This landscape of woodlands and granite cliffs has been shaped by centuries of activity – you can find remnants of a 19th-century iron mine, a quarry tramway, and a brick kiln, as well as signs of charcoal production.
Additionally, there are enclosures, the stone ramparts of a prehistoric fort, and hut circles scattered throughout the open moorland.
Explore a temperate rainforest: The area surrounding Shaugh Bridge is of national significance for its plants and wildlife. The ancient oak woodland forms part of the UK’s rare temperate rainforest habitat. The high humidity and stable low temperatures provide ideal conditions for moisture-loving lichens, mosses, and liverworts.
By car.
By bus: Services between Plymouth and Shaugh Prior. Plymouth Citybus 59. Visit www.travelinesw.com for times. Alight at Shaugh Bridge for walks.
Cycle: National Cycle Network Route 27. Leave the route at Shaugh Station platform (SX527 636) and follow the road north to Shaugh Bridge.
The bridge was built in the 17th century and the pillars are still from that age, the main arches however were washed away in a huge thaw in 1824 and rebuilt in 1825. It’s a popular place for starting a walk up to the Dewerstone or along the pipe path to Cadover Bridge.
