Yealmpton: Walking Trails, River Landscape and History

Yealmpton combines varied walking trails with a remarkable history. Those looking for holiday accommodation for their stay can choose between short walks, longer routes, riverside landscapes and historical discoveries. The range of walks is particularly convenient for different types of day: from the short route to Pimple Rock to the circular route between Yealmpton and Brixton.

Walking Trails for Different Day Plans

Walk 1 to Pimple Rock is less than 1 mile long and suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people with disabilities. This provides a clearly defined option for a short outing. Like Walk 1, Walk 2 continues to Puslinch Bridge and is just under 2 miles long. This route includes stiles, a detail you should take into account when planning.

Walk 3 passes over Bowden Hill and Gorlofen along paths or quiet roads and is also just under 2 miles long. If you would like to plan a longer route, you can choose Walk 5, which covers around 4½ miles to Dunstone and Marland Cross. Walk 6 is an approximately 3-mile circular route between Yealmpton and Brixton. The different lengths and trail characteristics make it easier to adapt the day to the interests and fitness levels of your group without making all the outings the same.

Another option is Walk 4. It passes through the former fields of the Shire Horse Centre to Yealm Bridge and can be extended as far as Lotherton Bridge. The historic status of the former fields is expressly part of this route's character. The River Yealm also flows through the landscape around Yealmpton and offers opportunities for peaceful walks along its banks.

Historical Traces in the Village

One of the most notable historical remains is the Goreus Stone in Yealmpton churchyard. It is located 10 metres west of the church tower. Based on its inscription, the stone probably dates from the 6th century AD. It is also considered a rare surviving example among approximately 50 early Christian memorial stones known from south-west England. Anyone interested in early history and surviving inscriptions will find a specific reason here to take a closer look at the village.

The Yealmpton War Memorial also tells part of the village's history. It is a First World War memorial dating from 1921 and was later extended with additions for the Second World War. The wheel-head cross is made of Cornish granite and commemorates 18 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.

Kitley House is a large country house set in landscaped grounds. The building is also linked to a literary story: in 1805, Sarah Martin wrote the Mother Hubbard Rhymes, “The Comic Adventures of Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog”, at Kitley House. The annual Yealmpton Agricultural Show takes place on the last Wednesday in July and complements the historical impressions with a local event.

Choose Yealmpton as Your Base

When travelling from Plymouth, take the A379 through Elburton and Brixton to Yealmpton. From Exeter, take the A38 Devon Expressway to the Smithaleigh Junction; from there, it is approximately another 4 miles to Yealmpton. When choosing holiday accommodation, you can therefore consider whether short walks, longer routes, historical visits or travelling from the direction of Plymouth or Exeter will be the deciding factors for your stay.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Yealmpton, you can also take a closer look at Crediton, Drewsteignton, Lifton, Instow, Dawlish, Luppitt, Littleham and Wick.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.