Discover Ivybridge

When looking for a hotel in Ivybridge, the kind of stay you have in mind may be decisive: would you like to include trails along the River Erme, or is your focus on the town’s history and industrial heritage? The trails vary in route and length. For planning, specific details such as start and end points, surface and landscape are therefore important. Road access and bus connections also offer practical guidance.

Trails along the River Erme

The path through Longtimber Woods starts at the top of Station Road, below the railway viaduct in Ivybridge. It follows a linear, sheltered route through a river valley, with a gentle gradient and a wide gravel surface. The condition of the surface may change. After one kilometre, you reach an information board and a picnic area overlooking the river; check the condition of these facilities before your visit. The path follows the River Erme upstream, passing small waterfalls and pools. Along the river, you can look out for dippers and grey wagtails. Sightings vary by season and are not guaranteed.

Trails with different routes

The Erme Valley Trail runs for three miles along the valley from Ivybridge to the village of Ermington. It is comprehensively signposted. Local conditions and waymarkers can change as a result of maintenance or land-management work, so it is worth checking for updates before setting out. The Erme-Plym Trail is 15 miles (24 km) long and is generally considered easy. It runs from Wembury to Ivybridge and takes in the area around the Erme Valley south of Ivybridge. The trail offers views of Dartmoor, which dominates the northern skyline; visibility depends on the weather. The two trails differ significantly in length and endpoints: the Erme Valley Trail runs from Ivybridge to Ermington, while the longer Erme-Plym Trail runs from Wembury to Ivybridge. Check local conditions before setting out.

Bridge, aqueduct and industrial history

Ivybridge was first mentioned in 1280 as a crossing point on the River Erme. The original Ivy Bridge is a medieval packhorse bridge and still stands today. Ivybridge Aqueduct is listed as a Grade II structure. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century to supply John Berry's Woollen Mill, carrying water from the River Erme. The bridge and aqueduct served different purposes: crossing the river and supplying water to a mill. Ivybridge has a rich heritage of traditional industries in South Devon, including milling and clothmaking. The town’s history therefore offers a glimpse both of the River Erme and of the role of water and mills in the region.

Getting there and practical information

Ivybridge lies just off the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter. Bus services connect the town with Exeter and Torbay; check the timetable for your travel date if you plan to arrive by bus. Public toilets are available at the Watermark Centre in Ivybridge. Check that they are open before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Exbourne, Princetown, Chulmleigh, Holbeton, Appledore, Littleham, Holsworthy, Clovelly

For the main travel overview: Devon.