visitor infor tion - devon · holcombe rogus character 17th century pub with restaurant idyllic...

Visitor Information

W I L D L I F EH I S T O R YR E C R E A T I O N

2013/14 Special EditionNew Visitor Centre Canal breach info

More fascinating than ever!

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Greenway, Halberton, Devon, EX16 7AE

Open all year round, from Dawn �til DuskFree local delivery and collection

With easy access to 11 miles of towpath on the Grand Western CanalFollow the Brown tourist signs in Halberton

Now also available for hireThe Tramper � an all terrain mobility buggyBOOKING ESSENTIALVisit www.countrysidemobility.co.uk for more information

Telephone: - 07958 916165 / 01884 820728www.abbotshoodcyclehire.co.uk

The Prince of WalesHolcombe Rogus

Character 17th Century Pubwith Restaurant

Idyllic setting on the Devon/SomersetBorder, near to the Grand Western Canal

Opening Times: Mon 5.30pm-10pm,Tues-Thurs 12noon-3pm and 5.30pm-11pm,Fri 12noon-3pm and 5.30pm-12midnight,Sat 12noon-12midnight, Sun 12noon-11pmFood served lunchtimes and evenings,

carvery on Sun lunchtimeTel: 01823 672070

www.theprinceofwales-uk.com

Beck’sCanalside Diner

At the Canalside car park, Halberton by theDudley Weatherley Jubilee Bridge and

Tiverton Road Bridge

Only a three mile walk or cycle ridefrom the Canal Basin

Open 9am ‘til close

Hot and cold food and drinks

Duck food & dog treats

Enjoy a peaceful day by theGrand Western Canal

Find us on [email protected]

We are here

Grand Western Canal Visitor Information

Welcome to the Grand Western CanalThe Grand Western Canal Country Park meanders through beautiful mid-Devoncountryside and quiet villages between Tiverton and Lowdwells (near the Somersetborder). Declared a Country Park in 1971 and a Local Nature Reserve in 2005, theCanal is a wonderfully relaxing place toenjoy the rich heritage of yesteryear, andthe profusion of wildlife and sceniclandscape that characterise the Canaltoday.

Extending for eleven and a quartermiles, the Country Park provides agreat location to enjoy walking,cycling, boating, fishing and picnics.More information on these activities isprovided in this guide.

In November 2012 the Canal suffered abreach of a high embankment near Halberton. Funding has been allocated for thenecessary repairs which are due for completion by spring 2014, but a short sectionof Canal and towpath will be closed during this time. The rest of the Canal remainssafe to use and very much open for business. More information about the breachand the towpath diversion can be found on pages 8 and 9.

1

Tiverton Canal Basin. Photo: Philip Brind.

Canal Breach. Photo: Nigel Cuthbert.

2 Grand Western Canal Visitor Information

HistoryOriginally part of an ambitious scheme to link the Bristol Channel with the EnglishChannel, the Grand Western Canal was proposed as a way for shipping to avoid thelong and perilous journey around the Cornish peninsula, and as a route fortransporting goods, including coal fromSouth Wales, into the heart of Somersetand Devon.

The section from Tiverton to the limestonequarries at Westleigh (also known locally asthe Tiverton Canal) was completed in 1814,but the costs had escalated hugely (provingthis is not just a modern-day phenomenon!)due to the use of steep embankments anddeep cuttings to keep the Canal on a levelcontour.

This massive overspend delayed construction of the next section to Taunton formany years, but eventually it was completed in 1838. By then any plans to link theCanal with the English Channel had been abandoned, but for a short time the Canalwas profitable, mostly carrying coal and limestone, much of which was burnt inlimekilns and used for improving agricultural land.

The advent of the Bristol & ExeterRailway, took much of the trade fromthe Canal, and in 1865 the section fromLowdwells to Taunton was sold to therailway company and abandoned.However the limestone trade continuedon the ‘Devon section’ until the 1920swhen persistent leaks led to thedamming-off of a section nearHalberton.

Stone being loaded onto barges atWhipcott Wharf.

Lily harvesting near Swing Bridge.


Apart from a small lily-harvestingbusiness, the Canal slowly choked upwith reeds and was largelyabandoned until the 1960s, whenproposals to use the Canal as a linearlandfill site and possible route for aroad galvanised local support forpreserving the Canal.

The campaign to save the Canalproved to be successful as in 1971Devon County Council took onownership of the canal and declaredit a Country Park. Since then asubstantial investment in dredgingand relining the Canal has beenmade and the Country Park is now apopular visitor attraction and thrivinglocal amenity.

