Nature's autumn harvest walk at Parke
Discover the richness of autumn at Parke, near Bovey Tracey. A diverse estate with meadows, woodlands and parkland, providing a spectacular display of autumn colour and an array of fruits and fungi to look out for.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park, grid ref SX805786
1
From the car park walk down the tarmac track past the information board, sign-posted to National Trust Dartmoor Office.
2
On your left you'll see the orchard filled with apple trees. You'll also see the walled garden, take a peek through the round holes in the doors and then go on to explore the orchard. See how many different types of fruit and vegetables you can spot. Continue past the offices on your right and along the path.
3
Walk over Parke bridge. Turn left and follow the signs for riverside walks through the field into woodland, then on a raised wooden walkway to the river. Keep a look out for hazelnuts along this stretch.
Trees in the Parke
There are a wonderful variety of trees at Parke, which are full of nuts in autumn. Look out for beechnuts, hazlenuts and conkers on the woodland floor.
4
Continue past the medieval weir and head further up the river.
Medieval weir
The weir is located on a tranquil bend of the River Bovey and feeds the fishpond and mill.
5
Turn left, crossing the River Bovey, and left again into Blackmoor Copse.
6
Turn left and admire the views to the left of Bovey Valley. Continue through woodland, keeping a look out for beech nuts and conkers.
Rich autumn colours
The woodland at Parke provides an amazing spectrum of autumnal colour, from rich reds to bright fiery oranges and yellows.
7
Turn right on to the estate track. Continue past the offices on your left, and then back up the tarmac track to the car park.
End:
National Trust car park, grid ref SX805786
