Ivybridge Restaurants :: Pubs :: Hotels/B&B :: Shops :: Specials :: Activities

This town is central for those interested in walking as it is the starting point (or finishing point) of The Two Moors Way which runs for 102 miles across Dartmoor and Exmoor. There are also the Erme Valley Trail and the Erme/Plym Trail. The first goes to Ermington, the second drops down to Plymouth. The town dates back at least to the thirteenth century when it was mentioned as an area of land 'by the Ivy Bridge', which is still standing, although widened somewhat. It is still the centre of an ancient tradition that takes place in June when the local from Ermington challenge those from Ivybridge to cross, and demand they hand over a fat duck from the river, a red rose and a ream of paper from the paper mill as toll. 1848 brought the railway, which led to an expansion of the town, but the line was closed in 1959. The town's heritage can be traced by following the Town Trail which passes by the remains of a Victorian aqueduct, and the old engine house.