INSPIRED WALKS AROUND DEVON

Warleigh Point, Tamerton, Plymouth - January 2016

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This area is a nature reserve and looked after by the Devon Wildlife Trust. Full of birds, and wildlife, with crabs along the shoreline. The wood is full of oaks and other trees. Volunteers of DWT are improving the site by getting rid of holly and other species that have encroached on the native woodland.

We visited one early sunday morning before the showers, although a bit muddy underfoot, the view of the river, Cornwall and the moors in the distance was breathtaking.

a lone yacht taking advantage of the still morning air

Brunel's railway bridge

The tamar bridge in the distance

Haytor Rocks and The Rock Inn

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The Rock Inn, Haytor Vale

This pub has been very tastefully modernised and the menu was outstanding. very welcoming!

After a very enjoyable lunch with our friends , we wandered around the area and found a circular walk through some woods.

Not far away is Haytor Rocks so a swift walk up hill to them is a must. We found quite a few letterboxes placed there by children, but most were either wet or no pages left to write on.

Haytor Rocks from the car park

The other side of the rocks

Bob seemed to enjoy the wind through his ears!

Fernworthy Reservoir, Dartmoor March 2015

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This reservoir is hidden in the middle of Dartmoor. It took us an hour to get there from Plymouth, and not surprsingly, we were the only ones in the car park!

South West Lakes Trust are planning to up grade the paths , which are non existant in some places.

Walking around the reservoir was a challenge, very muddy in places, and others full of grass tufts which are difficult to navigate. However, a haven for birds and other wildlife.

Wembury Nr Plymouth 21st February 2015

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The forecast was for rain but we risked it! The sun came out and although the coastal path was very muddy, the walk was very pleasant. Lots of people out today.

The bird to the left is an oystercatcher

Bob teasing me! the stick was too big for him

Wembury church in the distance

Sheeptor, Dartmoor - Sunday 1st February 2015

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New year, new walks! You would think that the walks in this blog pretty much covers the whole of Dartmoor! However, there are still lots of places to explore, so this year I will try and share them here.

One Tor I have been trying to get to, is Sheepstor. At last I have found a way by going to Burrator Reservoir, over the bridge and parking about half way along the road. A bridlepath leads up to the Tor. There must have been snow on the moors the night before, as it was crisp and fresh, cold but clear and sunny.

Quite an easy walk up to the Tor, then a clamber over rocks to get to the top. What a view from here! Burrator, Princetown mast, Leather Tor and even a glimpse of the sound!

The Bridle path leading up onto the Moors

Post at the bottom on the Tor

Sheepstor

Burrator Reservoir from the top of Sheepstor

Tiverton Canal - March 2014

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A lovely place to spend an afternoon. Plenty of parking spaces, toilets, visitors centre.

Inside the Visitor's Centre

Tea Room adjacent to the canal

Trips along the canal with the horse drawn canal boat

Seaton February 2014

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After all the storms, it was a pleasure to walk along the sea front to enjoy the view.

The following day, a storm blew containers containing cigarettes onto the beach. No sign of this today!

Axmouth, Nr Seaton February 2014

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At last a dry sunny day to enjoy a walk! starting from the Harbour Inn and walking along the road beside the River Axe, we enjoyed the view of the Seaton Tram and the birds. a steep climb through the golf club and then a view of the Axe from the top of the hill. Back to the Harbour Inn for a delicious lunch.

The River Axe

The view across the fields towards the Axe

Statues at the entrance of Bindon manor

Wembury, Nr Plymouth sunday 22nd September 2013

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A beautiful day with stunning views across the sea to the Mew Stone which had it's own halo of mist!

Tarr Steps, Exmoor, Devon - 31st August 2013

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A visit to Tarr Steps after they were washed away by heavy rain water last year, and have since been reconstructed was a must on a visit to the region. Down a long lane, and with a new visitors centre at the top of the hill, there is a 1/2 mile walk down to the bridge. This is still an unspoilt spot.

Walk along the South West Coast Path - Turnchapel to Hooe - Sunday 18th August 2013

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Despite changeable weather we decided to take a chance and stretch our legs. so parking at Turnchapel Quay and walking along the footpath to Hooe. The sun came out and it was a glorious day!

the photos tell a better tale than words!

this dog made us jump!

View of Hooe, taken from the new Barrat development

The New Clovelly Bay Pub

Lopwell Dam, Nr Plymouth - July 2013

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The barn at Lopwell Barn has recently been refurbished and now has a lovely cafe. At low tide there is a footpath across the dam, leading to a nature walk. However, walkers have to make note of the tides, as the path is then submerged. In this photo, the marker showed the path 6' under!!

Steam train from ' Up North' makes a flying visit! Saturday 27th April 2013

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Train enthusiasts made the long journey from the Midlands to Plymouth today, and travelling with them were Phil and Andy, our friends from Wolverhampton. There had to be several stops en route to stoke the furnaces, but that is part of the charm, I am told.

we whisked them off to see the sea, and to have lunch at River Cottage at Royal William Yard and then, we all admired the engines, before they waves good bye, with a toot, and puff of smoke

St George's Day Run with the Devon Vintage Car Club - sunday 21st April 2013

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The Club members and their cars congregated in the car park at Endsleigh Garden Centre just outside Ivybridge on this sunday morning. At 12 o'clock we all set off with our treasure hunt clues, and drove around the back lanes of Plymouth and surrounding areas until we got to Mount Batten. Off again and returning to Endsleigh for lunch. I was prepared for this drive by wearing an old sheepskin coat and hat, which might not be the height of fashion, it certainly kept the cold wind at bay!

