Saltram (10 miles) is a Georgian country house (National Trust) overlooking the River Plym. Home to the Parker family from 1743, magnificently decorated with an exceptional collection of paintings; the “Great Room” is one of the finest Robert Adam rooms in the country. There is a garden for all seasons and 500 acres of Saltram Park to explore outside.

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Buckfast Abbey (14 miles) [pictured above] Active working monastery, prizing its deep-rooted Benedictine spirituality and rich heritage. There are regular services and Mass, also gardens (free all year), multiple shops and the Grange Restaurant.

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Greenway House (14 miles) National Trust property and former holiday home of Agatha Christie, which she called 'the loveliest place in the world'. The house is brimming with interesting artefacts from the family’s travels and extensive collections - just as Agatha and her family left it. Riverside views over the Dart estuary and surrounded by gardens and woodland.

Overbecks (8 miles)  [pictured above] Once owned by inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck, the National Trust house and sub-tropical gardens are perched high on the cliffs overlooking Salcombe with glorious views of the coast and estuary below. Café serving afternoon tea in the summer months, and a number of events for children through high season.

 

Dartington Hall (13 miles) just outside Totnes, welcomes more than 800,000 visitors every year, to their events, courses, festivals and gardens, as well as arts, crafts and artisan shops. Visit to learn new skills, or simply to explore and do some shopping.

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Coleton Fishacre (16 miles) Arts and Crafts style National Trust house once the home of the D’Oyly Carte family. Gardens RHS accredited with plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand.

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Dartmoor Zoo (9 miles) On the south western edge of Dartmoor, this 30 acre zoological garden was made famous by the book and film “We Bought a Zoo”, starring Matt Damon.

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Woodlands Family Theme Park (10 miles) 100 acres combining largest indoor play centre in the South West, Woodlands’ Farm with barns full of exotic, wild and cute creatures and 11 play zones with rides, attractions and a falconry centre.

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National Marine Aquarium (12 miles) UK’s largest aquarium located in Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, home to over 4000 animals and ground-breaking ocean conservation work.

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Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary (13 miles) Fascinating attraction for all ages just outside border of Dartmoor National Park. Lots to see and learn while supporting valuable conservation work.

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South Devon Railway (13 miles) a steam train taking in a seven-mile former branch line of the Great Western Railway from 1872, running through the scenic valley of the River Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes [pictured above]. There is a dining train option and the opportunity to drive a train for a day or hire one for private events.

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Pickwick Inn (matter of yards) Sixteenth century inn with thirteenth century chapel at its heart. Good pub food, gluten free options, great steaks and very popular Sunday lunches.

 

The Journey’s End Inn (2 miles) in the next village of Ringmore. Excellent reputation for great food.

 

The Dolphin Inn (2 miles) in the heart of Kingston (on the way to Wonwell beach). Lovely old pub with warm welcome.

 

The Fisherman’s Rest (2 miles) at Aveton Gifford offers an extensive range of food choices including a dedicated gluten-free menu.

 

The Pilchard Inn (3 miles) (see Burgh Island above)

 

The Sloop Inn (3 miles) Highly regarded pub in Bantham village.

 

The Village Inn (3 miles) Historic pub in Thurlestone incorporating beams salvaged from Spanish Armada ships wrecked nearby.

 

Church House Inn (4 miles) 13th century pub in Churchstow with good food and super friendly host.

 

The Crabshell Inn (5 miles) Local Kingsbridge institution with live music most Fridays and outdoor seating to make the most of the Estuary views plus great food to go with the lively atmosphere.

 

Ferry Inn (8 miles) Lively and popular waterside pub – lowest terrace has lovely elevated views across Salcombe harbour.

 

Three great pubs in Noss Mayo/Newton Ferrers (8 miles) – The Ship, The Swan and The Dolphin. [pictured above]

 

The Bear and Blacksmith (9 miles) Fantastic food in deservedly popular local pub with super friendly staff.

 

The Watermans Arms (11 miles) Outside seating beside the River Dart at Bow Bridge or cosy log fire alternative and excellent food in this family run pub. Paddling in the river and play area for children.

