South West Coast Path
Devon, glorious Devon!
The South Coast Footpath
There are few holiday pastimes that hit the spot as well as perambulating the south Devon section of the South West Coast Path. Wherever you start, wherever you walk and wherever you finish, the scenery is eye-catching and memorable.
Approaching Dartmouth by way of the Lower Ferry from Kingswear, you get the best impression of this ancient and wonderful medieval town, rich in English maritime history and the location of some significant events, including the departure of the third crusade and the penultimate farewell to these shores of the celebrated Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower.
Regrettably, once you leave the ferry, the footpath does not take you across the cobbled inner harbour that leads to the small fort, now often used in the holiday season for special events. You do, however, get the opportunity to sample the wares and particularly the varied brews to fortify you for the effort ahead from the adjacent hostelry.
Moving up the gentle incline towards the head of the river you navigate numerous twists and turns on the footpath, witnessing the ongoing gentrification of this venerable place and passing the long term residence of the much celebrated “Calculating Boy”, George Parker Bidder, a Devonian born and bred.
The many tracks leading up above the footpath, which take you unwittingly along narrow routes past farms and homes all the way out and up onto the hills above the town and onwards to pretty Devon villages and incredible sea views.
The route proceeds past more inlets and secret paths including Warfleet Creek, past the local ferry drop off point and onward to the fabulous church and castle which served as a small garrison at the mouth of the River Dart, and once offered protection to the town in unison with a smaller fort on the Kingswear side in bygone days by enabling a heavy chain that spanned the river to effectively close it off to exclude intruders, including enemy ships and pirates.
This whole area full of historical intrigue, with a 17th century female pirate grave in the church nave, the picturesque castle ruins and a rarely visited site, which is located on a heavily wooded knoll above the castle. This route can only be walked with effort, but you’ll reach an area where an official Civil War skirmish occurred between Parliamentarians and Cavaliers and where the latter had dug themselves in for conflict.
For more ideas on walks in south Devon go to South West Coast Path