River Plym facts for kids

The River Plym is a river in Devon, England. It starts in Dartmoor and flows southwest. It joins the River Meavy and then heads south towards Plymouth Sound. Many people enjoy canoeing on the river. The Plym Valley Railway also runs next to part of it.

View of the River Plym at Laira looking north

Where the River Plym Flows

The River Plym starts high up on Dartmoor. Its source is about 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level. This marshy area is called Plym Head. In its upper parts, you can find old antiquities and signs of past mining.

The river flows southwest past clay workings near Shaugh Prior. It then reaches The Dewerstone, where it meets the River Meavy. From there, the river turns south. It flows between Plymouth and Plympton. It passes through Plymbridge Woods, which is owned by the National Trust. It also goes under the old Plym Bridge.

The upper part of its tidal area is called the Laira. The lower part is known as Cattewater. This section is deep enough for boats to travel on. It leads out to Plymouth Sound. The River Plym is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long.

How the River Plym Got Its Name

The name Plym likely comes from an old English word. It is thought to mean "plum tree." The name of the nearby town, Plympton, also helped form the river's name. Later, the port city of Plymouth was named after the river.

History of the River Plym

The only weir on the River Plym, near the former Cann Quarry Canal

A ship named HMS Plym was named after the river. This ship was a type of frigate used during World War II. It helped protect other ships in the Atlantic Ocean. Later, it was used in a special test and was destroyed.

The Cann Quarry Canal once left the river at Marsh Mills. This canal was used to transport goods.

The Plym Valley Railway

The Plym Valley Railway runs alongside the River Plym. It first opened in 1856. It was part of the South Devon and Tavistock Railway. This railway followed the river for some distance.

The railway stopped carrying passengers in 1962. Goods services ended four years later. Today, a new railway is run by volunteers. They offer rides on steam and diesel trains. The first part of the new Plym Valley Railway opened in 2001. It was extended to Lee Moor Crossing in 2008. In 2013, the line reached Plymbridge. The rest of the old railway line is now part of the Plym Valley Trail. This is a path for cycling that goes from Plymouth to Ilfracombe.

Fun Activities on the River Plym

The River Plym is a popular spot for canoeing. The upper part of the river in Dartmoor is quite challenging. It runs from Cadover Bridge to Shaugh Bridge. Canoe experts say it is the hardest river section to paddle in the park. This part of the river fills up quickly after heavy rain. It also empties fast. Experienced canoeists check the water level carefully. This section has many small waterfalls, which are not for beginners.

Lower parts of the river, past Shaugh Bridge to Bickleigh Bridge, are easier. This is true as long as there is enough water in the river.

The Plym also has many fish. You can find brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. Fishing is allowed in both the lower and upper areas. The Plymouth & District Freshwater Angling Association manages much of the fishing spots.