Weston Mill ([1835])

Hearder, G. & J. The South Devon monthly museum. Plymouth: August 1st, 1835. VOL. VI. No. 32. pp. 49-53.WESTON MILL.STRANGE indeed is it that, with a population so great as is included in our immediate vicinity, so few, comparatively, should delight, or indulge, in the picturesque, the varied, the enchanting scenery for which our neighbourhood is so pre-eminently distinguished. Surely it cannot be entirely ascribed to apathy; other causes must, in some, at least reign predominant; the counter has its necessary cares, the family needs a parental attendance, the votary of fashion may claim the possession of a few hours for the temporary gratification of a feeling nearly allied to vanity; but, certainly, the cares above-mentioned cannot be all-engrossing; a temporary relaxation, at least, is necessary; how then can it be better found than in seeking Nature in her chaste loveliness-in the unsullied serenity of her peaceful glades. Care must, for a time, hide her head, and even the son of indifference must be roused into sober reflexion [sic] and delight on following the steps of the young enthusiast in rural rambles.The neighbourhood of Plymouth can boast of scenery of intensely varied description. The recluse may indulge himself in the uninterrupted selfishness of retirement; the parent may lead forth his happy progeny to imbibe health from its purest and most sacred fountain; the merchant may leave his seat of anxiety, and here, in plenitude of delight, banish those cares which furrow deep his careful brow;-youth may frolic in the dawn of thoughtfulness, and old age find in the spirit-stirring breeze, the true, the only genuine Hygeia. But for him in whose bosom the tender passion has taken its seat-the pen must falter-words must be dumb-and thoughts alone remain in action to enumerate the countless bursts of new-revealed beauties; each silver stream a tale unfolds, and possesses an attraction before unnoticed; the perfumed flowerets now no more are passed unheeded, and the kindred frame, that breathes in unison and sympathy, becomes as it were, the spirit of the scene. And it has charms for sober manhood. But enough-the trial will better satisfy,-at least the writer.Among the many "Guides" to our vicinity which have been published; and they are not a few, nor in any way deficient in merit; although nothing of note has been neglected, provided it possessed the honor [sic] of a name, yet in none of them has the writer found what he has most eagerly sought, a guide to the more unfrequented walks, though not in the least less interesting. Doubtless, then, a native, who prides himself on their beauty, may be allowed, at times, to call the attention of the rambling few to some walks of tempting but almost unheeded loveliness.To pursue the plan originally laid down-the "native" purposes leaving walls, houses, and paved streets, by an outlet, bearing the appropriate name of Belle-Vue Place, and descending the hill, (now much less precipitous than heretofore) called Penny-come-quick Hill, whether from the story, of our fathers, of the benefits derived from the use of a spring of water at its foot, and which, as nurses say, was retailed of old, or not, the writer will not presume to say: fact or not-the road must be followed until it is intersected by the Devonport and Tavistock turnpike-road, at Mile House, which is well known as a house of resort for holiday folks. Descending another hill, the neat dwelling of Swilly is seen, embosomed and almost obscured by a most picturesque and highly colored [sic] group of trees. At this point, a new line of road branches off, leading to the steam ferry, at Saltash passage, and which is yet in an unfinished state. Ascending the opposite hill, and having attained its summit, the rover is requested to leave the highway, for a time, and cross a style on the left hand, communicating with a series of path fields; from thence the scenery is of the most enchanting description; the broad expanse of the Tamer is seen-studded with our far-renowned bulwarks, enshrouding their sternness by a smile-ever and anon traversed by the diminutive boat, the deep-laden barge, and the stately brig, gliding perchance, snake-like, over the peaceful bosom of the unfurrowed waters. In the dim distance the granite hills of Cornubia uprear their storm-racked, rugged heads, giving to the horizon a wild and wandering line, of indescribable sublimity.Pursuing the path, a new feature suddenly presents itself in the landscape. The Weston Mill creek-across the outlet of which the hand of man is actively engaged in framing a thoroughfare, in connexion [sic] with the new line of road previously spoken of; the extremity of this estuary, being lost in the dell beneath, imparts an additional charm to the scene. A descent of about a quarter of a mile, during which the road must be regained, conducts the lover of retirement to the secluded hamlet of Weston Mill. Its aspect at first view is peculiarly interesting, nor is it in any degree lessened by a closer and more scrutinizing inspection. It is entered by means of an ivied-hung, stone arch, across the narrowed and almost terminated portion of the creek; it contains about a dozen dwellings, charmingly arranged in almost artistically-studied groups. (The engravings are executed from sketches taken above and below the bridge). We would here recommend any physically fatigued but mentally exhilarated visitor to pause, and would unhesitatingly recommend a site whence a trysting place would undoubtedly prove a source of additional gratification; the writer is a member of a temperance society, and therefore points out a snug little domicile, on the immediate right, after the bridge has been crossed; here, as the writer has more than once proved, "a nice drop of tea," and, thanks to our favored [sic] county, a basin of cream, may at any time be procured, for a trifling sum, to assist in wiling [{sic] away any thing but tedious hours.The distance of Weston Mill from Plymouth is about 2 miles and a half.Tea finished, or, perhaps, instead, the junket, the pedestrian is invited to descend to the margin of the creek, above the stone arch before mentioned; here, on a primitive bridge, consisting of a single stone thrown across it, the other bank may be gained; then, having walked about half way up the hill side, a most pleasant path is discovered, overshadowed by trees, running towards the east, for nearly a quarter of a mile, this walk belongs to the Ham Estate. On emerging from this cool and refreshing grove, the road must be followed, Pennycross Chapel will be seen on the left, but, as that will be the subject of another excursion, it will, in the present case be passed at the distance of a quarter of a mile.On reaching the road which leads immediately to it, a gateway, opening into a path field, may be entered; from this spot a most extensive panorama is descried, which may fairly be said to be unsurpassed by any in the neighbourhood; embracing the hills of Dartmoor in the north, and the broad expanse of the English Channel in the south, skirted by the towns of Plymouth, Devonport, and Stonehouse: at the termina ion [sic] of this field another road will be crossed, and a field or two more will again place the traveller on the Devonport and Tavistock road, at a considerable distance to the east of Mile House; this road being likewise crossed, a descent of about a dozen steps places the observer in other fields, which, ultimately, (after crossing another road) discharge the searcher after the picturesque in the village of Mutley. This village contains a few pleasant retreats; the reader will shortly find himself on Mutley Plain, which has lately been much improved by the erection of some very neat villas, and the plantation of several young elm trees. Thence an easy walk of a mile conducts to the town.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Wood engraving

60x86mm

On one sheet with SC2068. The title is shared