Walk Leader
Liz Webb
Capacity
10
The Garden House, built in the early 19th century, was formerly the home of the vicars of Buckland Monochorum. It was bought in 1945 by Lionel and Katherine Fortescue who over the years transformed the original 10 acres (now 12 acres) into a series of interesting gardens accessed by winding pathways. I have been a member of The Garden House for over 2 years now and regularly visit to see the seasonal transformations. Here is the link to their website.
In May it will be gorgeous with numerous plants in bloom: To name but a few, Alliums and Iris' in The Walled Garden, Camassias in the Lime Tree Walk, Libertia at the Quarry Bank, Crab Apples in blossom, Rhododendron and Wisteria unfolding. Each garden has it's own character. From a photographic experience, there is macro through to landscape to enjoy and a natural pond/water feature at one of the garden and a small waterfall feature at the other end.
For refreshments, within the House there is a cafe. Light lunches, teas, coffees, cakes etc can be purchased and you can sit inside or outside on the terrace. They also cater for some dietary requirements e.g. gluten free is available.
Walk Location
50.494849119261, -4.1220461
Walk Directions
Just ten miles north of Plymouth on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park, Devon.
The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon. PL20 7LQ
From Plymouth: Follow A386 towards Tavistock; the garden is signposted left off this road just after the golf course, before reaching Yelverton. Follow the road through Crapstone; the garden can be found on the right before reaching Buckland Monachorum.
From Yelverton: Follow A386 from Yelverton towards Plymouth. Look out for the brown tourist sign soon after the roundabout, turn right. Follow the road through Crapstone; the garden can be found on the right before reaching Buckland Monachorum.
There is car parking at the site and there are also spaces for Blue Badge Holders closer to the Entrance area. The Meeting Point will be at the Entrance/Ticket Office and Plant Sales. It is a compact area so no chance of missing it. I will be there by 10:15. Please note that the entrance fee is £15 per person.
Accessibility
The terrain is mainly natural compacted earth with some well embedded light gravel dressing. Recommend good walking shoes/boots to ensure good grip on path surfaces. The light gravel can move a bit in steeper path areas. The whole area is 12 acres. There are numerous paths and seats dotted about. It is not arduous in any way. The usual tip to come prepared for changes in weather. If using tripods, we should be careful not to block paths or place anywhere that others could trip over.
For wheelchair users, most of the paths are marked as being suitable. However the paths do slope gently up and down so an electric wheelchair may be easier to manage. Please note that The Garden House does not provide any equipment to visitors.
Feedback Meeting Type
Decide At Walk
Feedback Talk Date and Time