Gem Bridge

The Gem Bridge spans the River Tavy just outside Tavistock, a modest stone crossing that locals barely glance at but which rewards a proper look. It's not vast or showy - just a solid Victorian structure that's done its job for well over a century. The river underneath is the real draw: fast-flowing and lined with trees that turn brilliant in autumn, it creates a proper woodland setting that feels a world away from the nearby market town.

Walkers and photographers get the most from it. The bridge itself sits on good rambling routes along the Tavy valley, so it works well as a waypoint rather than a destination in itself. Spend ten minutes taking in the water and the stonework, then crack on with a longer valley walk if you've got the energy. It's the kind of thing that makes sense if you're staying locally and exploring on foot - worth a detour if you're already in the area, but not worth a special trip.

There's no entrance fee and no opening hours to worry about - just turn up. The nearest decent vantage point is from the bridge itself or the riverbank alongside it. If you're based at Langstone Manor or Woodovis, both within a few miles, it's an easy addition to a morning's walking. Go when the light's low across the water - late afternoon does it particularly well - and you'll understand why it caught photographers' eyes enough to make a name for itself.