As you near Burrator Dam you will walk alongside part of Drake’s Leat. The leat - also known as Plymouth Leat - was built in 1591, some years after the passing of the Water Bill for Plymouth was presented to the Houses of Parliament by the mayor
of Plymouth, who happened at the time to be Sir Francis Drake.

The original source for Drake’s Leat sits deep underneath the brooding surface of Burrator reservoir. Flowing for 18 miles, fresh water flowed
from Burrator to Plymouth in a trench some 6 feet wide. The route was skilfully surveyed so that water did not flow too quickly and erode the soil banks. The leat was not granite lined until the 19 century.

Other local information…

The Royal Oak in Meavy has the distinction of being owned by the local parish council, with a proportion
of the rent paid on the pub being invested back into the local community. The pub also exhibits an expenses receipt from one of the first surveyors to work on Drake’s Leat, covering the costs of milk and wine - though presumably not in the same glass!

Still want to know more?

Reservoir and parish information:
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
www.burrator.gov.uk

Drake’s Trail website for more recreation routes:
www.drakestrail.co.uk

Local events including the Oak Fair:
www.royaloakinn.org.uk