Guided Walks Programme - Summer 2026
Sunday 17th May - ROSEMOOR - The Dark Weir, Canal Basin and Limekilns
Walk Leader: Michael Elliott
Starting from the end of the new extended car park at RHS Rosemoor Gardens near Great Torrington, this is an opportunity to walk beyond the public gardens through attractive woodland to Darkham Weir on the River Torridge from where the waters to feed the Rolle Canal were taken. Then follow the Mill Leat to the recently cleared Canal Basin, effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of a Tucking Mill. Meet in the overflow car park at Rosemoor by 2:30pm.
Walk Leader: Michael Elliott
Starting from the end of the new extended car park at RHS Rosemoor Gardens near Great Torrington, this is an opportunity to walk beyond the public gardens through attractive woodland to Darkham Weir on the River Torridge from where the waters to feed the Rolle Canal were taken. Then follow the Mill Leat to the recently cleared Canal Basin, effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of a Tucking Mill. Meet in the overflow car park at Rosemoor by 2:30pm.
Sunday 14th June - ANNERY KILN TO RIDD INCLINED PLANE
Walk Leader: Tony Nicholls
Starting from Annery Kiln by Halfpenny Bridge on the Bideford to Weare Giffard road, see the site where tub-boats were hauled up an incline from the river level to the canal summit level. Part of the underground water-wheel chamber is visible beside the Tarka Trail. Also an opportunity to see recent restoration work on the incline and the remains of the Hunters Inn. Distance less that 2 miles. Please note that the route includes 100 metres walking over rough meadow grass which may be wet after rain. Meet at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm.
Walk Leader: Tony Nicholls
Starting from Annery Kiln by Halfpenny Bridge on the Bideford to Weare Giffard road, see the site where tub-boats were hauled up an incline from the river level to the canal summit level. Part of the underground water-wheel chamber is visible beside the Tarka Trail. Also an opportunity to see recent restoration work on the incline and the remains of the Hunters Inn. Distance less that 2 miles. Please note that the route includes 100 metres walking over rough meadow grass which may be wet after rain. Meet at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm.
Sunday 12th July - SEA LOCK
Walk Leader: Hilary Wills
From the temporary car park next to the Annery Lime-kilns walk along the canal to Sea Lock.
This is an opportunity to see the restoration work on the lock where in the nineteenth century river barges could enter the canal basin from the tidal Torridge estuary. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artefacts. Distance less than 2 miles. Meet at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm.
Walk Leader: Hilary Wills
From the temporary car park next to the Annery Lime-kilns walk along the canal to Sea Lock.
This is an opportunity to see the restoration work on the lock where in the nineteenth century river barges could enter the canal basin from the tidal Torridge estuary. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artefacts. Distance less than 2 miles. Meet at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm.
Sunday 16th August - STAPLE VALE to BEAM AQUEDUCT
Walk Leader: Ian Harrison
Start from the Puffing Billy (old Railway Station) and follow the Tarka Trail (old railway line) to where the Rolle Canal skirts Furzebeam Hill. Here the towpath leads to the Roving Bridge behind Beam House and on to the Aqueduct over the River Torridge. The Tarka Trail then leads back via Beam Weir to the start point.
This walk may include part of the route of the canal by kind permission of the land owner. If part of the footpath at Furzebeam is still closed, the route will be diverted along the Tarka Trail. Length a little over 2 miles.
Meet at Puffing Billy car park by 2:30pm.
Walk Leader: Ian Harrison
Start from the Puffing Billy (old Railway Station) and follow the Tarka Trail (old railway line) to where the Rolle Canal skirts Furzebeam Hill. Here the towpath leads to the Roving Bridge behind Beam House and on to the Aqueduct over the River Torridge. The Tarka Trail then leads back via Beam Weir to the start point.
This walk may include part of the route of the canal by kind permission of the land owner. If part of the footpath at Furzebeam is still closed, the route will be diverted along the Tarka Trail. Length a little over 2 miles.
Meet at Puffing Billy car park by 2:30pm.
Individuals take part in Rolle Canal Society walks at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. Please remember to wear suitable footwear, at times it can be muddy or wet!
The income from the small charge of £2 per person on the guided walks makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
Please note that dogs, even on leads, are discouraged.
For further information please email the Chairman, Ian Harrison: [email protected]
The income from the small charge of £2 per person on the guided walks makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
Please note that dogs, even on leads, are discouraged.
For further information please email the Chairman, Ian Harrison: [email protected]