A wealth of structures dating back tothe Canal’s heyday are still to befound in the Country Park. Many areprotected by Grade II listing,including the Tiverton Basin andWaytown limekiln complexes, 15road bridges over the Canal(designed by John Rennie) and the40m-long Waytown Tunnel. Othernotable structures include milestones,culverts, wharves, accommodationbridges, an aqueduct and a lock.

3

Poster advertising a walk as part of the campaign tosave the Canal.

The Waytown Limekilns at the northern end of theCanal.

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For People who Love . . . Boats, Horses, Wildlife & WaterTIVERTON CANAL Co

Barge Trips " Boat Hire " Cafe Bar

Take a Trip on aHorse-Drawn Barge

The Ducks’ Ditty Bar

The Barge: All-Weather75 Seater Barge.

On Board: Bar, Real Ales,Draught Lagers, Ciders,Quality Wine, Tea/Coffee,Snacks, Ice Cream & Gifts.

Public Trips run to Timetable (see web)

Day & Evening Private HireEvening Trips - Peaceful or Lively Party.Buffets or Fish & Chip Suppers.Peaceful Floodlit or Background Music,Band, Disco or Sole Artist for more detailsgo to our website or call for a free info pack.

The Wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton, DevonEX16 4HX Tel :01884 253345 www.t iver toncanal . co .uk

At The Wharf# The Ducks’ Ditty Floating Caf’e Bar:

Fully Licensed, Permanently Moored at the Wharf.Quality Wines, Real Ales, Draught LagersFreshly Ground Coffee & Scoop Ice-cream.

# Horse-Drawn Barge Trips: (see web for info)

# Boat Hire: Canoes, Rowing & Day Boats.

# Canal Shop: Canal, Horse & Country Gifts.

Exeter, Coast & Countryside

of Devon

ATTRACTION

The Canal Tea Rooms & GardenPlease come and visit us and enjoy some refreshments in our tranquil,

award-winning garden.Open every day from early April to early October ~ 10am � 6pm

The tea rooms and garden, in the grounds of 18th CenturyLime Kiln Cottage, offer beverages, a good selection of light home-made meals,

cakes, desserts and ice-creams.We are renowned for our Devonshire Cream Teas, which include freshly home-made scones, accompanied by strawberry jam and Devon clotted cream.

Located at the end of the car-park, Grand Western Canal, Tiverton.Telephone: 01884-252291

THEGLOBEINNSAMPFORDPEVERELLTel 01884 821214

Welcomes walkers, fishermen, cyclists,boaters and all users of the canal.

Open all day everyday, the only pub withdirect access to the canal towpath.

Snacks and full meals served lunchtimes,evenings and all day Sat & Sun.

Carvery all day Sunday.Booking strongly recommended

for Sunday lunchtime.Two large bars Function room

En-SuiteAccommodation Car Park

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Wi ldlifeThe Canal supports a rich and vibrant variety of wildlife and provides a greatopportunity to get close to nature. In recognition of this, the Canal was declareda Local Nature Reserve in 2005.

BirdsThe Canal plays host to a range of bird species.Waterfowl are found along most stretches - Moorhens,Mute Swans and Mallards are a common sight.Kingfishers are commonly seen fishing along the Canalbetween late summer and early spring.

The hedgerows, trees and wildflower-rich canal banksprovide food and shelter for many bird species. Thoseparticularly associated with the watery margins includeGrey Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and SedgeWarbler. Rarer sightings within the Country Park includeWater Rail, Little Grebe (Dabchick) and Snipe.

MammalsMost mammals are shy creatures but if you look carefully, particularly near duskor dawn, you may be able to spot Roe Deer, Foxes or Badgers in or around theCountry Park. A number of bat species use the Canalfor feeding and as a safe corridor to travel betweenroosts and feeding areas. The Canal Ranger Servicelead bat walks each year when you will be able tosee, hear and learn more about the bats found inCountry Park.

One of the most elusive mammals to be found alongthe Canal is the Otter. In recent years they have madea strong recovery in the Westcountry and evidence oftheir activity is being recorded regularly in the CountryPark.

Kingfisher.Photo: Andrew Stuthridge.


PlantsThe Canal is a mass of colour in spring and summer with anabundance of wild flowers growing along the water’s edge.Unlike many other canals, the bankside vegetation at theGrand Western Canal is allowed to grow throughout thesummer providing a profusion of wildflowers and the insectswhich feed on and around them.