The Oyster Shack (2 miles) Great seafood restaurant overlooking Avon Estuary. 30 minute walk from Pickwick Cottages (or a 3-minute drive).

 

Thurlestone Hotel (3 miles) offers fine dining experience at the Trevilder Restaurant or more relaxed Rock Pool Bistro with views over Thurlestone Sands [pictured above] to the sea. Fabulous treatments available at the Voyage Spa. Links golf course.

 

The Loft (5 miles) Upstairs modern bar and restaurant next to the cinema in Kingsbridge serving good burgers from freshest local ingredients and cocktails.

 

Twenty Seven (5 miles) Sophisticated restaurant and cocktail bar, also meticulously crafted takeaway menu and Banquet at Home, run by Masterchef semi-finalist Jamie Rogers.

 

Ocean Restaurant (6 miles) Amazing views across Bolbery Down towards the sea, serving finest local produce in a stunning location, with dietary needs catered for.

 

Calancombe Estate (6 miles) Offers guided tours of the vineyards and tastings of their award-winning wines. In addition, cyders, apple brandy, eau-de-vie and cassis are made from produce grown on the Estate. Cellar Door Café for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Also home to the Dartmouth Distillery Co which offers distilling masterclasses.

 

The Crab Shed (7 miles) Contemporary restaurant with excellent fish and seafood delivered straight from the fishing boats. Waterside terrace overlooking Fish Quay in Salcombe.

 

The Winking Prawn (7 miles) Relaxed seaside shabby chic restaurant overlooking North Sands in Salcombe.

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Gara Rock Restaurant (9 miles) must be one of the most stunning locations in South Devon, with outside terrace, though not inexpensive.

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The Seahorse (14 miles) Local chef Mitch Tonks’ award winning restaurant on banks of the River Dart in Dartmouth comes highly recommended.

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Venus Café (3 miles) (see Bigbury on Sea above)

 

The Gastrobus (3 miles) (see Bantham beach above)

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School House (10 miles) (see Wonwell Beach above)

 

Beach House (4 miles) Deservedly popular South Milton beach café by day and romantic beach shack seafood restaurant by night with hopefully a beautiful sunset to enjoy. Good cocktails.

 

Britannia at the Beach (14 miles) When over the other side of the Kingsbridge estuary exploring the stretch of coast from Start Point to Blackpool Sands (another fabulous beach) via Torcross and Slapton Sands, do not miss this bring your own bottle beach-shack style café serving catch of the day seafood at Beesands.

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Anchorstone Café (14 miles) Hugely popular seasonal riverside café at Dittisham. Also in Dartmouth.

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Holywell Stores (few yards) Well stocked village store with wide range of local produce and beach supplies. Holiday groceries can be bought online in advance. www.holywellstores.com Also Jazz’s homemade curries can be ordered online for collection in-store.

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Aune Valley Farm Shop and Café (4 miles) Butchers (also in Modbury) and deli selling high quality local produce, and Valley View Café for delicious home-made cakes and meals.

 

Avon Mill Garden Centre and Café (4 miles) Delicious food with outdoor seating available.

 

Heron Valley (5 miles) Also near Loddiswell, the Heron Valley Cider Barn offers tastings and tours alongside the Weaver Green Lifestyle Store and Café.

 

Catch of the Day (5 miles) Superb fishmonger in Kingsbridge.

 

Ring Feeder Farm Shop & Café (6 miles) Where “street food meets field food” in a delightful setting on their farm serving delicious home-made food from local ingredients - open daily, near California Cross.

 

Stokeley Farm Shop (12 miles) Deli, butchery, restaurant café and plant centre. Home to South Hams Brewery, South Hams E-bikes, and pop up shop featuring local artisans and craftspeople.

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Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Time: Approx. 2 hours

 

 

This walk is a circular walk commencing and finishing at St Ann’s Chapel. Mainly farmland walking, there are some good views along the way and takes in the charming village of Ringmore.

