs to the Devon Wildlfe Trust and if you visit in Spring you can see a wonderful carpet of bluebells! It’s also famous for its shy dormice (which you are unlikely to see as they hibernate from November to May but you might see the nibbled carcasses of hazlenuts they leave behind). This circular walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete with plenty of benches along the route to stop and sit and take in the view. Although flat, the paths can be muddy after rain so this walk would not be suitable for wheelchairs.
Stroll through Longtimber Woods
Long Timber Woods is a beautiful woodland walk along the River Erme where, in Summer, locals love to swim in the pools. The woods are very popular with families and dog walkers and offer a great opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise. The path through the woods is well-marked and easy to follow, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll although there are some steps and narrow bridges so not all parts are accessible for all. At the end of the walk, you’ll reach the moors where you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Look out for the remains of an old swimming pool, converted from a former reservoir that was fed by the river during the war years; it is now filled in but the Americans based in Ivybridge prior to D-Day used the pool for their training exercises.
A cup of tea at Lukesland Gardens!
Lukesland is a 24-acre family-run garden in Dartmoor National Park, on the edge of Ivybridge. Set in the picturesque valley of the Addicombe Brook, Lukesland is well-loved for its wonderful range of spring and autumn flowering shrubs and specimen trees, some dating from Victorian times. There are many paths, trails, bridges and tunnels suitable for all abilities including wheelchairs as well as waterfalls, streams and tranquil pools. Even better, the Gardens have their own tea rooms where you can sit and relax with a cuppa and cake!
Walk part of the Two Moors Way
The original Two Moors Way spans 102 miles and stretches from Dartmoor to Exmoor so a bit far for an afternoon stroll! However, it is perfectly possible to walk a small part of it. Harford Moor Gate is situated to the east of the River Erme and is an ideal starting point from which to explore the South moor. Here you can have a gentle stroll and even a paddle in the River Erme. Find out more here – Harford Moor Gate, Harford, Dartmoor National Park (holidayindartmoor.co.uk)
Pimple Rock in Yealmpton
The region around Yealmpton (‘yampton’) offers the walker many footpaths to explore the beautiful Yealm valley much loved by the Victorians. This is a short easy walk of about a mile suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you walk past the Church in Yealmpton, through the gate and along the path, you’ll come to some lovely woods with a footbridge across the River Yealm. There are no refreshments on this route but plenty of places in the village to stop and have a break afterwards, including Ben’s Farm Shop full of local organic produce to take away for a picnic!
Filham Park Ivybridge
Filham Park is a 34 acre country park which used to be part of the Filham Estate. There are many grand old oak trees in the park dating back several hundred years, perfect for sitting under for shady picnics. Wheelchair friendly, there is also a nature area, lake and ample parking. Filham Park covers many tastes and sporting interests. The local cricket, football and rugby teams play seasonally. A small stream meanders down one side, overlooked by Ivybridge Beacon with a good size fishing lake.
“I loved taking mum to Lady’s Woods – we went at just the right time of the year when all the bluebells were out!’’ Mary (Client’s daughter) Home Instead Ivybridge
Filham Park Ivybridge
Filham Park is a 34 acre country park which used to be part of the Filham Estate. There are many grand old oak trees in the park dating back several hundred years, perfect for sitting under for shady picnics. Wheelchair friendly, there is also a nature area, lake and ample parking. Filham Park covers many tastes and sporting interests. The local cricket, football and rugby teams play seasonally. A small stream meanders down one side, overlooked by Ivybridge Beacon with a good size fishing lake.
“I loved taking mum to Lady’s Woods – we went at just the right time of the year when all the bluebells were out!’’ Mary (Client’s daughter) Home Instead Ivybridge