Sparkwell and Cornwood – Devon GOC. 2nd Feb’25

Devon group enjoyed a winter wander starting from the village of Sparkwell. Soon we were enjoying far reaching views across the South Hams countryside and up onto Dartmoor. A circular route of 5 miles , mainly along quiet country lanes. When we emerged at the top of a short steeper section along a stony path enclosed by high hedges some were out of breath but fortunately Cornwood church was clearly visible nearby and soon provided a place to sit down and eat our sandwiches.

After lunch we trudged along a bridlepath beside the little river Piall and approached the substantial granite manor house at Slade before turning along a woodland track to pass under one of the eleven arches of the Slade viaduct that carries the main line railway over the valley, 100 feet below. The original stone piers designed by I.K. Brunel still stand alongside the new viaduct, both very impressive feats of engineering.

Towards the end of our walk we passed through a farm with a large barn full of curious cows eager to pose for photographs. Afterwards we adjourned to a local garden centre which had not one but two cafes which led to some confusion but we all met up eventually to round off the day with some well earned tea and cakes.

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