Shaugh Prior

The walk around Shaugh Prior is a real historic treat showing industrial memories of our distant past. You will be able to see the remains of the old china clay works that once dominated the area. It’s a moderate 8-mile circular walk and should take an experienced walker about 4 to 5 hours. Driving directions from Bowerland: HERE.

Directions:

• Park up at the Shaugh Bridge car park. Along the route you will follow footpaths, tracks & open moorland walking.
• Follow the River Plym as it winds its way from the valley to the open moorland.
• As you go uphill you will see a square clay settling tank and you need to follow the pipe track. This is where the China Clay was carried down from the works higher up the valley. The clay was then separated into two tanks.
• As you come to Cadover Bridge you will see the silver sand hills on your right. These are the remains of the waste products when the clay was blasted out many years ago. This is a good place for a pit stop as there are normally ice cream vans at Cadover Bridge.
• Further along the route you will see Drewerstone Rock which is is Devon’s highest inland granite cliff. Many climbers give this a go, and the view from the top is really worth it.
• As you return to Shaugh Prior make sure you stop for a well earned rest at the White Thorn Inn at Shaugh Prior.