Discovering Tavistock Canal: Top Tips for a Great Day Out

Not everyone wants to hike Kilimanjaro, or even all the tors on Dartmoor. But getting out and about when you’re on holiday doesn’t need to be arduous. We have some delightful, and easy, walks on our doorstep which guests love.

 

Tavistock Canal winds through Tavistock stannary town and on through historic sites, pretty woodlands and riverside meadows, giving walkers a relaxed and enjoyable stroll with plenty of photo opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

The Route: You can enjoy the Tavistock canal walk in two ways:

Whichever you choose, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers, herons, and if you’re very lucky, otters and water voles.

 

A Little Canal History (For the Curious!)

Tavistock Canal is just 4 miles of the 2,000 plus miles of canals across the UK. It’s certainly not one of the giants, but we think it’s one of the prettiest. Some of the more impressive canals with bigger claims to fame include:

  • The Longest Canal: The Grand Union takes this title, stretching an amazing 137 miles. It’s followed by the Leeds & Liverpool, the Trent & Mersey, the Kennet & Avon, and the Shropshire Union canals. Together they’re known as the “Big Five” by canal enthusiasts.
  • The Grandfather of Canals: The Fossdyke Navigation in Lincolnshire holds the title of the oldest canal in the UK. Some parts date back to the Roman era.
  • The Scenic Treasures: Llangollen Canal and the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal are frequently voted the prettiest in the UK. We beg to differ with popular opinion on this one; we think our own Tavistock stretch has undeniable charm.

 

Planning your Tavistock canal walk

If you fancy a Tavistock canal walk, here’s everything you’ll need for a fab day out:

  • Where to Park: We recommend using The Wharf car park (PL19 8AT) or the Bedford Car Park in Tavistock. Both provide easy access to the start of the canal and are just a short stroll from local cafes for your post-walk cream tea.
  • Top Tip: The path is mostly level and follows the original towpath, so it’s great for families or those looking for a gentle afternoon out without the steep climbs usually associated with Dartmoor. It can get muddy in parts—even in summer—so do take sturdy shoes for walking.

 

We think the Tavistock Canal is a must-see during your stay on Dartmoor, and most of our guests agree. After a day of exploring the local history and wildlife, you can return to the comfort and easy atmosphere of Langstone Manor Park to relax and plan your next day’s explorations.

 

We’re already taking bookings for the season ahead! Click here to check availability or get in touch with our friendly team today to book your camping pods, cottage, or camping and touring site for your preferred dates.

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