Guided Walk - Tavistock Canal
Duke of Bedford statue, The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Hollybank, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AP
Before the middle of the 18th Century getting to and from Tavistock, as in many other parts of Devon, would have been extraordinarily difficult – having to ride on horseback or in cart or carriage or transporting goods by packhorse over roads muddy, rutted and badly maintained by each parish on the route. However, even these roads were of little help in transporting very heavy and bulky goods like limestone and coal needed for the many limekilns in the district or to transport out the many tons of mineral ores that were locally mined. And so between 1803 and 1817 the Tavistock Canal was dug and tunneled to bring these bulky goods to and from the river port of Morwellham on the Tamar. The Canal was an engineering marvel and Paul will be telling its story during a morning stroll along its towpath. There and back is about 5 miles and come prepared for any weather!!
Duke of Bedford statue, The Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Hollybank, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AP
The walk will last about 3 hours and cover a distance of around 5 miles. Please come prepared with water and all-weather clothing.
The tow path is accessible but can be very muddy in places. Please bring water and all-weather clothing