Devonport Leat

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The Devonport Leat was constructed in the 1790s to carry fresh drinking water from the high ground of Dartmoor to the expanding dockyards at Devonport, Devon, England. It is fed by three Dartmoor rivers: The West Dart, The Cowsic and The Blackabrook. It was originally designed to carry water all the way to Devonport Dockyard but has since been shortened and now carries water to Burrator Reservoir which feeds most of the water supply of Plymouth.

Devonport leat near Nun's cross farm
Devonport leat near Nun's cross farm

Dartmoor granite was used to construct the water channel, as well as a small aqueduct and a tunnel. You can follow the path of the Leat all the way from the beginning to the end of its path apart from one section where is passes through a tunnel.

[edit] Geography of the Leat

The Devonport Leat begins a short distance to the north of Wistman's Wood and passes close to Two Bridges before heading towards Princetown. Its water supply now ends up in Burrator Reservoir.Judging by a map it might appear to follow a meandering path across the moor. However, the route was carefully selected by skilled engineers, who followed the natural contours of the land.

Devonport leat showing sluice gates
Devonport leat showing sluice gates

[edit] See also