Guided Walks Programme - Summer 2025
Sunday 18th May - Rosemoor and Darkham Weir
Sunday 15th June - Ridd Inclined Plane
Sunday 13th July - Sea Lock and Annery Kiln
Sunday 10th August - Staple Vale and Furzebeam
Please see below for more details about the walks:
Sunday 18th May - Rosemoor and Darkham Weir
Starting from the 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 water to feed the Rolle Canal was taken. Then towards the recently renovated Canal Basin, which was effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here, the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of the old Tucking Mill. Length about 2 and a half miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 18th May at the far end of the main RHS Rosemoor car park. (Rosemoor operates a strict no-dogs policy). Walk Leader: Michael Elliott
Starting from the 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 water to feed the Rolle Canal was taken. Then towards the recently renovated Canal Basin, which was effectively the terminus of the Rolle Canal. Here, the old lime kilns can be seen as well as the foundations of the old Tucking Mill. Length about 2 and a half miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 18th May at the far end of the main RHS Rosemoor car park. (Rosemoor operates a strict no-dogs policy). Walk Leader: Michael Elliott
Sunday 15th June - Ridd Inclined Plane
Our walk will be a little over 2 miles. Meet at 2.30 pm on Sunday 15th June at the car park at Annery Kiln. The walk follows the course of the canal along the Torridge valley to the former stable building and incline at Ridd. Walkers will have the opportunity to see a newly cleared section of the canal and will then proceed to the top of the incline to see the wheel pit, a further section of cleared canal and recently uncovered structures associated with the canal. Walk Leader: Tony Nicholls
Our walk will be a little over 2 miles. Meet at 2.30 pm on Sunday 15th June at the car park at Annery Kiln. The walk follows the course of the canal along the Torridge valley to the former stable building and incline at Ridd. Walkers will have the opportunity to see a newly cleared section of the canal and will then proceed to the top of the incline to see the wheel pit, a further section of cleared canal and recently uncovered structures associated with the canal. Walk Leader: Tony Nicholls
Sunday 13th July - Sea Lock and Annery Kiln
From the car park next to the Annery lime kiln, the walk will go beside the river and canal to Sea Lock. This is an opportunity to see the current restoration work on the basins, where coal, limestone and other goods would be transhipped into tub boats to be taken along the Rolle Canal. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artefacts. Distance less than 2 miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 13th July at Annery Kiln. Walk Leader: Hilary Wills
From the car park next to the Annery lime kiln, the walk will go beside the river and canal to Sea Lock. This is an opportunity to see the current restoration work on the basins, where coal, limestone and other goods would be transhipped into tub boats to be taken along the Rolle Canal. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artefacts. Distance less than 2 miles. Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 13th July at Annery Kiln. Walk Leader: Hilary Wills
Sunday 10th August - Staple Vale and Furzebeam
Starting from the car park at the Puffing Billy/Tarka Railway, the walk proceeds along the Tarka Trail for about half a mile before turning right onto Torrington Common, at which point the canal towpath is followed and the bed of the canal can be clearly seen. Beyond the restored Roving Bridge we will be able to view the beautiful 5 arch Beam Aqueduct and the former railway bridge beyond. It is in this area that Henry Williamson set the book Tarka the Otter. Then proceed back to the Puffing Billy via private land. The length is a little over 2 miles. Meet at 2.30 pm on Sunday 10th August at the Puffing Billy car park. Walk Leader: Ian Harrison
Starting from the car park at the Puffing Billy/Tarka Railway, the walk proceeds along the Tarka Trail for about half a mile before turning right onto Torrington Common, at which point the canal towpath is followed and the bed of the canal can be clearly seen. Beyond the restored Roving Bridge we will be able to view the beautiful 5 arch Beam Aqueduct and the former railway bridge beyond. It is in this area that Henry Williamson set the book Tarka the Otter. Then proceed back to the Puffing Billy via private land. The length is a little over 2 miles. Meet at 2.30 pm on Sunday 10th August at the Puffing Billy car park. Walk Leader: Ian Harrison
Individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. 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]
Please note that dogs, even on leads, are discouraged.
For further information please email the Chairman, Ian Harrison: [email protected]