Yelverton: Drake’s Trail and Architectural History

When looking for a hotel in Yelverton, you can use your interests as a guide: hiking on Drake’s Trail, nature around Burrator or the architectural history of St Paul’s Church each offer a different focus. The information about the starting point, length and terrain of Walking Spur 1 is particularly specific. There is also a wildlife trail, activities at the Burrator Discovery Centre and historic gardens. These details help you distinguish between the different themes as you plan your trip.

Drake’s Trail: Route and Walking Section

Drake’s Trail (NCN 27) connects Tavistock via Yelverton and Clearbrook to the eastern part of Plymouth for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. The Drake’s Trail Walking Spur 1 section runs from Yelverton to Clearbrook. It starts in the centre of Yelverton at the Drake’s Trail information board beside the bus stop and is five miles long. Along this section, the trail follows Drake’s Leat, built in 1591.

Walking Spur 1 is generally easy and mostly flat, but includes some gradual climbs and descents. The description therefore combines a specific starting point and a set route length with an indication of the terrain. These are different aspects to consider when planning: the start is in the centre of Yelverton, while the route and changes in elevation describe the walking section itself.

Burrator: Wildlife Trail and Discovery Centre

Burrator Arboretum has an easily accessible 1.5 km wildlife trail that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Compared with the five miles of Walking Spur 1, this is a much shorter distance. The two trails also differ in what to consider when finding your way: for the wildlife trail, its suitability for wheelchairs and pushchairs is an important guide; for the Walking Spur, the route length and terrain are described.

The Burrator Discovery Centre offers exhibitions, oral history and short films. If you would like to include these kinds of interpretive activities alongside trails in your trip planning, you will find several formats there. Burrator Reservoir is near Yelverton in Devon; the postcode is PL20 6PE.

St Paul’s Church in Yelverton

St Paul’s Church in Yelverton was built between 1910 and 1912 and is a Grade II listed building. The construction dates indicate when the church was built, while the category denotes its listed status. This provides a specific historic place with a clear timeframe alongside the trail-related attractions.

Gardens and Architectural History in Buckland Monachorum

The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum was formerly the residence of the rectors of Buckland Monachorum. It was built in the early 19th century. The Jubilee Arboretum at the Garden House contains more than 100 selected specimen trees. The Walled Garden covers two acres and surrounds the remains of a 16th-century rectory.

When considering the dates, it is worth distinguishing between the two buildings: the former residence of the rectors dates from the early 19th century, while the remains in the Walled Garden belong to a 16th-century rectory. The gardens also have their own distinct features: selected specimen trees are the focus of the Jubilee Arboretum, while the Walled Garden is characterised by its size and the historic remains enclosed within it.

Discover more destinations: Uffculme, Combe Martin, Wotter, Clovelly, Saint Giles in the Wood, Pennymoor, Bradninch, Washfield

For the main travel overview: Devon.