Walk beside the River Erme, Ivybridge - Sunday 7th April 2013

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Parking the car on the road, this is a lovely walk on the banks of the River Erme. Weather still quite dull, but it was freshing to get outside and have some exercise!

Bob picking his way carefully over the water!

Dave making use of a newly felled tree stump

Plymouth Waterfront - Sunday 31st March 2013

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On a bitterly cold sunday, we went to find Prince William's figurehead, and found a lot more!

An adults playground!

Turn around please!

The closest we can get to Prince William!

Sir Walter Scott memorial

View of Drake's Island from Royal William Yard

Brittany Ferry coming back from France

River Cottage Canteen in Royal William Yard

Royal William Yard

Haldon, Exeter - March 2013

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Lunch at the Nobody Inn, Doddiscombleigh ( www.nobodyinn.co.uk) and a fantastic view from the top of the hill!!

The Belvedere, Haldon

This folly can be hired for weddings and other occasions. It is a beautiful setting with fantastic views of Exeter. Entrance was £2 per person.

View over Exeter

see previous blogs for walks around Haldon Forest

Mount Edgecombe Country Park - Sunday 3rd March 2013

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A bitterly cold day to go for a walk! Annie, Kevin, David, Bob and I caught the 10.45am cremyl ferry over the River Tamar to Mount Edgecombe. We decided to walk around to Embacombe , up to Maker Church and back down to see the camelias and daffodils. The picnic tables by the duck pond were deserted so we ate our lunch there . The icy wind whippd around our ears and we moved off quickly!

Royal William Yard with River Cottage Restuarant

Empacombe

Camelias are out!

View of Drake's Island

Daffolds are out too!

Cameilas

On the top of the hill at Maker Church

The Orangery Garden

Bob just had to show off!!

Brentor Church, Nr Tavistock - Saturday 26th January 2013

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Just a few miles outside Tavistock is the Church of St Michael de la Rupe ( of the rock). It stands proud of the surrounding area and the view stretches for miles. It was built by Robert Giffard Lord of the Manor of Lamerton and Whitchurch in 1130. The car park is free with toilets open during the summer. Take care when crossing the road to the church.

Tavistock is a lively town, with it's indoor market and local outdoor market on second and fourth satudays of the month.

Torcross, Slapton Sands - Saturday 13th January 2013

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Torcross is a small seaside village between the sea and a lake. Apart from the natural habitiat for birds and wildlife, it also has a dramatic history of an event in the Second World War. This is symbolised by a tank in the car park and plagues that tell the story of a disastrous attempt to prepare troops for war and the loss of life that ensued.

Torcross

Over the other side of the coast

Water gushes from the rocks

Fresh water beside the sea

The Sherman D D Tank

Bigbury and Burgh Island - Saturday 12th January 2013

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The weather almost postponed this short walk, but as the forecast was for snow on sunday, we decided to go for it! We were glad we did as it was dry at Bigbury, windy though, as you would expect. The climb up to the top of Burgh Island gives a fantastic view of the coastline.

View of Burgh Island from Bigbury

On Burgh Island, with the famous hotel, and Bigbury beyond

The old pill box on the top of Burgh Island

View from inside the building

The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !

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Holne Woods, Nr Ashburton - sunday 28th October 2012

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We headed off to witness the spectacular colours of autumn in Holne Woods this morning!

Parking at Newbridge, the car park was full of people unloading their canoes to row down the River Dart to Ashburton. Crossing the bridge and heading into the woods we seemed to be alone amongst the trees. Bob however, found evidence of a fox and smeared his neck with it!!

Lots of fungi along the way too!

canoeists off on their adventures

Newbridge

The end of the National Trust owned wood

Haldon Forest, Nr Exeter - Sunday 7th October 2012

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Driving between Plymouth and Exeter, the road cuts through Haldon Forest and apart from the race course and deer crossing signs, I have never explored further.

So it was a pleasant surprise to find a thriving Haldon Forest Park managed by the Forestry Commission!

Plenty of car parking, lots to explore with walking trails, cycling. high wire adventure playground, cafe, picnic tables etc.

Visitors Centre

Go Ape

Enter at your peril!

Wooden spiral

Viewpoint

High wire activity

Party Dome available to rent!

Fingle Bridge, near Castle Drogo - sunday 9th September 2012

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The Devon Vintage Car Club arranged a picnic by Fingle Bridge. We volunteered Shirley to ride with Dave in the kit car and Phil, Andy and I followed on in comfort!

The route took us to Princetown, Postbridge, Chagford, Sandy Bank and Drewsteignton to Fingle Bridge along very narrow roads indeed! Phil and I took a detour to Dartmeet by accident, but he appreciated the view!!

Dave and Shirley starting off!!

DVCC Picnic

Fingle Bridge

Frosties and Horby's with the NG

Pony on the moors on the return journey