Thirteen of us met on a sunny Easter Day outside the entrance to Stowford Mill. Originally a corn mill, it changed to manufacturing paper and operated for two centuries, producing its last paper in 2013.

We stopped to view a local landmark known as the Ivybridge “Snail” – a 1937 water turbine originally used at the Stowford Paper Mill.

We followed the main path by the River Erme with it’s beautiful water falls tumbling over mossy boulders. We passed under the railway viaduct built in 1892 and, adjacent to it, the stone pillars of Brunel’s original viaduct built in 1848.

We paused to look at a former reservoir which was later used as a local swimming pool from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Nearby, picnic tables were a welcome stop for our picnic lunch, and Easter eggs provided by our walk leader.

Further up the river we turned and climbed steps which took us up the steep side of the valley, and along an old leat constructed in 1818 which formed our path for part of the return journey.

Then it was onwards and upwards to Henlake Down where we could admire the panoramic views of the Devon countryside. One member was able to point out the Eddystone Lighthouse 20 miles away.

Our walk back down from the Downs took us through an amazing avenue of gorse bushes in full bloom.

Back at the cars we drove to nearby South Brent for tea and cakes.

Nick Hichens