John Musgrave Heritage Trail

Start: Maidencombe
Grid Ref: SX 925684
End: Brixham
Grid Ref: SX 926561
Distance: 56 km
Walking Time: 3 days
Counties Traversed: Devon
Explorer™ Maps: OL20, 110

John Musgrave Trail This 35 mile walking trail takes in a large section of South Devon's wonderfully unique and varied landscape: coastline, rolling hills, combes, river estuary and captivating villages, all threaded together by the John Musgrave Heritage Trail. Much of this picturesque scenery has been created by a thousand years of seasonal toil and husbandry that has moulded the countryside and its heritage into the landscape you will see today during this walk.

Starting on the Devon coast just north of Torquay the route follows an approximate semi-circle around Torbay to finish on the coast again at Brixham. The route is divided into four day walk sections and has several links with other routes in the extensive South Devon walking network, including connection with the South West Coast Path at both ends of the Trail.

Section 1 runs from Maidencombe car park to Cockington Court and at 11 miles is probably the most strenuous of the four legs with some challenging hills and rough terrain.

Section 2 runs from Cockington Court to The Plains in Totnes and is 9.5 miles with some moderate climbs. It runs in conjunction with the Torbay Totnes Trail.

Section 3 is 9 miles and runs along part of the Dart Valley Trail from The Plains in Totnes to Dittisham Quay, where you can catch the passenger ferry across the River Dart to Greenway Quay and Gardens.

The final section of the Trail runs from Greenway Quay to Brixham Harbour, combining with the Greenway Walk for the majority of it and meeting the South West Coast Path at Brixham. At 5.5 miles this is the least strenuous of the four sections, although there is a steep climb from Greenway Quay to Maypool and some rough terrain.

The Trail is named in memory of the late John C. Musgrave and was created using a generous legacy bequeathed by him. He had a life long passion for walking which led him to chair the South Devon Group of the Ramblers' Association. The Group considered several projects and decided that a new walking route would be a fitting and lasting memorial to John's name. Working with numerous local organisations the RA has established a glorious scenic rambling route reflecting the beauty and heritage of this wonderful area for the enjoyment of all walkers.