Hegderows run beside the towpath throughout most of thelength of the Canal, providing ideal habitats for many birds,mammals, plants and insects. These are ‘laid’ by traditional methods periodicallyto promote their vigour. You may see examples of recently laid hedges where thestems are partially cut and bent over, winding between poles to create a livingfence. Some fantastic examples of mature Oaks may be found within thehedgerow and new ‘standard’ trees are left to grow on at intervals, when thehedges are laid.

InsectsThe Canal is also a hot spot for butterflies anddragonflies in spring, summer and earlyautumn, feasting on nectar and smaller insectssheltering in the vegetation. The section ofcanal between Sampford Peverell andWestleigh is particularly rich in dragonflies,including the rare Scarce Chaser, and aninformation panel telling you all you need toknow about where, when and what to look for is located near Ebear Bridge.

Wildlife recordingThe Rangers - with the help of a few dedicated volunteers - participate in surveywork and the collation of casual records throughout the year. We have goodrecords for the birds, butterflies and dragonflies, and much work has been doneon surveying aquatic and bankside plants. The Ranger Service would beinterested to know about any sightings of rare or notable wildlife along theCanal.

7


Canal BreachOn 21st November 2012, the Canal suffered a major breach of an embankment nearHalberton, caused by torrential rain and an unprecedented overnight increase in waterlevels. Thanks to a tremendous effort by the local community, the emergency services,Devon County Council staff and contractors, the half mile long section was dammed off andthe damage was limited.

A campaign to restore the embankment was launched by the Friends of the Grand WesternCanal and Devon County Council has recognised the importance of the Canal to localcommunities and the local economy by budgeting £3m for the immediate repair of theembankment and the upgrading of the Canal’s water management systems.

Work will take place throughout 2013 and early 2014 with the aim of re-opening thissection of canal in time for the late May bank holiday in 2014, when the Canal will behosting the IWA National Trailboat Festival to celebrate the completion of the works and theCanal’s bicentenary. If works are not delayed, it is possible that this section of towpathand/or Canal could be re-opened significantly earlier, so please check our websitedevon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal for the latest information.

Grand Western Canal Visitor Information 9

Why not become a Friend of the Canal?• Show your support for your wonderful Canal• Keep up to date with Canal news and events• Have your say in how the Canal is looked after• Maybe become a Volunteer Warden?• Help with restoration of historic structures?

The Friends are passionate about all 24 miles of the GrandWestern Canal. This includes both the ‘in-water’ Devon sectionwhere we help the Canal Rangers maintain the Country Park with practical volunteerassistance and fundraising; and the disused Somerset section, where the focus is onrestoring fascinating historic structures, such as the boat lift at Nynehead, near Wellington.

If you are a fan of the Canal and want to pitch in and help, or just show your support andappreciation, why not join us?

Find out more at www.friendsgrandwesterncanal.org.ukor ring our Secretary on 01884 849255

Ha lberton

WattonBridge

RockBridgeSwing

Bridge

GreenwayBridge

Dangerous Bend!No pavement, notrecommended for

pedestrians.

Grand Western Canal

Canal closed

Towpath open

Towpath diversion

0 100m 200m 300m 400m

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Temporary Canal closure and towpath diversion

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Waytown TunnelWaytown Tunnel

Whipcott BridgeWhipcott Bridge

Fenacre BridgeFenacre Bridge

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Fossend BridgeFossend Bridge

Westcott BridgeWestcott Bridge

Ayshford BridgeAyshford BridgeBoehill BridgeBoehill Bridge

Buckland BridgeBuckland BridgeHolbrooke BridgeHolbrooke Bridge

Sampford PeverellSampford Peverell

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Ebear BridgeEbear Bridge

Fossend Bridge

Black BridgeBlack BridgeBlack Bridge

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Ayshford BridgeBoehill Bridge

Buckland BridgeHolbrooke Bridge

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LowdwellsLowdwells

Waytown Tunnel

Whipcott Bridge

Fenacre Bridge

Lowdwells

Battens BridgeBattens Bridge

Rock BridgeRock BridgeSwing BridgeSwing BridgeCrownhill BridgeCrownhill Bridge

GreenwayGreenway

BridgeBridge

Sellake BridgeSellake Bridge

Dudley WeatherleyDudley Weatherley

Jubilee BridgeJubilee Bridge

TivertonTiverton

Road BridgeRoad Bridge

East Manley BridgeEast Manley BridgeManley BridgeManley Bridge

Warnicombe BridgeWarnicombe Bridge

Tidcombe BridgeTidcombe Bridge

Battens Bridge

Rock BridgeSwing BridgeCrownhill Bridge

Greenway

Bridge

Sellake Bridge

Dudley Weatherley

Jubilee Bridge

Tiverton

Road Bridge

East Manley BridgeManley Bridge

Warnicombe Bridge

Tidcombe Bridge

Scale0 0.5km 1km 2km

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CanalCanal

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Bus StationBus StationBus Station

