Drake's Trail Walking Spur 3 - Yelverton to Buckland Abbey - 9 miles Drake's Trail Walking Spur 3 - Yelverton to Buckland Abbey - 9 miles This walk starts with a section across the former airfield of RAF Harrowbeer. The second world war had a large impact on Yelverton, changing the shape of the village and adding thousands of people to the population. The airfield was built after large parts of Plymouth had been destroyed as a result of countless air raids in early 1941. Some of the rubble from the bombings was brought to Yelverton as a base for the new runways, and also to re-route the A386 to Tavistock. The walk passes by Buckland Abbey, the former residence of Sir Francis Drake, which he purchase in 1581. The Abbey is now run by the National Trust and is open to the public. The route follow mainly firm off-road footpaths and some minor roads. There are steep hills and frequent stiles on the route. WP1 Start at the north eastern corner of RAF Harrowbeer (can be reached by taking the first road on the right if heading south from the Yelverton roundabout). Dot Waypoints podcast 14.jpg image/jpeg WP2 Walk along the edge of RAF Harrowbeer (heading south) and past Roborough Rock. Dot Waypoints WP3 At the junction turn right then immediately left into Golf Course Road. Dot Waypoints WP4 Walk on the verge where possible, taking great care wher the road narrows. Dot Waypoints WP5 Turn right onto Roborough Down and follow the wide middle path. Dot Waypoints WP6 Cross the road and follow the central path for another 350m. Dot Waypoints WP7 Take the right fork where the path splits. Dot Waypoints WP8 When the path ends turn right onto the small road. Dot Waypoints WP9 Keep left as the roads merge at a 'triangle' junction. Dot Waypoints WP10 Turn right onto the footpath and over a small bridge. Dot Waypoints WP11 Walk uphill to the footpath sign and continue in this direction until reaching the road. Dot Waypoints WP12 Turn left onto the quiet road. Dot Waypoints WP13 Opposite the pub and junction, take the small footpath between houses. Follow through the woods. Dot Waypoints WP14 Turn right onto the road at the end of the path. Dot Waypoints WP15 Climb the stone stile and follow the footpath opposite the junction for Milton Combe. Dot Waypoints WP16 Here you can turn left to visit Buckland Abbey - Sir Francis Drake's former residence, now run by the National Trust and open to the public. Alternatively, to continue on the route, turn right on meeting the drive to Buckland Abbey. Dot Waypoints podcast 17(1).JPG WP17 Turn left at the end of the drive and after 50m go straight over the crossroads, and continue carefully up the road. Dot Waypoints WP18 Opposite the turning for Venton, turn left onto the path. Dot Waypoints WP19 Follow the footpath into the hollow and along the wall on the other side. Dot Waypoints WP20 Cross the road onto a footpath. Dot Waypoints WP21 Turn right for a detour to the Garden House or continue over the small stream. Dot Waypoints WP22 As the path reaches a T-junction, the village of Buckland Monachorum is on your left. Turn right to continue the walk. Dot Waypoints WP23 There are five stiles to climb on this section of path. As the track turn to the left, take the footpath on your right and follow signs straight on. Dot Waypoints WP24 Turn right as the path meets the road and continue along the verge. Dot Waypoints Buckland Abbey walk 007.jpg image/jpeg WP25 Walk into the car park and out on the main path downhill. Dot Waypoints WP26 At the stone seat, turn right and continue downhill. Dot Waypoints WP27 At the bottom of the uneven steps, turn right onto the small road. Dot Waypoints WP28 Cross the road and walk on the cycle path, marked NCN27 and Drake's Trail back to Yelverton. Dot Waypoints WP29 Dot Waypoints P1040543(2).JPG WP30 Just after the twin gates, take the small gate on your right and walk across the old airfield back to the start. Dot Waypoints WP31 Dot Waypoints Podcast 15.jpg image/jpeg