Motoring in South Devon
Hopping into the car for a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive is perhaps an old fashioned pastime, but for residents of South Devon, no scenic route has more to offer than the coastal drive between Brixham and Kingsbridge.
The round trip could take a couple of hours, possibly more if you stop off for a drink at one of the many village inns or tea shops along the way.
Alternatively, you might want to sample a cream tea in the seafaring town of Dartmouth, or stop to look over one of the interesting shops selling local produce along the way.
Leaving Brixham, simply head for the A379, which leads to the scenic B3205 towards Kingswear, where the steam railway station and entrance to the Lower Ferry are located. The station transformed into a Victorian style Exeter St David’s station for the filming of The French Lieutenant’s Woman in 1981.
You’ll cruise through the green, tree lined lanes with a sense of freedom and, on a good day out of season, there’ll only be a few minutes wait before you can drive aboard the Lower Ferry, which comprises a floating platform guided by a tug boat. Very soon you’ll be experiencing views of the mouth of the Dart Estuary and glimpses of Dartmouth Castle before disembarking on the other side. The road continues as the A379 towards Stoke Fleming.
As you drive out of Stoke Fleming you’ll be treated to breathtaking coastal views towards Start Bay, with the picturesque scene of the award winning Blackpool Sands below. Here, if inclined, you can enjoy water sports, beachcombing and bathing.
Passing the beach at the bottom of the hill, the road winds left and swiftly upwards again towards the village of Strete. As you reach the highest point, look out for steep fields filled with South Devon Red cattle grazing and more views towards Start Bay’s famous lighthouse on a remote peninsula.
There was once a village at Strete Gate, but that was lost to the elements long ago. Now you’ll find the gateway to the long, straight stretch at Slapton Sands, a favourite with fishermen and dog walkers.
You’ll drive with the open sea on your left and the spectacle of the beautiful Slapton Ley nature reserve on your right. Here too is the largest freshwater lake in the South West, home to an impressive array of wildlife, such as birds, butterflies and dormice.
More views of the open countryside are to be had as you progress through the villages of Stokenham, Chillington, Frogmore and East and West Charleton.
Before you reach Kingsbridge itself, you’ll cross the water once again at the quaint tidal creek at New Bridge, and it’s only a few minutes before you’ll spot the convenient town car park where you can leave your vehicle and explore the many shops and boutiques this bustling little town has to offer.
Who says motoring need be stressful?