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GUIDE TO THE RIVER TAVY (Tavistock Canal) NAME OF RIVER: Tavy...sort of. This is a canal which flows from the River Tavy, opened in 1805. The fact that it flows was enough for it to be included! WHERE IS IT?: On west Dartmoor, flowing from the main River Tavy at Tavistock. A small fast flowing canal joining Tavistock and Morwhellam (on the Tamar). Take out at Morwhellam (see below). PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Tavistock, joining the canal from the large car-park in the centre of town. The journey can be started closer to the tunnel by joining from a small side road 2 miles out of Tavistock. APPROX LENGTH: 5 miles? TIME NEEDED: Unknown. Best tell someone where you are going... ACCESS SITUATION: Unknown whether this is permitted. Proceed with caution. WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Unknown. GRADING: Flat but flowing. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: The last 1 1/2 miles are underground through a small tunnel bored into a hillside. Headtorches needed! Helmets too due to low ceilings. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Initially a 4-5 yard wide and 2 feet deep canal. Fairly fast flowing, but it is possible to paddle against the flow. Two miles from Tavistock the canal goes over a small aqueduct, and then curves round to enter the hillside in an 8ft wide tunnel. Paddling is possible, but it is easier to push off the tunnel sides. Helmets and torches are advisable, and note trhat there are metal gates at both ends of the tunnel, so make sure the exit gate is unlocked before you enter at the top end. After approx 1 1/2 miles the canal emerges above Morwhellam. It can be followed down through 2 small weirs and 2 more tunnels into a large stilling pond. From here the inclined plane once used to lower barges to the Tamar 200ft below can be seen. The water disappears through a pipe to a generating station and then into the Tamar. Exit. A portage onto the Tamar is possible but very strenuous. Alternatively leave vehicles on the road to Morwhellam. A small road off to the right halfway down the hill leads to the canal. OTHER NOTES: No idea if this has been paddled since the 1980's or indeed if it is still possible. Anybody know? This canal is of historical interest. Try http://www.canals.btinternet.co.uk/canals/tavistock.htm for some useful info. If you've found your way here searching for more 'conventional' canals, unfortunately these aren't usually included in this website. This one was included as it's unusual and flows strongly. Try www.british-waterways.co.uk for detailed canal guides. CONTRIBUTED BY: Simon Dawson, www.simondawson.com. |
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