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Description
This walk (6 km out and back) closely follows the route of the Plymouth Friary to Turnchapel branch line of the London and Southwestern Railway.
(1). Laira Bridge check the river, a Corcodel cu gât roșu was seen here in January 2025. The Plym Estuary (see separate entry) upriver from here has had some notable national rarities.
(2). The busy Billacombe Road has few birds but from the Paleolithic Woolly Rhinoceros Statue, things should start to get better.
(3). In the trees, shrubs and scrubland here listen out for the scratchy 'who am I, who am I, who am I, cetti, cetti cetti' calls of Stufărică. Silvie cu cap negru and Pitulice mică frequently overwinter.
(4). Sticlete, Cinteză, Pițigoi albastru, Pițigoi mare, Pițigoi codat, Brumăriță de pădure, Mierlă, Cânepar and several other passerines can be found here, listen out for the 'kee-kee-kee-kee-kee' call of Ciocănitoare pestriță mare and the 'yaffel' of Ghionoaie verde.
(5). Hooe Lake Swing Bridge, at high tide Cufundar mare, Alcă nordică, Alcă atlantică and Chiră de mare are often seen here.
Details
Access
Laira Bridge to Hooe Lake Swing Bridge is in the Eastern part of the City of Plymouth. The A379 (Plymouth to Aveton Gifford) main road passes very near the Laira Bridge on street parking spot. Press P on map for directions.