4.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.3A compact green valley in east Plymouth, where paths climb through woodland and open out towards views of the River Plym and Saltram.
Efford Valley offers a welcome change of pace within the city: woodland, wildflower meadow, orchard and marshland are gathered into a hilly greenspace with views towards the Plym. Its urban setting is part of the experience, rather than something to mistake for remote countryside.
Peaceful · Green · Hilly
Find your way
Open mapEfford, Plymouth, Devon
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow time for a short wander rather than expecting a long countryside hike. Stick to the better-surfaced paths for an easier visit; steeper woodland paths offer a more demanding alternative.
Things to do
Walk the valley paths
Explore the paths through this hilly community greenspace. Most are described by the council as well surfaced, while some woodland routes are steeper and include steps.
Under 1 hour
Notice the habitat changes
Look out for the transitions between woodland, wildflower meadow, orchard and marshland.
30–60 minutes
Look towards the Plym and Saltram
The valley’s elevated position gives views towards the River Plym and Saltram.
Try the natural play activity trail
A natural play activity trail is located in the woodland area.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A quick valley wander
- 01
Enter from the Efford neighbourhood.
- 02
Follow a well-surfaced path through the greenspace.
- 03
Pause at a higher point for views towards the River Plym and Saltram.
- 04
Return the way you came; avoid steep paths with steps if you need an easier route.
Half day · 1–2 hours
Take in the valley’s changing habitats
- 01
Explore the better-surfaced paths through the greenspace.
- 02
Look for the changes between woodland, wildflower meadow, orchard and marshland.
- 03
Take a steeper woodland path only if you are comfortable with steps and uneven surfaces.
- 04
Finish with a pause at one of the valley’s benches.
Verified history
Plymouth City Council records improvements to the site between 2008 and 2010, including woodland thinning, path improvements, play improvements and interpretation. The supplied sources do not substantiate the imported description’s claims about a history of small farms.
Hidden details
A pocket of varied habitats — Within this nine-hectare greenspace, the council identifies woodland, wildflower meadows, an orchard and marshlands.
When to go
April · May · June · Early morning for a quieter walk and time to observe the surroundings.
Spring and early summer are a sensible time to explore the wildflower meadow, though the source does not specify peak flowering dates. The valley is open year-round.
The site is hilly, and some woodland paths are steep, stepped and less well surfaced. Check conditions before choosing those routes.
The route
- surface
- Mostly well-surfaced paths according to the council; other woodland paths are less well surfaced. Birdingplaces also describes paved road, narrow trail, unpaved road and wide path.
- distance
- A circular route of about 0.5 mile is described by Birdingplaces; verify the route locally before setting out.
- difficulty
- Hilly; some paths climb steeply and include steps. A birding guide describes its mapped circular route as strenuous.
- route shape
- Circular route reported by Birdingplaces.
- start point
- Efford Valley greenspace; the council gives access information for Efford.
- parking start
- No official car park; parking is available on adjacent roads. Check restrictions on surrounding streets.
- shorter alternative
- Use a section of the better-surfaced path and return the same way, avoiding steep woodland paths and steps.
- Woodland, wildflower meadow, orchard and marshland
- Views towards the River Plym and Saltram
- Natural play activity trail
What to look for
Notice how the scenery shifts between woodland, wildflower meadow, orchard and marshland. From higher parts of the valley, look towards the River Plym and Saltram.
Best time to go
Spring to early summer for wildflower meadows and bird activity; the site can be visited year-round.
Spring and early summer are a good time to look for meadow flowers. For a quieter walk and a better chance of noticing birds, try an early visit.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Practical information
Opening & access
Plymouth City Council describes Efford Valley as a free-to-use public greenspace, open 24 hours. Access is from the Efford neighbourhood; check local signage and current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is available on adjacent roads; there is no official car park. Some surrounding streets may have restrictions, so check signs before leaving your vehicle.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current local signage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The council says most paths are well surfaced and suitable for prams and wheelchair users. Other paths climb steeply through woodland and include steps, so not all routes are accessible.
Cost
Free
Water
Marsh
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Efford Valley
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
