When looking for a hotel in Ivybridge, two local themes may shape your travel plans: the River Erme’s history as a crossing and source of water, and paths along the river. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests—for example, bridge history, a path through a river valley or a longer trail.
The River Erme, Bridges and Industrial Heritage
Ivybridge was first mentioned in 1280 as a place to cross the River Erme. The original Ivy Bridge is a medieval packhorse bridge and still stands today. The Ivybridge Aqueduct also tells the story of the relationship between the town and the river: it is listed as a Grade II structure and was built in the late 18th or early 19th century to supply John Berry's Woollen Mill. The aqueduct brought water from the River Erme. Together, the bridge and aqueduct show the river’s different historical roles—as a crossing and as a water supplier for the mill.
Ivybridge has a rich heritage of traditional industries in South Devon, including milling and clothmaking. Those interested in this industrial heritage will find concrete points of interest here: the medieval bridge, the aqueduct and its connection to the named woollen mill. These historic structures represent different periods and functions. The bridge points to Ivybridge’s role as a river crossing; the aqueduct to the supply of water to a mill.
Longtimber Woods: Path and River Landscape
The path through Longtimber Woods starts at the upper end of Station Road, below the railway viaduct in Ivybridge. After one kilometre, it reaches an information board and a picnic area overlooking the river. This linear, protected path runs through a river valley; the gradient is gentle and the surface is wide and gravelly. The path follows the River Erme upstream, passing small waterfalls and pools. As surface conditions can change and facilities require maintenance, it is worth checking their condition before your visit.
Along the river in Longtimber Woods, you can look out for dippers and grey wagtails. Opportunities for wildlife watching vary with the seasons; sightings are not guaranteed. The geological landscape can also be explored here: outcrops in the River Erme north of the railway viaduct show Upper Devonian slates that were baked by the intrusion of hot granite. How clearly the outcrops can be seen depends on river conditions.
There are public toilets at the Watermark Centre in Ivybridge. If you plan to use this facility, check the current situation locally before your trip.
Two Trails, Different Distances
The Erme Valley Trail runs for three miles along the valley from Ivybridge to the village of Ermington and is comprehensively waymarked. Waymarking may change due to maintenance or land management work; check local conditions before setting out. For comparison, the Erme-Plym Trail runs from Wembury to Ivybridge and is 15 miles (24 km) long. It is generally considered easy and takes in the area around the Erme Valley south of Ivybridge. The different endpoints and lengths help distinguish the two routes when planning your trip.
The Erme-Plym Trail offers views of Dartmoor, which dominates the northern skyline. The landscape and route add a different perspective on Ivybridge to the local bridge history: the town is the endpoint of this trail, while the Erme Valley Trail runs from here to Ermington.
Getting to Ivybridge
Ivybridge lies just off the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter. Bus services connect the town with Exeter and Torbay. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable for your specific travel dates, as services and times may change. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether Ivybridge appeals to you mainly for its industrial history, the river landscape at Longtimber Woods or the different trail routes.
Discover more destinations: Broadclyst, Burlescombe, Clovelly, Starcross, Throwleigh, Tiverton, Thorverton, Parracombe
For the main travel overview: Devon.