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((for boat launching)for boat launching)

Boehill Slipway

(for boat launching)

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Mid DevonMid Devon

MooringsMoorings

Mid Devon

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Cycle HireCycle Hire

Abbotshood

Cycle Hire

MinnowsMinnows

Touring ParkTouring Park

Minnows

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Waytown LimekilnsWaytown LimekilnsWaytown Limekilns

Whipcott WharfWhipcott WharfWhipcott Wharf

Watton BridgeWatton BridgeWatton Bridge

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Toilets

Car Park

National

Cycle Route 3

Shop

Mobile Café

Lowdwells LockLowdwells LockLowdwells Lock

Tourist Information CentreTourist Information CentreTourist Information Centre

Sampford Peverell

Bridge

Temporary

canal closure.Please see page 9

for detailed map and

towpath diversion route.

Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve

A39

A377

A38

A30

A361

A380

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A35

A386

E X M O O R

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C O R N W A L L

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Main Road

Other Road

Railway Line

Tiverton

Braunton

IlfracombeLynton

Holsworthy

GreatTorrington

South Molton

TeignmouthAshburton

Moretonhampstead

Totnes

Kingsbridge

Sidmouth

Seaton

AxminsterOtterySt Mary

Dawlish

Ivybridge

Buckfastleigh

10km0


Minnows Touring ParkMinnows Touring Park

Boehill SlipwayBoehill Slipway

Farm shopFarm shop

WGA Coffee ShopWGA Coffee Shop

Village shopVillage shop

and Post Officeand Post Office

A361A361Camping, boating andCamping, boating and

fishing permits, boaters facilitiesfishing permits, boaters facilities

Boehill Slipway access trackBoehill Slipway access track

PPO

Public toiletsPublic toiletsPublic toilets

WC

Minnows Touring Park

Boehill Slipway

Farm shop

WGA Coffee Shop

Village shop

and Post Office

A361Camping, boating and

fishing permits, boaters facilities

Boehill Slipway access track

Sampford PeverellThe Canal Basin, T iverton

Bus stop for ‘Tidcombe Circular’ busBus stop for ‘Tidcombe Circular’ bus

Canal Tea RoomsCanal Tea Rooms

and Gardensand GardensP

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Tiverton Canal Co.Tiverton Canal Co.

Gift shop/ticket office,Gift shop/ticket office,

horsedrawn barge trips,horsedrawn barge trips,

boat hireboat hire

‘The Moorings’‘The Moorings’

Canal Ranger Service OfficesCanal Ranger Service Offices

‘The Duck’s Ditty’‘The Duck’s Ditty’

floating café/barfloating café/bar

Hornhill B&BHornhill B&B

Public toiletsPublic toilets

Bus stop for ‘Tidcombe Circular’ bus

Canal Tea Rooms

and Gardens

Grand Western Canal

Country Park Visitor Centre

Tiverton Canal Co.

Gift shop/ticket office,

horsedrawn barge trips,

boat hire

‘The Moorings’

Canal Ranger Service Offices

‘The Duck’s Ditty’

floating café/bar

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13


WalkingThe Country Park is a popular place to enjoy a flat, easy walk in the countryside. You have theopportunity to stroll near settlements and services or to get away from it all and explore thequieter sections at the northern end of the Canal.

The Canal towpath is a public right of way that runs beside the Canal for the full eleven and aquarter miles. The towpath has been extensively resurfaced. Access points are locatedthroughout the length of the Country Park. Several circular walks incorporating the towpath andthe local footpath network are possible. Please see devon.gov.uk/gwcwalking for moreinformation. Please see the map on page 9 for details of the temporary towpath diversionaround the breached canal embankment near Halberton.

Every 6 weeks the Canal Rangers lead a healthy walk starting at various points along the Canal,as part of the Tiverton Walk and Talk programme. For more information please visitwww.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk/walkfinder/south-west/tiverton-walk-talk

Picnic sites are located at the Canal Basin in Tiverton, Crownhill Bridge, Tiverton Road Bridge,Greenway Bridge, Sampford Peverell, Whipcott Bridge and Lowdwells.

Please refer to the Towpath Code of Conduct inside the back page of this guide for moreinformation on the considerate behaviour expected of all towpath users. If feeding ducks, pleasebe aware that bread is not very good for their health so pleaselimit to small amounts or better still use proper duck food(available at the Canal Basin gift shop).

