Plan your trip

WALK HERE

Turn to Walks 1 and 2 in this issue for turn-by-turn guides.

GETTING THERE

Ivybridge is just off the A38, 10 miles east of Plymouth, and has a mainline rail station and good bus connections. Loddiswell and the Avon Valley Woods are a 10-mile drive south-east of Ivybridge; no direct public transport.

WHERE TO STAY

Country Walking stayed at Boringdon Hall, a five-star manor near Plympton whose name comes from the Saxon Burth-Y-Don meaning ‘enchanted place on the hill’. Built in the 16th century, the house has a turbulent history including civil war and fire, but is now all comfort and relaxation: bedrooms mix antique furniture with modern luxury – like fourposter beds and ensuite wet rooms – and there’s a spa to boot. Stable Rooms from £157 B&B in October

(boringdonhall.co.uk; 01752 344455). Alternatively, Ivybridge has options or you can stay at the coach house at Butterbrook House where Ken used to live in Harford. Sleeps 5, from £478pw in Oct, devonholidaycottages.com/ cottage/butterbrook-coach-house

WHERE TO EAT

The Mayflower Brasserie at

Boringdon Hall serves lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner with dishes like ham hock terrine with black pudding (£10) and butternut and gorgonzola risotto (£19), or there’s a tasting menu at its Àclèaf restaurant (£100pp). Range of pubs and cafes in Ivybridge, including the popular Refuel (facebook.com/people/

Refuel/100039718969829) snack van on the Lee Mill Industrial Estate with takeaway lunches like Bombay potatoes topped with tandoori chicken or paneer (£7).

MORE INFORMATION

See visitdartmoor.co.uk for ideas, accommodation and places to eat, or call Ivybridge tourist information centre on 01752 897035.