A PLACE WORTH KNOWING
An old stone bridge and a quieter stretch of the Avon
A village-edge river walk with a historic bridge and an optional continuation into the fields towards Great Aish.
Lydia Bridge makes a lovely focus for an unhurried walk from South Brent. Water threads between rocks beneath an old, single-arched packhorse bridge, with trees framing the river. The Grade II structure dates from the seventeenth or eighteenth century: a small piece of local history that rewards stopping to look. Follow the opening stretch of the South Hams Way from the village, then choose whether to linger by the bridge or continue towards Great Aish. This suggested out-and-back keeps the afternoon flexible; take the route guide with you and turn back when you have had enough fresh air.
The lovely little details
- Historic packhorse bridge over the River Avon.
- Optional continuation towards Great Aish.
- Steps and stiles on the approach.
SOMETHING TO LOOK OUT FOR
Look at the old bridge
The humpback arch and granite coping belong to a listed packhorse bridge with centuries of history.
From the venueTHE USEFUL LITTLE DETAILS
Make a little plan.
Getting there
Start in South Brent village. The official route passes St Petroc’s Church and follows the riverside path to Lydia Bridge.
Before you set off
No booking for the public walk. Take the linked route directions.
Towards Great Aish
Beyond the bridge, the waymarked continuation crosses fields and more stiles.
Check the detailsChoose your distance
The full published stage continues to Ivybridge for 7.1 miles. Our suggestion uses only its opening section.
Check the detailsDetails checked 25 October 2026. Opening times, menus and access arrangements can change; confirm anything essential directly before travelling.
About this feature & our sources
This is an editorial discovery, researched from the venue’s own information and any visitor sources linked here. It is not a paid partnership or a first-hand review. Individual visitor tips reflect that person’s experience; they are not a live rating or a promise about your visit.
- South Hams Way · Section 3 walking directions ↗
- Historic England · Lydia Bridge listing ↗
- Derek Harper · bridge photograph and location ↗
- Graham Horn · river photograph ↗
- Photographs · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 ↗
Each photo has its own source and credit in the gallery. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