DogsDogs are welcomed, but must be kept under control atall times. Dogs must be kept out of adjacent farmland andaway from waterbirds, especially during the nesting seasonin the spring and early summer.

Dog fouling is a serious issue in the Country Park. Not only isit a health hazard for children, unsightly, and disgusting towalk in, but it is significantly changing the fertility of the banks, leading to more nettles and lesswildflowers. Dog mess bins are provided at access points throughout the length of the Canal anddog owners must pick up and remove any mess their dog makes. The Country Park isregularly patrolled by Mid Devon District Council enforcement officers who will issue £50 on thespot fines to any dog owner failing to remove their dog’s mess. The maximum fine is £1000.

Visitors to the Country Park are encouraged to report any dog owners they witness failing toremove their dog’s mess - particularly regular offenders. Please telephone 01884 234382 with adescription of the dog/owner/vehicle, the time and the location.


BoatingCanoeing and boating are wonderfully peaceful ways to explore the eleven miles of canal, but apermit must be bought in advance. These are available from:

• The Canal Ranger Service - The Moorings, Canal Hill, Tiverton. Tel. 01884 254072(Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm. Advisable to ring ahead)

• The Tiverton Canal Co. - Old Stable gift shop, Canal Basin, Tiverton. Tel. 01884 253345(Easter - end Oct)

• Minnows Touring Park - Holbrook Bridge, Sampford Peverell. Tel. 01884 821770(Mar – Oct incl.)

• Mid Devon Moorings - East Manley. Tel. 01884 252178

• ‘Best One’ convenience store - 4 New Parade, Anstey Crescent, Canal Hill, Tiverton(400m up Canal Hill from Canal Basin). Tel: 01884 252536 (Daily 8am - 10pm)

• Holcombe Rogus village shop - Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus. Tel. 01823 672693

• Online at devon.gov.uk/gwcboating - ‘Portable unpowered’ permits only - fill in form andpost with payment. Permit posted back within 3 days of receipt of form and cheque.

Current permit prices (2013/14) as follows:

1. Portable un-powered boats (Any boat without an engine)

Day Week Year£5 £12 £50

2. Short-term powered boats (any powered boat without a fixed mooring along the Canal,staying on the Canal for a maximum of two weeks at any time)

Length Day 3 Days Week 6 Months YearUnder 12ft/3.66m £10 £20 £30 £80 £100

12ft/3.66m and over £15 £25 £35 £100 £130

3. Moored boats (Any boat with a paid mooring – either with Mid Devon Moorings or aGWC Mooring Agreement

Length 0 – 3 Months 3 – 6 months 1 YearUnder 30ft/9.14m £80 £130 £200

30ft/9.14m and over £100 £180 £280

There is a 25% discount available for under 18 year olds purchasing permits for portable unpoweredboats. There is also a 25% discount for groups of 4 or more purchasing permits for portableunpowered boats, but this cannot be combined with the under 18 discount, above.

13


As a result of the breached embankmentnear Halberton and the ongoing repairworks, the section of canal betweenGreenway Bridge and Rock Bridge is closedto boats. Please see the map on page 9 andvisit the Canal website devon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal for the latest details.

Trailed boats can launch at the public slipwaybetween Sampford Peverell and the A361(opposite the turnoff to Tiverton Parkwaytrain station).The padlock combination code for opening the Boehill Slipway barrier and the DudleyWeatherley Jubilee Lift Bridge will be issued along with your boat permit. Portable boats maybe lifted in at any of the car parks along the Canal. The owners of any boats that requirecraning in must first contact the Canal Ranger Service.

Please note that the maximum speed limit for boats is 4mph and a breaking wash must notbe created. It is imperative that boats pass the horsedrawn barge on the offside andmust never come between the barge and the horse, nor moor on the towpath sidebetween the Tiverton Canal Basin and East Manley Bridge. Always slow downwhen passing moored boats and take particular care on bends. More information onboating is provided when purchasing a permit, including a copy of our Waterway Code ofConduct leaflet. See devon.gov.uk/gwcwaterwaycodeofconduct

Moorings and hire boats

Moorings are available near East Manley Bridge from Mid Devon Moorings (Tel. 01884252178 or middevonhireboats.co.uk). The Tiverton Canal Co. offers horsedrawn barge trips,plus rowing boats, canadian canoes and motorisedday trip boats for hire (Tel. 01884 253345 ortivertoncanal.co.uk).

