Shaugh Bridge, Cadover, and The Old Pipe Track

Starting this route from the car park, W3W >>

(S/E) Leave the car park to the North.
See the old ruins, part of the old china clay workings - information board

The path leads out and across the wooden footbridge, crossing the River Plym. The route then follows the designated footpath up and away from the river. As the path winds its way up the hill, there will be a section that is level: an old quarry track. The track climbs to near the top, where a smaller pathway leads to some large rocks. This is NOT the way; this way leads to the top of The Dewerstone, popular with climbers.

(1) At this point, the route is not defined, but anywhere is up. In an easterly direction, through the undergrowth, past the tree line, and out onto the moors.
Note: There may be a path to the top, dependent on vegetation overgrowth and use.
At the very top is a rock cluster, a great place to admire the views (E). The route now walks in a northeasterly direction. There are no designated footpaths across the moorland, but there will be visible trail routes in that direction.

Note: If the cloud base falls, becomes foggy, and the visibility is reduced, trust in the Visorando app. If you misplace the route, keep to the right of the slope and 'handrail' the treeline and farm walls, staying on the easterly direction.

There will be sections of gorse and fern, but the path will open up again. Ascending the hill and seeing a granite cross, a dwelling within some trees, and a road. At the road, turn right and walk down to Cadover Bridge.

(2) Cadover Bridge is a local moorland spot for picnics and river swimming. This is only a short section to pick up the route. Enter the parking area, follow the river downstream to a gate.

(3) This section is known as the Pipe Track, which leads down the valley to the start. This section can be muddy and slippery when wet. There are several gates and stiles to negotiate, but easy to follow. Towards the end, there is a short section on the main road, down the hill to the start (S/E)

Plotting this route suggested it as 'easy', but it has been changed to 'moderate'. The reason being the climb up to Dewerstone, the top, and the return path could be very slippery if wet and steep near the finish.

• Start: This walk's starting point - There is a small car park - W3W >>>
• Transport: There is a bus service to the village of Shaugh that passes the bridge; walkers would need to consider the timetable for the return trip, if choosing a bus.
• Parking: Vehicle parking - the car park gets very busy, park with consideration.
• Timing: The estimated time taken should allow for extra time, when appropriate, for exploration and personal pace.
• Note: Ensure that the highway code is followed and that dogs are kept under control, especially near the moorland farm animals
• Wellbeing: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. Keep hydrated, consider snacks. Walk at a pace that suits everyone in the group.
• Accessibility: The track is steep, rutted, and near the top, from the top track, finding a route through the trees to the open moorland. The return is through woodland, there are gates and stiles to negotiate, and the route can be slippery when wet; consider your 'wellbeing'.
• Water Hazard: On the return section from Cadover Bridge, in places, the river and path are close. Be mindful that when the river is in spate/flood, it's great to see, but do not get too close.
• Mobile Signal: Do not rely on a mobile signal, especially at the start. Shaugh Bridge is known to have a poor mobile reception. It is best to download the route to the Visorando app before getting there. When hiking remotely, it is advisable to have a backup plan and a battery bank for the mobile phone.
• Refreshments: There are usually ice cream wagons at the start. Alternatively, see in the nearby area.
• Handrail: Is to follow a known linear feature, like a wall, a hedge, a known ( not seasonal) water course, etc.

NOTE: Dartmoor's weather can change very quickly; be prepared.

• Nearby villages of Bickleigh and Shaugh
• Cadover Bridge - A popular 'honey pot'
• Refreshments - ice cream vans at Shaugh and Cadover Bridge - subject to season and time
• (E) Panoramic views across Plymouth Sound and the valley below
• Hut Circle Settlements and Waymarking Cross
• The Old Pipe Track - China Clay slurry was piped down the valley