Cadover Bridge, Shaugh Prior, Dartmoor National Park

Cadover Bridge, Shaugh Prior, Dartmoor National Park

Cadover Bridge is a very popular visitor location near the south western border of Dartmoor National Park close to Plymouth and the South Devon coast. The local area is packed with things to do from walking to wild swimming, picnics to a pub lunch.

We've positioned Cadover Bridge on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. The bridge spans the River Plym. Moorland opens out east and north. One of Dartmoor's most beautiful wooded valleys runs south west. A large chunk of the local area is managed by the National Trust. Huge china clay workings push south east.

There's a large car parking area on the south side of the bridge and river. You'll usually find an ice cream van there during the holiday season. There are many more smaller car parking areas nearby. These are clearly visible on Google's satellite imagery so take your pick dependent on what you want to do.

Picnics/wild swimming and the River Plym. When the sun's out, Cadover Bridge is a great place to spend a day by the water. Pick a spot on either side of the bridge.

Walking Dewerstone Valley. Dartmoor is known for its rain and rivers. The latter cut some of the most beautiful wooded valleys in England. Dewerstone Valley is up there with the best. You can complete a circular walk from Cadover Bridge taking in The Dewerstone and some spectacular views. From the large car parking area at Cadover Bridge follow the path that runs south of the River Plym through North Wood and down to the Shaugh Bridge area. Cross the River Plym on a modern footbridge near Shaugh Bridge and then wander up to the top of The Dewerstone. From there, cross moorland to Cadover Bridge Cross and Cadover Bridge. This paths you follow on this route are clearly marked on the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL28 'Dartmoor' map.

Walking moorland. Alternatively, head out onto high moorland. Follow the north bank of the River Plym to the Legis Tor area. South of the river, head up to Trowlesworthy Tors and then the high ground at Shell Top. Huge views over South Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall from the latter.

Prehistory and history. Dartmoor's packed with prehistoric and historic sites. Try the stone rows below Trowlesworthy Tors. Further away, the stone rows and standing stones at Drizzle Combe are some of the finest in the National Park.

Local pubs. Grab lunch at The Royal Oak Inn in Meavy or The White Thorn Inn in Shaugh Prior.