| Floral delights on riverside walk | |
|  | | Hisley Bridge |
| | Hisley and Pullabrook Woods are near Lustleigh and are full of interesting things to see. Try to fit in the walk to coincide with the bluebell season - then, the woods are a riot of colour.
By: Laura Joint |
| | | This riverside walk on the eastern edge of Dartmoor didn't quite turn out the way we thought it would!
Having parked up at the little car park at Pullabrook Wood, we crossed the bridge there to walk along the River Bovey on the other (east) side - through Hisley Wood.
The idea was to walk for a mile or so before crossing the river at Hisley Bridge (an old pack horse bridge), and walking back on the west side of the river, through Pullabrook Wood.
 | | Logs all lined up |
But we couldn't, because of the logging taking place in the woods - all part of a long-term Woodland Trust plan to return the area to ancient woodland.
There were signs everwhere of trees being chopped down, and the workmen's vehicles had churned up some of paths.
So we turned back at Hisley Bridge and walked back the way we came!
The walk was, in total, only around two miles and took about an hour, and it was a nice easy stroll (although it would be difficult for wheelchair users because of the fields which lead to the path).
 | | River Bovey |
However, there are other, longer circular walks to be had in this area so you can walk further if you like.
Depending on the time of year, there's plenty of things to see.
We did the walk in spring, when the primroses were out - but the bluebells which cover the woods hadn't yet emerged.
We saw lots of lambs in the fields alongside the river, where there is an otter population. We didn't see any, but they're there if you're lucky enough to spot them.
Hisley Wood is an English Nature site of special scientific interest, and home to trees, plants and flowers.
 | | There were wild primroses everywhere |
On the other side, in Pullabrook Wood, there's the ancient woodland.
It's paradise for people who love nature and fresh air.
After the walk, you could do what we did - drive into nearby Lustleigh and and enjoy a beer and fantastic lunch at the Cleave pub!
During the summer, there's also the Primrose Tea Rooms, where you can savour their renowned cream teas.
Map reference for Hisley Woods: OS Lnd191; SX 778803 SSSI.
Directions: Follow the signs from the A382 road from Bovey Tracey.
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