Visiting boats are allowed to moor overnightanywhere along the towpath, but must not moorbetween the Basin visitor centre and East ManleyBridge, from Easter to November as they will impedethe horsedrawn barge. Residential moorings are notavailable on the Canal.

The canal is perfect for a peaceful paddle.

Trailboat launching at Boehill Slipway.

Beautiful Country Moorings at Orchard Farm, in quietcountryside just 2 miles from Tiverton Basin (see map,centre pages).

Facilities: Water, fuel, gas, rubbish/toilet disposal, lawn and parking,electric on maintenance landing next to winding hole.

MID DEVON MOORINGS, Orchard Farm, East Manley, Tiverton, EX16 4NJT: 01884 252178 www.middevonhireboats.co.uk

Minnows Touring ParkBeside The GrandWestern CanalThe ideal centre for walking, cycling, canoeingor fishing on the GrandWestern Canal.Hardstandings for caravans andmotorhomes, children’s play area, smalltent area, electric hookups, launderetteand modern heated toilet and showerblock. Leisure boats may take on waterfrom the landing stage, and boat trailerstorage, chemical loo disposal and showerfacilities are available by arrangement.

Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7ENTel 01884 821770 • Fax 01884 829199www.minnowstouringpark.co.ukemail: [email protected]

Caravan ClubAffiliated Site • AA 4 Pennants •Camping and Caravan ClubApproved • Top 101Site • BH&HPAMember


F ishingThe Canal provides a quiet and relaxing venue with a good range of coarse anglingopportunities. Of particular note are the summer Tench and winter Pike and Perch fishing.This excellent mixed fishery provides a good challenge for anglers of all abilities, with thechance to find a quiet spot and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. There is no closed season.For more information please visit devon.gov.uk/gwcfishing.

Thanks to a tremendous effort by the fishing club and the EA, a series of fish rescues savedthe vast majority of mature fish washed away during the breach of the Canal embankmentnear Halberton. The fish were returned to the Canal and restocking of young fish hasalready begun. The section between Greenway Bridge and Rock Bridge will remain closed toanglers whilst the embankment is repaired.

Angling rights on the Canal are leased to the Tiverton and District Angling Club.In addition to holding a valid Environment Agency Rod Licence, a permit must be purchasedin advance. Current angling permit prices and outlets are as follows:

Permit Prices Day YearUnder 10s Free FreeJuniors (10-17) £3 £10Seniors (18+) £5 £30OAPs £5 £15

Take care not to snag your fishing tackle on offside vegetation. Please take all litter homewith you and do not dig the banks. Please refer to the Towpath Code of Conduct inside theback page of this guide, and visit devon.gov.uk/gwcwaterwaycodeofconduct for moreinformation on the considerate behaviour expected of all Canal users.

• Cullompton Carp and Coarse, Unit 11, AlexandriaInd Est, Cullompton (Tel. 01884 839273)

• Exe Valley Angling, Westexe, Tiverton(Tel. 01884 242275)

• Minnows Touring Park, Sampford Peverell(Mar – Oct, Tel. 01884 821770)

Exe Valley Angling19 Westexe South,Tiverton EX16 5DQ01884 242275• Permits for all local clubs• Live and dead baits available• Large selection of course - game -

sea - fishing tackle and bait


CyclingCycling is a popular way for families and individuals to explore the Country Park. Cyclists cantake in much of the changing scenery along the Canal in a relatively short period of time.Circular routes are possible using the surrounding minor road network and the disusedrailway line between Tiverton and Manley Lane. National Cycle Network Route 3 followsmuch of the Canal.

The towpath is generally flat and smooth, but cyclists are advised to dismount at WaytownTunnel where the slope is quite steep. Please see the map on page 9 for details of thetemporary towpath diversion around the breached canal embankment near Halberton.

Cyclists must dismount and walk under bridges and give way to pedestrians andthe horses drawing the passenger barge at all times. Please ensure that pedestrians areaware of your approach by using a bell or by calling ahead, before you pass. Please bepatient with anglers using extendable fishing poles. The Country Park is primarily for quietand relaxing recreation for all users, so please cycle steadily and responsibly. Please refer tothe Towpath Code of Conduct inside the back page of this guide for more information onthe considerate behaviour expected of all towpath users.

Cycle Hire is available from Abbotshood Cycle Hire, next to Greenway Bridge in Halberton(Tel. 01884 820728), who are happy to deliver and collect cycles anywhere within the Canalcorridor, by prior arrangement.

17


Information for disabled visitorsThe Country Park provides good access for wheelchair and mobility buggy users as thetowpath is largely flat and even and is surfaced with compacted limestone chippingsand dust. However, care is needed when passing under bridges, where the path isnarrow (especially at Ayshford Bridge).

