Three of the Best Walks in Plymouth

Plymouth is a place synonymous with the sea.

If the thought of an afternoon spent on the ocean makes you nauseous don’t worry.

Students living in Plymouth have plenty of options when it comes to things to do on dry land too.

If you’re a fan of the rugged outdoors then Plymouth is a great place to come to study.

It has a huge range of exciting landscapes to explore on it’s doorstep.

Here are three of our favourite local walks:

1. Dartmoor

Close to Plymouth is Dartmoor, known by the locals as “The Moors” filled with acres of open fields and land with animals and livestock.

The Dartmoor ponies roam its craggy landscape, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations)..

With miles of open land being accessible by bus or car journey it’s a perfect day out and there is always an ice-cream van on hand when the rain isn’t making an appearance.

The Moors has a number of landmarks, one of which is “The Rock” and is always a busy spot for picnics and families and friends travel far and wide for this hot spot, some even climb the open rock face and it is great for an Instagram photo!

Dartmoor itself has many national trust walks, as well as open accessible fields perfect for a game of rounders or a knockabout with a football or rugby ball.

Whether it’s an outing with Family or Friends it’s great to have this option.

Dartmoor is located nearby the village of Tavistock, has a local market and small town centre with arty shops and a Weatherspoon’s, feel free to pass by for refreshment after your walk.

Another great thing about Dartmoor is during the winter, as it’s located on a highland it has had some spectacular snowfall and is perfect for the good old fashion snowball fight or just a wintry walk if you feel more sensible.

2. Burrator Reservoir

Burrator Reservoir is a reservoir on the south side of Dartmoor in the English county of Devon. It is one of a number of reservoirs and dams that were built over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The streams of fresh water and lakes make it the perfect walk and mind refreshment after a long day at work or studying, people travel from all over Devon to experience such spectacular views and landscape.

The Burrator dam can be seen for miles and one of its many walks involves a lap of this vast water.

If you’re into your fitness, there is no better running spot in Plymouth than the picturesque 10-mile long lap of Burrator Reservoir, plus if you’re into your cycling that’s an option too with accessible cycle paths and perfect routes for physical exercise.

During your walk around the reservoir, you may come across the Geese who like to nestle in the shallow water dipping in and out to cool off in the summer sun, at times they enjoy the company of humans and like to say hello, but only if you have David Attenborough like presence!

3. Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge Woods is a woodland in Plympton, Devon, managed by The National Trust.

The woods are named after the historic Plymbridge, a Grade II listed bridge over the River Plym.

Drake’s Trail passes through the woods providing a cycling and walking route. There is a range of wildlife, birds and flora

Another fantastic woodland walk, with miles-long streams of water and some great freshwater swimming spots to practice your front crawl now and again.

The woods is also popular for cycling, but more widely known for its great BBQ spots.

With open grass spaces, rock faces and woodland walks, emphasised by some lovely bridges and waterfalls the place really is breathtaking.

Also a number of tram and railway lines were built during historical times to transport granite and slate from Dartmoor to Plymouth.

Therefore the remains of some infrastructure are still visible today and can be walked across as part of a footbridge over the water.

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Article by Ryan McShane – Property Manager at Plymouth Cross House