Buckland Monachorum - The New Gem Bridge and Back

David Simkins

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This is an outstandingly beautiful walk taking in distant horizon views above the picturesque village of Buckland Monachorum, with rural views, treetop views, views of Dartmoor and glimpses of Bodmin Moor on a clear day. If you set off very early on a sunny morning the walk through the oak woodland by the River Walkham between Grenofen Bridge and Double Waters is magical.

A treat for the engineers is the new Gem Bridge which takes the place of an old railway bridge demolished fifty years ago and cost more than £3 million to build, just for the benefit of walkers and cyclists. A treat for the historians is the large amount of old mining evidence like chimneys, leats, wheel pits and other moss-encrusted structures long since disused.

A treat for the thirsty is the Drake Manor pub in the village of Buckland Monachorum, well worth a visit, as is also the beautiful St Andrew's Church next door.

England - South West England - Devon - Dartmoor

Features

Birds, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Industrial Archaeology, Moor, Pub, Wildlife, Woodland

6/27/2023 - Annabel Gowers

This really is a lovely walk. One point to make, if you have a dog that you can’t carry you will struggle at the tall stile at point 2 and there is no way round it. We have a young fit Labrador and it was too awkward for him to jump over.

5/11/2012 - Stephen Worth

Our first walk since subscribing to Walkingworld and almost worth the money for this walk alone. Really varied, the new Gem Bridge is awesome and superb walks along the river later. Quite wet in several places but no problem in boots and we were doing it in the "drought" of 2012. Many thanks to the contributor.