Sparkwell walks

Amazing views over the China clay works, mica pits, and views across to Plymouth sound in one direction and moorland in the other.

For any visitor to Plymouth, the city offers many places to visit and explore, from its historic past, the Barbican, the Hoe, etc. This route is part of the National Cycle Route 27 (NC27), and can be completed by cycle, including the route from Saltram Point (3). At which point NC 27 continues towards the South Hams, etc. This route starts conveniently at the Marsh Mills Park and Ride, a short ride out from the city centre, near a hotel and campsite. The route follows the River Plym into the Saltram Estate, featuring a large country house now managed by the National Trust, passing an old Amphitheatre, with estuarial views.

Walk across high moor above River Erme passing ancient oak woodland of Piles Copse.

Varied walk including ancient forest, a Quarry lake and open moorland. Fabulous views across to Plymouth Sound.

Varied walk starting and ending in Cornwood Square. Some road but open moorland, farmland and walled footpaths.

A circular walk, some on roads, crossing Hangar Down.

Mixed road and moorland walk taking in beautiful ancient oak woodland and high moorland views.

Circular walk from Cornwood, some on roads, skirting the Western edge of Hangar Down.

This route leads out over open moorland, climbing to a high point with far-reaching views over south Devon. Not far from where the River Yealm rises, it tumbles over a series of moorland rocks forming steps down the valley, and although still a young river, the water cascades over the rocks. During heavy rain, the runoff from the surrounding moorland awakens the stream to an impressive waterfall. The route back passes many Stone Age Settlements, Stone Row (optional), and the 'moonscape' of the now disused China Clay Works.

Shavercombe Falls is a small but pretty waterfall at the head of a valley. This route up the River Plym passes many remnants from the past, often overlooked due to a lack of awareness, from the unusual landscape along the way to unusual place names.

Crossing the River Plym and climbing up through the woods to the top. At the top of the rocky outcrop, see the far-reaching views of Plymouth Sound, passing through stone circle clusters, and a waymark cross. Crossing the river again at Cadover, then following the old 'Pipe Track' back down to Shaugh Bridge.

This is a walk up and along the river Plym, leading to Ditsworthy Warren House. A remote, now disused farm. The house was used during the filming of War Horse, a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Around the area, there is still evidence of old mine workings and Rabbit Warrens. Then walking across Ringmoor Down, across old field systems, and then onto Brisworthy Plantation, before meeting the country lanes back to the start.

Stage 3 takes us right into the Dartmoor National Park and is where the original Two Moors Way starts. Once out of Ivybridge, past the old Stowford Paper Mill and out onto the moors, you really feel that you're on a long-distance trail. Look out for the MW signs as you work your way across the tops, through Scorriton to reach Holne.

From the edge of the moors into the AONB. A lovely wander following the valley of the River Erme, in an area where the wild beauty of the moor and the mellow delights of rolling South Devon meet and merge.

Dizzlecombe Menhir, the tallest standing stone on Dartmoor, stands within the Giant's Basin, which also has Bronze Age Stone Row, with Cairns, Hut Circles, and Settlements. The route will then meet up with an old miner's track, which leads back to the start.

Yelverton is a junction for many moorland trails; this route follows some of the West Devon Way and the Drake's Trail. Following a section of the disused railway and an old mining track. A circular route with a convenient 'watering hole' at the halfway point. This route can also be completed by bicycle; it also has the potential to extend along the Plym Valley Trail to Plymouth and beyond.

The Devon village of Yelverton is the start and end point for this walk that includes a circuit of the Burrator Reservoir. The route includes some typical country lanes of the area and views to some of Dartmoor's Tors.

A circular walk taking in one of the easier stretches of the South West Coast path between Wembury and Bovisand, with a circular return along lanes and paths via Staddiscombe. Most of the gradients are gentle, with a few steep sections. Can be combined with a walk to Warren Point for a longer route.

Go for a swim, paddle your feet, pick up a stone or just take a photo. Whatever you do at the beginning of the walk, from here on, the route drives inland towards the higher ground of The Dartmoor National Park. It weaves its way through Brixton, Yealmpton and Ermington before reaching Ivybridge, using the Erme-Plym Trail.

A walk following some of the ancient green lanes or “holloways” linking the fields and villages behind Wembury to the shoreline below. There are great views out over the Channel and Plymouth Sound before dropping back down onto the South West Coast Path.

A circular walk on well-marked paths through the countryside and along the coast path from Wembury to Warren Point, with views of the coast and Yealm estuary.

A lovely walk of two halves. The cliffs and views of the open coast out to the Great Mewstone, then around to the mouth of the Yealm estuary with its busy harbour, wooded valleys and pretty villages.

A circular walk in woodlands along River Walkham until the confluence and then, in meadows with beautiful views over Dartmoor Tors far away.

A wild and rugged coastline. A hugely rewarding coast and estuary walk with peerless views from some of the most dramatic cliffs in the area. It ends with a huge vista of South Devon, and the welcoming sight of Kingston village snuggled amongst the fields.