Tavistock Canal Towpath Walk

Route Description for Tavistock Canal Towpath Walk

The Tavistock Canal Towpath Walk is a fun adventure along some fairly flat terrain that is suitable for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, including walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, and trail runners. Be sure to keep an eye out while walking this trail and leave enough room for others to safely pass. Additionally, the path can become a bit muddy after a good rainfall, making water-resistant footwear a good idea if the conditions call for it. Other than that, this is a beautifully scenic route that will make for a great afternoon outdoors in the Devon countryside.

Setting out from the Bedford car park in Tavistock, you will make your way to the southwest along the Tavistock Canal in order to leave the town behind, following along the edge of the water as it cuts through the picturesque farmland of the surrounding area. In the southwest corner of the trail, you will round a corner and walk beneath the impressive structure of the Shillamill Viaduct that features twelve arches and stands 30 m tall at its highest point. From here, you will continue to the northwest until just beyond the end of the canal, at which point, you will turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.

Insider Hints for Tavistock Canal Towpath Walk

• If you’re planning a multi-day retreat, consider staying at The Bedford Hotel, which is situated right in the heart of Tavistock.