East access, thanks to
Graving lock dock; Dr Phil Newman with timbers from one of the first barges unearthed on the site; and volunteers Brian Strudwick, Ron Bedward and Darren Hewings at Ventiford with the replica tramway wagon.
volunteers ‘The towpath along the Stover Canal is now easily accessible from both Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot thanks to the tireless work of a small group of enthusiastic volunteers.From the Jetty Marsh Nature Reserve, pedestrians can enjoy an easy, two-mile countryside walk to the canal terminus at Ley Green, Teigngrace. ‘From Kingsteignton, it is possible to join the towpath at the canal bridge on the Old Exeter Road near the Teignbridge level crossing. Head south into Newton Abbot or follow the Stover Way cycle and walk-way to see the renovation of the Graving Dock Lock and further along, the ongoing work to restore the Ventiford Basin. ‘It is here that the canal, built by James Templer II of Stover House to carry clay, meets the unique Dartmoor Granite Tramway. This tramway was built by James’s son George to transport granite from the family quarries at Haytor. Both cargoes were carried on sailing barges down the canal and River Teign to the docks at Teignmouth for trans-shipment to seagoing vessels. The clay was taken to the Potteries and the granite to London where it was used in the construction of many notable buildings. ‘Also from here, other local areas of interest can be reached: the Devon County maintained Stover Country Park nature reserve and lake, the Teigngrace Meadow Wildlife Reserve and Bovey Heathfield, both managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust, and Yarner Wood which comes under Dartmoor National Park.’ Stover Canal Trustee Rob Harris.
Barge-wood Beauties Canal volunteer Andy Cox has been creating artistic items from the reclaimed wood of old barges found on the canal to raise funds for the Trust, the pictured clock being a recent commission. “Unfortunately, the wood has nearly run out so I’m not sure how long I can keep going,” he said. Examples of his work can be seen at gift shop Fanny Bussells in Northumberland Place, Teignmouth.
NEWTON ABBOT TOWN GUIDE 37
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