The John Musgrave Heritage Trail is a 35 mile walking trail encompassing parts of Torbay, South Hams and Teignbridge. It was launched in March 2006 in memory of John Musgrave, a former chairman of the South Devon Group of the Ramblers, whose generous legacy to the group on his death in 2003 has been used to fund the development of the trail. John was an enthusiastic walker, leading walks in many of the areas through which the trail passes.
The trail was devised and developed by the South Devon Ramblers and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, working with representatives from Devon County Council, South Hams, Torbay and Teignbridge Councils, the National Trust at Greenway, and the Duke of Somerset's Estate at Berry Pomeroy. The new trail links the existing Dart Valley Trail, Torbay Totnes Trail, Greenway Walk and the South West Coast Path with new sections of path to create a continuous route through some of the best of the wonderful countryside that can be enjoyed in South Devon.
The trail explores over 40 of the region's finest heritage features and takes the walker past creeks and castles, along the coast and through rolling meadows and woodland on footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes. The route is easy to follow, waymarked, suitable for walkers of all abilities and accessible by public transport. Information and interpretation boards along the route add to the walker's enjoyment. The trail is split into four sections:
- Maidencombe to Cockington
- Cockington to Totnes
- Totnes to Dittisham (where the trail crosses the River Dart by ferry)
- Greenway Quay to Brixham
Splitting the trail into sections in this way allows walkers to easily select shorter stretches from the 35-mile trail.
One of the main features of the trail is that the South Devon Ramblers have purchased a small wood at Great Hill, the highest point in Torbay. Steps and a path have been established through the woodland so that the trail could continue without interruption and the splendid views from the hill top can be enjoyed.
The South Devon Ramblers have worked with local organisations to establish a gloriously scenic and historically interesting walking trail reflecting the beauty and heritage of this wonderful area. We hope you will enjoy walking the John Musgrave Heritage Trail.
A comprehensive guidebook written by a local historian is available from local tourist information centres, the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trusts visitor centres at Cockington or from the South Devon Ramblers by clicking here.