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  ENCIRCLING THE PLYM BRIDGE WOODS
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OUT AND ABOUT
Encircling the Plym Bridge Woods

Not every city is so fortunate. Nestled between the busy suburbs of Estover and Plympton, the Plym Bridge Woods is a haven for Plymothians and tourists alike. Owned by the National Trust, the walk follows the temperamental River Plym through uninterrupted and colourful woodland.

The transition from urban to rural is dramatic. From North Plymouth a bustling dual carriageway meets a major urban roundabout and then suddenly descends into a lane which is narrow even by Devonian standards. Within a minute, the lane passes a car park and the Plym Bridge, and continues under a derelict railway arch. Cross the stile by the archway at the bottom of the lane. This straight pathway follows the river Plym on the left and a spring on the right. Two thick logs traverse the spring, while the straight path is littered with leaves from the oak trees in neighbouring Tower Woods. This part of the walk encounters no inclines although the path is invariably muddy and slippery. After a short distance the path leaves the riverside, but its gentle rippling is rarely out of earshot.

The path soon rejoins a more turbulent river and the walker has to negotiate some rocky patches on the approach to the railway viaduct. Passing the old water mill ruins on the right, proceed underneath the viaduct towards the crashing sound of the weir, which has the glorious colours of the Plym forest as an impressive backdrop.
From the weir, return to the viaduct and pursue the steep path on the left which leads to the top. From here even the most hasty of walkers should stand and admire the magnificent panorama of endless tree tops which dominates the southern skyline, and marvel at the mixture of afforestation and traditional woodland that constitutes the Plym forest to the north.
Then continue along the viaduct following the route of the old Lee Moor railway line which, in the nineteenth century, transported china clay from the Moor’s pit face into Plymouth. Jungle-like ropes of ivy, sizeable ferns and enchanting forests appear on the left, while the river Plym is now far below on the right. Small spherical cherry galls (Cynips Quercus-folii) cling to many of the leaves, and the strong odour of wild garlic and thyme also emerges from the surrounding vegetation. However, the peace is periodically broken by the sound of light aircraft as they prepare to land at the nearby city airport. Invariably flying from east to west (left to right) the planes vibrate against the woodland, sending countless leaves whirling to the ground.
After walking for a good half mile along the disused railway line, take the wide path which appears on the right and meanders down towards the river. This path soon emerges into a large, green beech copse. Follow the short path to the river and climb over the stile opposite. From here take the path to the right, which means that the river Plym is now on the left for the remainder of the walk.
The tree trunks have grown at incredible angles along this stretch. Consequently the light is regulated through the branches which, along with the leisurely pace of the river, create a dark, serene atmosphere. Mallards can often be seen trying to camouflage themselves as they patiently wait to catch the trout.
The Plym’s mood then suddenly changes. It widens, gathers pace and then flows purposefully towards Plymouth Sound, aided by the springs which repeatedly enter both sides of the river. Shortly the path leads into a clearing where the leaves are five layers thick. Take the steeper path on the right hand side which leads to the familiar sound of the weir. Light strobes filter through the branches and grey squirrels can often be seen scurrying amidst the crowded woodland.

At the top of the path, the remains of the Rumple Wheel Pit are visible on the left. Built in 1865, the structure once held a six by fifty foot waterwheel. Follow the path under the viaduct which returns to the riverside and then take the ensuing left fork, which leads into a spacious green sward and a popular shingle beach on the left. Nearing the end of the walk the woodland blends into an attractive copse of tall pines. From this juncture desert the riverbank and head for the busy minor road on the right. A stile and gate appear at the top of this incline adjacent to the road. The Plym Bridge and its car park are soon located on the left.