One of my favourite short walks takes me along the mill leat in the Riverside Valley Park. There are three bodies of water in the Valley Park, the canal, the river itself and the mill leat running roughly parallel, for about a kilometre. My walk begins less than a kilometre from the quay, at Salmon Pool Lane, where I pause on the bridge over the leat, hoping to spot a kingfisher.
No such luck.
There’s some major flood prevention work taking place on the river, so I head over to check it out.
This is the view up river.
And this is down. I can’t make any sense of it, but the work’s been going on for several years already. Retracing my steps I pause to admire what I call the photo posts ( they make a great setting for family photos).
Then it’s back to the path.
Where I find this Hairy Dragonfly lady, quite happy to pose for me.
The flora and fauna get together, and give each other a helping hand.
Now, I hope that someone can tell me what this wildflower is, Jude perhaps? I only saw one.
Flora and George are keen to get going now, it’s such a hot day, they’re tempted by the water.
As it’s shallow they give it a try.
But not for long.
Someone’s been busy.
Next we cross the wooden footbridge.
This is the point where the North Brook joins the leat, just before it re-joins the river.
So we walk across the wooden footbridge.
The dogs know there’s rabbits around, but they have no hope of catching them.
The bright green plant intrigued me, it’s further away than it looks, could it be a Gunnera escaped from a garden?
We’re getting close to Mill Road now, the Mill was an overgrown ruin when I was a child. A grade 2 listed building, it belongs to the city council, and quite a lot of restoration has taken place. The first mill was built in 1284 by Countess Isabela. It was powered by the leat and was used to grind corn, but from the 1630’s paper making using rags began. Through the 18th and early 19th century, the quality of paper produced changed to good writing paper, notes for private banks and news print for the Times of India. In 1816 a fire destroyed the old mil and this replacement was built.
At it’s height, 200 people were employed, the Industrial revolution was here and it was one of the first to install machines.
Once rag paper was replaced with wood pulp, the mill went into decline, such a shame. I’ve always been interested in the building, it’s so striking.
I think it would make a fabulous hostel, for walkers on the long distance South West Coast Path, just a hop, skip and a jump down the road. With a café and interpretation centre wouldn’t it be nice? If only the council thought so too!
I’m sharing with Jo, for her Monday Walk, the first time for ages, Jo save me until another time, you’re probably all set for tomorrow already. 🙂
Lucid Gypsy 
I certainly won’t! You’ll be in excellent company as I’ve got Meg, Jude and Cathy in there already. 🙂 🙂 I’m just finishing up. I almost never have the walk done before Sunday evening and often I’m still scribbling in the early hours of Monday morning. Oh to be organised! I’ve been out most of the day enjoying myself at an Open Garden event. Thanks so much, darlin- I love walking with you.
What a pretty walk this is, Gilly. I love that dragonfly you captured, and the path looks quite smooth and shady. I think your idea for the hostel is a good one. Why won’t the council come to their senses? 🙂
Oh, I would have LOVED to have seen the overgrown ruin of a mill…too late now 😰
Love your dragonfly. How lucky you were that she sat still for you.
Love all of your photos taken from your walk to the mill. The dragonfly is the state insect for the State of Washington here in the US. This one here is a beauty! We have lots of them here but have never seen one such as this. Thank you for sharing!
That is a fabulous walk, Gilly. All the photos are so beautiful! The dragonfly shot is so remarkable!
I’m glad I got to accompany you on your walk today, Gilly.
Your walks always feel beautifully companionable, and you notice so much, that magnificent dragonfly being a case in point. (Whatever that means!!!) good to see Flora and George looking so grown up. Not puppies any more? I love the meanderings and the green, and your civic desires. Thank you for another lovely taste of your world.
Loved the read. What an amazing experience
What a lovely walk and sone great snaps. Made me think of my daughter, as she’s currently working at a mill.
A delightful meander with you and the dogs Gilly. Well caught dragonfly, they flit around so quickly. The mill has had an interesting history and I think your hostel idea would be appreciated by walkers
A long while since I joined you on a walk Gilly and what a pleasure it has been. You don’t take enough close-ups and the dragonfly (Southern Hawker, but I can’t tell from your colours if it is male or female) is fantastic. More please! The flower I believe is Wood Betony – similar flower to Hedge Woundwort but different leaves. Bees love it. And I do like your hostel idea.
Such a cool place for a walk, G! Riverside Valley Park seems like a very charming place which would be perfect for a morning stroll. Is it possible to find good accommodation nearby?
Yes Lydia, there are plenty of choices in the city or the countryside, Devon is lovely!
Beautiful images .. just love all the green 😊