As you leave Yelverton you will walk alongside Drake’s Leat for much of the first mile. The leat - also known as Plymouth Leat - was eventually built in 1591, some years after the passing of the Water Bill for Plymouth, which was presented to the Houses of Parliament by the mayor of Plymouth, who at the time was Sir Francis Drake.

Numerous myths surround the building of the leat and reflect the esteem with which local people held Drake and his accomplishments. Rumour has it that Drake not only built the leat himself in one night, but that he also rode into Plymouth before the first flow of water on a white stallion.

As well as being an accomplished sailor, Drake was also a shrewd businessman. He was given £200 to cover construction costs and £100 to compensate landowners. In the end he paid out £100 for construction and £60 for land, making a tidy profit of £140.

Other local information…

This trail follows a short section of the popular West Devon Way walking route. You will notice a number of features on the walk linked to the former railway linking Plymouth with
Tavistock and Burrator. Services stopped on this line in 1968 as a result of the Beeching review into
branch lines.

Still want to know more?

Clearbrook village information:
www.clearbrookdevon.co.uk

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