There are steep concreted slopes immediately on either side of Waytown Tunnel thatmay cause difficulties for some visitors, mobility buggies and wheelchair users. Pleasesee the map on page 9 for details of the temporary towpathdiversion around the breached canal embankment nearHalberton.

A ‘Tramper’ off-road mobility buggy is available to hire fromAbbotshood Cycle Hire beside the Canal in Halberton (seeadvert on inside of front cover). The buggy is provided aspart of the South West Countryside Mobility scheme.Membership of the scheme is required, but once arranged,enables access to ‘Tramper’ mobility buggies and‘Wheelyboats’ located at countryside sites throughout theSouth West – visit www.countrysidemobility.org for moreinformation. Abbotshood Cycle Hire also offers a number ofinnovative trikes and bikes for disabled users.

The Canal Basin and car park have good disabled facilities with ramps and handrailsprovided. The car park has five parking bays for disabled drivers. The public toilets in thiscar park included a toilet for disabled users, accessed with a RADAR key. There is also atoilet for disabled users, opened with a RADAR key, in Sampford Peverell beside thevillage car park.

Entry to the Country Park at all the main access points (particularly beside road bridges)has been improved in recent years through the installation of two-way, self-closinggates. For further information or assistance, please contact the Ranger Service (Tel.01884 254072).

Four fishing platforms for anglers in wheelchairs have been installed at points along theCanal. These may be found near Crownhill Bridge, Tiverton Road Bridge, GreenwayBridge and Ebear Bridge.

Tramper mobility buggy


Canal Visitor CentreA fantastic new Canal Visitor Centre,located in the Canal Basin in Tiverton,was completed in October 2012 andwas officially opened during the Easterholidays in 2013. The new oak-clad,elliptical building provides a greatstarting point for visits to the canal andhouses a fascinating range of displays,bringing to life the Canal’s rich naturaland industrial history.

Information is provided on the wide range of activities that can be enjoyed at the Canal andchildren are sure to love the centre’s interactive games and hands–on activities. The VisitorCentre is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Its location is shown on the Canal Basin insetmap in the centre pages of this guide.

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Little Turberfield Farm ShopLocally produced meat, poultry and vegetables; homemadesausages and burgers; freshly baked pies and pasties; and softdrinks available.Open: Tues - Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-5.30pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Closed: Sun & MonThe shop is 500m from the canal: Turn off the canal towpath at Boehill Bridge.Follow the track, cross the road and head towards Tiverton Parkway Station.

Towpath code of conductfor all users

The horse pulling the passenger bargehas priority over all other users. Pleasestop and make way well before it passes.

Pedestrians have priority over cyclistsbut must not unduly block the towpathwhen aware a cyclist is approaching.

Considerate cycling is permittedprovided this code of conduct isfollowed.

Give way to oncoming users at bridges.Most of the bridges have poor visibilityso check that someone isn’t alreadycoming through. Never try to passoncoming walkers or cyclists under thebridge – there is insufficient width orheadroom to do this safely. Cyclists mustdismount and walk under bridges wheresigns indicate this is required.

All users are obliged to keep thetowpath free from obstructions to otherusers.

Consider other users and theenvironment. The Canal and the landbeside the towpath have many historicstructures and valuable wildlife habitatsthat people enjoy. Please take your litterhome with you.

Code of conduct for pedestriansListen for Two Tings.Two Tings is not an order for you to getout of the way. It is to make you awarethat the cyclist is looking for a safeopportunity to pass. You should allowpassing as soon as it is safe to do so.

We advise pedestrians not to useheadphones whilst walking the towpath,as you may not hear a cyclist’s Two Tings.

Allow cyclists to pass.Allow cyclists to pass as soon as it is safe.

Be considerate to cyclistsRemember that cyclists need room tostop and brake. If a cyclist stops or waitsfor you to pass, thank them and they aremore likely to be considerate again nexttime.

TOWPATHCODE OF CONDUCT

Making the towpathsafer for everyone

Please use a bell and ring ittwice when approachingpedestrians and anglers.This will provide a signal

that you wish to pass whenit is safe to do so.

Consider how you wouldlike to be treated!

Code of conduct for cyclistsRing with Two Tings.Use a bell, giving Two Tings whenapproaching pedestrians, particularlywhen approaching from behind. Ringingwith Two Tings is not an order topedestrians to get out of your way. If youdo not have a bell, politely call out ‘excuseme’ well before you reach other users.

Be aware that some pedestrians andanglers may have visual or hearingimpairments and may not hear your TwoTings.

