Attractions and Places To See around Ermington - Top 20

Ermington, located in Devon, England, is characterized by its natural beauty and historical connections. You'll find a variety of attractions focused on outdoor pursuits, scenic viewpoints, and historical bridges. The area is close to Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coastline, offering woodlands, river valleys, and picturesque landscapes.

The region boasts several natural highlights. The Plym Valley Trail runs through National Trust-owned woodland along the River Plym, offering scenic views. Cadover Bridge is a beauty spot on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, known for its views and as a swimming spot in the River Plym. Additionally, Lydia Bridge Waterfall provides a picturesque scene with a 17th-century stone packhorse bridge and a charming waterfall.

Yes, Ermington is an excellent base for hiking. You can find various trails, including moderate options like the Pithill Wood – Western Beacon Summit loop or the Pithill Wood – Erme Valley loop from Ivybridge. For easier walks, consider the Ivybridge Longtimber Woods – Dartmoor Miles Without Stiles. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Ermington guide and the Easy hikes around Ermington guide.

Cycling is very popular around Ermington. The Plym Valley Trail is a traffic-free stretch of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle ride, running through woodland. The Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path also offers scenic views. For road cycling, routes like the Tavistock, Princetown & Buckfastleigh loop from Ivybridge provide challenging options. Discover more routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Ermington guide.

You have a good chance of spotting peregrine falcons at Cann Viaduct. There's a dedicated viewing platform there, especially active in spring and early summer, where these majestic birds nest in an old quarry. Conservationists often man a similar viewing platform near the first viaduct on the Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path during summer months.

Many of the natural attractions are suitable for families. The Plym Valley Trail and Cann Viaduct are noted as family-friendly, offering accessible paths for cycling and walking. Cadover Bridge is also a popular spot for families, especially for swimming in the river during warmer months.

The warmer months, particularly spring and summer, are ideal for visiting Ermington. This period allows for comfortable enjoyment of hiking, cycling, and watersports along the South Devon coastline. Peregrine falcon viewing platforms are also most active in spring and early summer. However, the natural beauty of Dartmoor and the woodlands can be appreciated year-round.

While Ermington itself is a village, the surrounding towns and popular trailheads often have amenities. For example, during summer, an ice cream van might be found near Cadover Bridge. Larger towns like Totnes and Plymouth, which are close by, offer a broader range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

Yes, parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails and attractions. For instance, you can access the Plym Valley Trail from Plym Bridge, where there is a car park. Cadover Bridge also has a car park nearby.

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The traffic-free nature of routes like the Plym Valley Trail is highly appreciated for cycling and walking. The opportunity to spot wildlife, such as peregrine falcons at Cann Viaduct, is also a big draw. The historical bridges and the picturesque river settings, like those at Lydia Bridge Waterfall, are often highlighted for their charm.

Ermington and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. Cadover Bridge is a lovely old stone bridge that has spanned the River Plym for generations. Lydia Bridge Waterfall features a Grade II listed stone packhorse bridge dating back to the 17th or 18th century. The viaducts, such as Cann Viaduct, are also remnants of the area's industrial heritage, now repurposed for recreational use.

Many of the outdoor trails in the Ermington area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion. The Plymbridge Valley Cycle Path, for example, is a shared-use path where you'll encounter many dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock.