A short walk with fine views, cream teas and the beautiful Dart River – wild swimming spots in abundance!
This is a walk for lazy days, a walk to linger over, to enjoy the delights of the Dart River and a traditional Devonshire cream tea.
Parking at New Bridge, we crossed the river and set off upstream through a little wooden gate. The path is easy, wide and gravelled, and leads through a forest of oaks and elms.
Initially the river is hidden, but soon comes into sight, and though there are many well known swimming holes along this river, my favourite is reached in only about 10 minutes.
A huge granite rock protrudes into the water at an oblique angle, perfect for sun baking or picnics. It is also the ideal launch platform to a deep swimming hole, a refreshing dip on a hot day.
We were walking on a rather cool day, but I noticed people indulging their wild swimming habit in wetsuits, which I think rather detracts from the experience, but I suppose in England it might be a necessary compromise!
After about 15 minutes the path forks. The left leads gently uphill, through trees and lush meadows, to Holne. Emerging on the road, a left and quick right leads into the village and the welcoming Church House Inn – except that this being a corvid year, the inn is presently only open for accommodation.
A festooned vintage tractor parked outside the church awaited the happy couple – they do weddings differently in Devon!
Annoyingly we also found the Holne Community Tearoom totally full and had to forgo the delights of our anticipated cream tea. They have a little garden seating area at the back and a traditional country troupe was in full swing – the lesson is don’t pick a Saturday in July / staycation year and expect to find a seat!
We backtracked to the river, but this gave us a chance to enjoy the super views to the distant moors which had been behind us on the way up.
Back at the junction, we turned left and continued along the river. Another 10 minutes and Wellsfoot Island came into view, another well loved wild swimming spot, where clothes sometimes seem optional.
From there, the track rises steeply, albeit briefly, then continues in a slightly less manicured vein.
A pleasant wander through the woods for about 2 km leads to Sharrah Pool, a beautiful stretch of the River hemmed in between high wooded sides with rocky edges. There is a long swimming hole, just pick your spot.
It is possible to continue on along the river but we called it a day and after enjoying the pool for a while, retraced our steps to head home. There are numerous paths leaving the main route which take you closer to the river – you might just find your own hidden gem.
NOTES
From pinns.co.uk ‘Popular New Bridge Walks’ No. 2. Map Outdoor Leisure 28 (Dartmoor).
The Walk starts from New Bridge where there is a large paying carpark. Grid reference 50°31′24.17″N 03°49′11.95″W. There is also a small free parking area just on the other side of the bridge, if you are lucky enough to find a space.
Directions
From the main Car Park cross the bridge and turn right in to a footpath behind a small car park.
After 1/3 of a mile the path forks . Take the LEFT fork and climb steadily towards Holne.
Continue for half a mile following the Dartmoor Way & Two Moors Way until you reach a country lane.
Turn left then soon take the next right.
Continue into Holne with pub ahead on your right. The Church House Inn is presently only open for accommodation.
The Holne Community Shop & Tearoom is open all day until 5.
Return the way you came and when you reach the junction, turn left and follow the path along the river walking through a most beautiful woodland.
At Wellsfoot Island the path climbs up again. Keep following for Sharrah Pool. Return the way you came, to the car park.