Pass people slowly. Give people space.Slow down when approachingpedestrians and anglers and only passwhen it is safe to do so. Extra careshould be taken when passing children,less able people and animals. Pass onwhichever side pedestrians make openfor you.

Be patient and courteous. Saying ‘thankyou’ to pedestrians or anglers who moveto let you pass will make them morelikely to move next time.

Ride at a sensible speed.The towpath is not suitable for cyclingfast as there are many other users,narrow sections and lengths with unevensurfaces. Anglers are often difficult tosee amongst the bankside vegetation,dogs often pop out of hedges andpeople may emerge from gateways orlinking paths.

Cyclists must dismount and walk underthe bridges where indicated.There have been many near misses andseveral accidents reported when cyclistshave ridden under a bridge and metcyclists or pedestrians coming the otherway. A very serious accident could occurif a cyclist were to hit the passengerbarge horse under a bridge.

Dismount and make way for thepassenger barge horse well before itpasses.

Code of conduct for anglersAnglers are obliged to keep the towpathfree from obstructions to other users.Tackle must be kept off the towpath androds must be promptly moved out of theway when cyclists or pedestriansapproach. Listen out for Two Tings andtry to position yourself so as to be visibleto approaching cyclists.

If a pedestrian or cyclist stops and waitsfor you to move equipment, they aremore likely to be considerate again ifyou thank them.

Anglers must move rods, umbrellas andthemselves completely out of the way tothe far side of the towpath if thepassenger barge horse is approaching.

Take care when casting.Please take particular care of towpathusers, boaters and offside landownerswhen casting. Please take care not tocast into overhanging trees on theoffside as lost tackle is a serious threat tocanal wildlife.

Code of conduct for dog walkersDogs must be kept under control at alltimes.They do not necessarily have to be kepton leads at all times, but this is stronglyadvised in busy areas and when cyclistsare approaching. Dogs must always bekept within sight and away from angler’sequipment.

Always clear up after your dog.Dog mess on or beside the towpath canspoil a visit for everyone and poses aserious health risk – particularly tochildren. Dog mess disposal bins arelocated at all major towpath accesspoints. It is an offence to leave dog messbehind, with fines of up to £1000.

Do not allow your dog to chase or worrywildlife, other dogs or people. Dogsmust be kept out of adjacent farmlandat all times.

Please Note: Horse-riding and the use of quad bikes and motorcycles is not permitted on thetowpath. Mobility buggies are allowed but must not exceed 4mph (brisk walking pace).

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How to Get Here (also see map in centre pages)

By BusThere are regular services to Tiverton from Exeter, Barnstaple, Crediton and Taunton. Once atTiverton Bus Station, it is a half mile walk up to the Canal Basin (the Tourist Information Centrebeside the bus station can give directions, if necessary). Alternatively you can catch the TidcombeCircular bus service which stops just past the Canal Basin, and near Tidcombe Bridge.

There is a regular service between Tiverton, Halberton, Sampford Peverell and Tiverton ParkwayTrain Station and Exeter. Access points to the Canal are very close to the bus stops in Halbertonand Sampford Peverell. There is an occassional service between Tiverton and Burlescombe. Formore information on this and other public transport services in the region, call Traveline on 0871200 22 33.

By TrainTiverton Parkway Train Station is located between Sampford Peverell and M5 Junction 27, sixmiles from Tiverton. The station is served by most trains approaching from Exeter and Taunton.The Canal is half a mile from the station. Take the road away from the station, following thebrown signs to the Canal, passing the farm shop and bearing right at the fork before the mainroad. Cross the main road and follow the track opposite which leads to the Boehill Slipway andthe towpath.

By CarThe Canal Basin in Tiverton is well-signposted from the A361 North Devon Link Road and theA396 Exe valley road from Exeter. For access to the central section of the Canal either leave theM5 at Junction 27 and follow the A361 North Devon Link Road, taking the first exit to SampfordPeverell; or take the road from Tiverton to Halberton, passing Blundell’s School. To access thenorthern end of the Canal leave the M5 on Junction 27, follow the A38 towards Wellington andfollow signs to Burlescombe.

Contact InformationFor more information about the Country Park please contact:

Canal Ranger Service, The Moorings, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4HX

Telephone: 01884 254072 Email: [email protected]: devon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal

The Canal Rangers work Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm, summer holiday weekends andother occasional weekends when leading events. The office answerphone provides details ofemergency numbers for reporting serious incidents outside of normal office hours.

visitor infor tion - devon · holcombe rogus character 17th century pub with restaurant idyllic...

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