Yealm Steps nr Cornwood - Sunday 16th October 2011

Annie, Kevin, Dave, Bob and Meg and I decided on a circular walk at Torr, past Cornwood.  The road ends by the entrance to SWWA water treatment works and a gate.  We skirted the Harrowthorn Plantation and the steep slopes of the River Yealm and Dendles Wood and Waste, spying the waterfall called Yealm Steps near the source of the river.  From this viewpoint, we could see down the valley to the Sound.

 We returned to the car via Stall Moor and Stalldown Barrow, to watch some hot air balloons making their accent in the early evening.

The view towards Harford

Harrowthorn Plantation

The Yealm Steps in the distance

We walked along the edge of the moor which was quite steep.  To our left is the wood and the river is down in the valley

It was further than we thought!

The Waterfall.  The source of the yealm is a mile further inland.

The view from the waterfall down the valley

From here we decided to walk up onto the top of the moor and back to the car. 

The view from the top of the moor over the valley and beyond.  The waterfall is to the extreme right ( out of sight!)

We can just see the balloons

Hot air balloons , 2 in the air and one about to go!

We can certainly feel the seasons changing, the quality of the photos are not so good either!!

Avon Dam, Shipley Bridge - Saturday 15th October 2011

By driving through South Brent, and following signs to Avon Dam we arrived at Shipley Bridge.  This walk is ideal for wheelchair users, children on bikes and in pushchairs as the path is flat and tarmaced most of the way. The route lies in the valley and is surrounded by hills on either side.

The path follows the route of the river for about 2 miles and then divides where one way leads above the dam and the other to the base of the dam.  We chose the upper path and were rewarded by views across the water.

The start of the walk and the finish!

The low river reveal the stoney base

This is Black Tor in the distance

At last, the Avon Dam

The view of the water from Gripper's Hill

This walk was not as challenging as some walks on the moors as the path is man made.  Lots of families were enjoying the afternoon and even some were in the river!

Dartmouth - Saturday 1st October 2011

Such a hot beautiful day and Dartmouth was a lovely setting.

Dartmouth welcomes visitors.  Park and ride from here!

2 french warships on maneovers

Lots of activity on the water

View from the castle

The river cruise on the Dartmouth Castle took us to Dittisham and then out to sea

Higher Ferry

Dartmouth

The car ferry being pulled along by a tug

A view of Dartmouth from the river mouth

The boat turned around at Dittisham

Saltram, Plympton -sunday 25th September 2011

The sun brought out hundreds of people to National Trust property Saltram, in Plympton.  We walked up to hill to survey Plymouth in the distance:

You can see the sea on the left and the Hoe from here.

Along a lane skirting the fields full of cows, we emerged onto the path leading to the small beach.  The tide was in, lots of dogs running around and spaniels especially swimming in the sea.

Bob just barks at them and gets his feet wet!!

The path then follows the river and opens up to reveal the folly and the area in front of it

Click on read more below to see the folly and bird life!

Shaldon, Near Teignmouth, Devon - Sunday 11th September 2011

A delicious lunch at the Wild Goose at Combesteignhead was followed by a walk around Shaldon which looks over the River Teign to Teignmouth.

A view of Teignmouth from Shaldon

Shaldon

See more by clicking on read more below:  some lovely photos of Shaldon

Looe to Talland Bay - Sunday 4th September 2011

I know this is Cornwall, but it was a lovely walk sooo close to Devon I want to share it with you!

The three mile walk ( 6 miles if you return) along the Cornish Coast path from West Looe to Talland Bay takes in some spectacular views along the way.
Starting from West Looe which can be accessed over the bridge at Looe from the Plymouth direction and turning immediate left and following the road up the hill.

Looe

Pass this church and on up the hill to West Looe


Click on read more below to see West Looe and the coastal path to Talland Bay

Aveton Gifford and a Classic car show Monday 29th August 2011

This small village between Modbury and Kingsbridge, in the South Hams, held a classic car show in aid of charity today.  The road out of the village runs beside a river estuary and at certain times is impassable as the tide covers the road.

A beautiful setting though as these pictures will show:

A man is feeding the swans

The Car show was organised by Tony Porter who once owned Burgh Island and has written a novel about it.