Devonport leat is one of the best examples of Dartmoor leats. It was built in the 1790's to channel water to the booming docks of Devonport in Plymouth, although now it terminates at Burrator reservoir. It is fed by the West Dart, Cowsic and Blackbrook rivers and its head is just north of Wistman's Wood. It has many interesting features - aqueducts, a tunnel and even a waterfall as it descends into the Meavy river at Raddick Hill. Considerable engineering skill was involved in building it. Sheep Leaps are found usually on leats and consist of two granite 'platforms', one on either bank, which protrude partway across the width of the flow. The purpose of these was to assist sheep in jumping across the water. In other words one acted as a launch pad and the other a landing ramp. Some excellent examples can be seen along the Devonport Leat especially between Ockery Bridge and Tor Royal.

Boddy Collection