Bradworthy combines village history with walking trails and nature watching. A walking trail starts in the village centre and leads through Bradworthy Common; the Tamar Lakes lie on the south-west side of the parish. The circular trail around Upper Tamar Lake, the waymarked Bude Aqueduct Trail and the path through the common each offer a different focus. There is also the parish church and the history of Lower Tamar Lake.
Village History and the Village Centre
The Church of St John the Baptist is an Anglican parish church dating from the 13th century. It adds a specific aspect of church history to Bradworthy’s character. The village green is also part of the local character: it is considered the largest in the West Country. Together, the church and green offer a different travel focus from the walking routes and natural areas. Those planning a stay that is not made up exclusively of outdoor activities can also take these local cultural features into account.
Trails through Bradworthy Common
A walking trail starts in the village centre and leads through Bradworthy Common. On the Bradworthy Trail, the route crosses the River Waldon via a bridge. Bradworthy Common is known for hosting a colony of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. This combines a specific route with a nature feature directly associated with the common. Natural conditions and wildlife sightings can vary seasonally. Check current trail conditions before setting out; conditions at the river can also change.
Circular Walk and Waymarked Route at the Tamar Lakes
The Tamar Lakes lie on the south-west side of Bradworthy parish. For a walk by the lake, the circular trail around Upper Tamar Lake is a good option: it is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long. The waymarked Bude Aqueduct Trail runs for five miles from the car park at Lower Tamar Lake to the car park at Vealand Nature Reserve. This gives you a choice between a circular walk by the water and a longer route between two car parks. The approximate length of the circular walk and the five-mile trail provide a concrete basis for deciding on the distance you want to cover on an outing. Before your trip, it is worth checking the operator’s current route information, as route details can change.
Nature Conservation and the History of Water Supply
Lower Tamar Lake is a designated nature reserve with a bird hide. It was created in the early 20th century as a reservoir to supply the old Bude Canal; in 1949 it was designated a bird sanctuary. The same lake therefore brings together a history of water supply and its natural environment and birdlife. The Tamar Lakes are home to a population of willow tits that is significant in the south-west; wildlife populations can change over time. Bradworthy Moor was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1992.
Discover more destinations: Blackawton, Morebath, Sutcombe, Black Torrington, Bradninch, Horrabridge, Lapford, Shirwell.
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
