I have to say that when I saw “Power Station” on the map I wasn’t sure what it was, I assumed it was some relic leftover from the mining in the area. Little did I know that this is a working Hydro power station, as has been since the 1930s, The water from the nearby River Tavy at Hill Bridge via a leat is fed towards the plant. The water is then collected in the nearby Wheal Bennetts Reservoir before entering a 36 inch pipe and dropping 230 feet to power the three turbines. The electricity generated powers 1700 homes, its a small plant by today’s standards but it was the largest in England when it was built. It is now owned by South West Water.

Through the trees to the Hydro plant

Looking down on the Hydro plant from the West Devon Way