Ivykin one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ivykin here.

I cannot recommend this route at present as there is an access issue at Hatch Bridge, Loddiswell.

At the time I walked it there were fixed ‘road closed’ signs at Knapp Mill and Culverwell Bridge (either end of the road over Hatch Bridge). The road was not physically blocked, no indication of a traffic regulation order & cars passed while I was stood there thinking about it so I decided to give it a go. It clearly related to a flooding issue - although it was passable at the time, there was standing water (with fish in!) despite the the river being extremely low & in drought conditions.

Have since made enquiries with Devon County Council highways department, who confirmed that a water management issue on adjacent land regularly flooded the road & was also undermining the road edge which they said was hazardous to users. Apparently it was taking longer than planned to resolve & they said that a temporary traffic regulation order will be made for safety reasons - could be for up to 18 months! However, they have now agreed to my suggestion that it only needs to be closed east of Hatch Bridge. The unmetalled road & connecting footpath leading north from Hatch Bridge to Loddiswell might therefore make a good alternative route, avoiding the closed section, but I have not tried this myself yet. Note however that the footpath running southwest from Hatch Bridge is not a suitable alternative slow way as there is currently no recorded prow through Hatch Farm!

A real pity about Hatch Bridge closure as would be a great route otherwise, with some minor tweaks. Maybe in a year or so!

In the meantime I have added two alternatives for Ivykin that utilise most of this route, with minor tweaks & avoiding the road closure.

I have still reviewed it for future reference as once the Hatch Bridge road has reopened it would again be viable & this review is relevant for the whole route.

It is not fully accessible, with some steep gradients, stiles & steps. Typical of the landscape so can’t really be avoided. There is some road walking, mostly quiet country lanes but one busy section leading out of Ivybridge which could be improved - this section of road can be avoided by following the waymarked Erme-Plym Trail which now runs around the tennis club & playing field on the riverside (not yet updated on OS mapping). The alternative Ivykin routes use this.

A couple of main road crossings - A3121 near Ermington & the A381 near Kingsbridge but good visibility.

The route follows the Erne-Plym Trail as far as Strode. It is a pleasant wooded riverside path then running through fields. Good views back towards Dartmoor. Well-maintained & signed. Continuing towards Modbury it follows NCN28 on quiet lanes. Although the route doesn’t run directly through Modbury town it’s an easy deviation with plenty of refreshment opportunities, toilets etc. Having crossed the footbridge after Traine there is a prominent permissive waymark with the actual route (up steep field) not obviously marked at all. However the permissive path does lead to the town if liked. If not, ignore it!

The route continues on field footpaths as far as Babland (cows in field), where it again picks up the NCN28. The road passes The Thatches campsite which had a sign advertising a refreshment van offering hot & cold drinks. Unfortunately I’d timed my arrival with its lunchtime break but staff in the campsite office were happy for me to fill my water bottle!

Onwards towards Loddiswell following footpaths, bridleways, unmetalled roads & quiet lanes.

At Knapp Mill the road was signed as ‘road closed’ & ‘liable to flooding’ - see above explanation following my enquiries to DCC. If this can be resolved, it makes for a good & is the most direct Ivykin route.

Uneventful, if a little steep, from there to Kingsbridge, the last section following pavement down through the town. Plenty of refreshment opportunities.

Public transport links are good at both ends. The train station at Ivybridge is a little walk out of town to the start of the route but follows foot/cycle way & pavement.

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