Shipley Bridge, out to Red Lake and around Avon Reservoir

The start is at the Shipley Bridge parking area W3W>>>

(S/E) Leaving the parking area and heading up towards the dam, this follows the river upstream, passing the access road to the water treatment works, and the memorial stone (A). Crossing the bridge and going left towards the Dam.

(1) To the left is the access track to the Dam base and the works. Take the right-hand path, north, which will lead around to the top of the Dam (B), skirting around the water's edge, and passing an old settlement.

In the next section, up through the valley, and during periods of wet weather, the land close to the river may become waterlogged. Handrail the river away from the edge, keeping in mind that the original route may have been nearer to the river. This will be the case up to Broad Falls.

At the far end of the reservoir, follow the river up through the valley to where another valley appears on the right. There will be a wall, a cross, and two pillars with pipes protruding from them, serving as points of reference.

(2) From the cross (C), continue up through the valley following the river, which will follow around the hill on the right. Progressing up the river to the left will bring you closer; follow the app as it leads out of the valley by Broad Falls. Climbing up and out, heading west, a high mound will appear, subject to visibility, and cross the wall to reach Red Lake (D).

(3) It is perhaps worth climbing to the top of the heap, with the far-reaching views towards the southeast, of the reservoir and beyond to the south coast. The view of the reservoir is some 2 miles away. Heading south, between the two ponds and picking up a reasonably defined trail, this was an old disused tramway. Handrail the tramway as it winds its way southwards, to a point where it splits. Keep to the left track, continue, and pass (4), as a check off point. Continue to handrail the track, down the hill, past the water treatment works, and at the bottom, meet with the road. Turn right to return to the start (S/E).

Before the walk

1. Ensure the walk matches your needs, skills, and abilities
2. Check the weather forecast; check tide times if applicable
3. Be prepared with suitable clothing, footwear, and equipment.
4. Personal medication
5. Consider something to eat, and always keep hydrated; take a drink.
6. Use the Visorando app, download the walk to your mobile. Consider a battery backup and or a printed route.
7. Let someone know where you are. The Visorando app has a 'share route' function, ‘Share my Location’.

• Parking: Vehicle parking - There is a small parking area, which can get very busy, with an honesty box payment
• Timing: The time is estimated to allow for extra time, when appropriate, for exploration and personal pace.
• Accessibility: This route has been assigned "Moderate" due to the distance and an open moorland route.
• Facilities: There is a public convenience at the start, and a mobile (seasonal) snack van.
• Handrail: Is a linear feature that has been identified as a road, wall, etc
• Escape Route: Is a route that either leads to a place of safety or a shorter route back to the start.- used in the event of an occurrence, whether physical or natural. This route does not offer an alternative.
• Option: This is a circular route that can be completed either way.

Start: This walk's starting point, Shipley Bridge - W3W >>>

During the walk

• The Route: Where applicable, keep to the defined paths
• Follow the Highway and Country Codes: The Countryside: Respect its inhabitants, and other Countryside users
• Leave no trace: leave only footprints, but take away great memories
• Dogs: Keep under control, bag it and bin it, don't sling it. Farmers do have special powers regarding dogs worrying, even on open-access land.
• Self-care: Know your own limitations; walking is an adventure and can involve risks. Be responsible and know when to turn back, rather than get into difficulties
• First Aid: Treat blisters before they occur,
• Groups: Walking within a group? Start together, keep together, end together.

Enjoyed the walk:

• Where you can: Support the local economy.
• Feedback from this walk: Please leave your thoughts

Report any findings; see app ' ! '

Along the route

• (A), Mary Meynell Memorial -see the image - a sad story of a young girl who died. The memorial is on the left, nestling amongst the Rhododendron bushes.
• (B), Avon Dam - supplies drinking water for the South Hams area
• (C), Huntingdon Cross - a waymark along the Abbots Way. A route, across Dartmoor, for monks between Tavistock and Buckfast Abbey.
• (D), Red Lake - China Clay Works (disused) with the tram tracks leading off the moors

Nearby

• South Brent - A large village, getting its name from the Brent moor, to the north.
• Didsworthy Hospital - The local hamlet of Didworthy, on the lane out from South Brent, was once the location of a Sanatorium for Consumption. A chest Hospital to treat Tuberculosis (TB).