This route takes in the splendour of Buckland Abbey, the former home of Sir Francis Drake. Drake returned from circumnavigating the globe in
1580, aboard his ship the Golden Hinde. In his capacity as a 'privateer' to Queen Elizabeth I he plundered great riches from the Spanish merchant fleet, including gold, silver and jewels that would make him a very rich man. With the proceeds of his adventures, Drake purchased Buckland Abbey for £3,400 in 1581 andwith it a 500 acre estate stretching from the abbey down to the banks of the River Tavy at Lopwell. He lived at the Abbey until his death off the coast of Panama in 1596.

Other local information…
This ride starts at the edge of the former RAF Harrowbeer airfield. Built as a response to the severe bombing of Plymouth in 1941, Harrowbeer housed fighter aircraft until the end of the war.

Lopwell Weir and Dam is now a tranquil nature reserve and collection of sleepy buildings, but some 700 years ago it was a busy port and market gardening area.

Still want to know more?

Buckland Abbey visitor information:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland

Drake’s Trail website for more recreation routes:
www.drakestrail.co.uk

RAF Harrowbeer history and guided walk information:
www.rafharrowbeer.co.uk