 

 

Go out of the front door and cross the road to the public footpath sign and go through the gate on your right. Enter the field and turn right and proceed along the field boundary keeping hedge to the right. At the corner of the field take the sharp left and proceed with hedge on the right to footpath signage. Turn right at this junction go through gate and cross road to field gate. Go through gate and immediately turn left and proceed along boundary keeping hedge to the left. At the corner of the field turn right and continue along the footpath between fencing. There are good views towards Kingston at this point. Inside the fence to the left is a new plantation in its infancy. Shortly the footpath bears left and on reaching the field edge turn right through the gate and after approximately 20 yards on reaching the fingerpost turn left and follow the field path along the boundary keeping the hedge to your right.

 

The path now proceeds over farmland and on reaching the field corner bear right through gate and then turn left along the field boundary. At this point you can enjoy views of the sea and Burgh Island [pictured above] as you proceed towards Ringmore. Go through gate and proceed downhill. All Hallows Church can be seen to the right before reaching a field entrance gate on right hand side. Pass over this entrance and go through the next gate to a Permissive Path. The path now continues for a short distance before reaching the road to Ringmore. Enter Ringmore by this road and after a short distance the centre of the village will be reached. 

 

Before continuing the walk you might like to take time to explore this lovely village. The Church of All Hallows is worth a visit, and should you be feeling like some refreshments why not drop in at the Journeys End Inn where you will be made most welcome. The walk continues uphill past the bus shelter and the WI Hall on the left. Take note of the charming thatched cottages, just a sample of the many that are situated in this village. After reaching Rock Cottage on the left hand side, leaving the road, the walk continues down a tarmac track straight ahead. On reaching the end of the track go through a kissing gate and turn left and proceed along the field edge keeping the hedge to your left.

 

As you proceed along the field you will eventually see a field fence in front of you and a short way down this fence there is a fingerpost and stile. Go over the stile and proceed in a diagonal direction downwards to the next fence where there is another fingerpost and a

metal gate. Go through the gate and continue diagonally across the field to a large five barred field gate in the corner of the field. Proceed through the kissing gate reached, and turn left following the stream on your left. After approximately 150 yards a fingerpost will be reached on the left hand side. This directs you to a bridge over the stream and then a kissing gate.

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The path now continues along the field boundary and bears right at the corner of the field. After continuing uphill for a short distance another fingerpost will be reached directing you left into a small wood. The path now continues through the wood passing a pond on the left before reaching a well-defined wider grass track. At the head of this track you will reach another pond on the left hand side before arriving at a field gate. Turn right at this junction and continue along field boundary then turn left and follow footpath through a small car park to the road. Turn left at the road and return to the start of the walk at St Ann’s Chapel.

Distance: 4.3 miles (6.8 km)

Difficulty: Moderate

 

Parking: Warren Car Park – (approximate postcode for Sat Navs PL8 1HB - this postcode covers quite a wide area, but should take you close enough to find the car park). Note that the car park gets very full in the holiday season and at weekends. There is also a car park in Noss Mayo, but as the lanes are narrow, please do not park on the road.

 

Summary:

The many faces of maritime South Devon in one walk; the wild open sea and rugged coast, a sheltered estuary, wooded riverbanks, and the charming waterfront villages of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers [pictured above].

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Distance: 3.75 miles

Parking: Bigbury on Sea Car Park

Difficulty:  Moderate to Strenuous. 4 stiles; 3 steep ascents; 2 steep descents.

Terrain: Fairly even underfoot. Field footpaths; coastal footpath; green lanes; surfaced roads.

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Directions:

1 Exit car park up driveway at top left, passing below the red phone box. Bear left through overflow car park, signed ‘Coast Path to Challaborough’. Bear left along road.

2 By sign for Ringmore Drive bear left onto track, which drops down to Challaborough.

3 Follow road behind beach. 40m past entrance to holiday park, turn right in front of recycling facilities then immediately left, following fingerpost around back of garage and along coast path, signed for Ayrmer Cove.

4 Follow coast path along the cliffs. At Ayrmer Cove follow path behind beach over footbridge. At far end of beach turn right and follow footpath inland along fence line and then green lane.

5 Path curves to pass round back of Lower Manor Farm. Follow road up to village.

6 By the church, turn right, signed for Challaborough. After 130m bear left down a track between The Nook and post box, which leads onto a public footpath.

7 At the gate, take right hand footpath straight down field to bottom of valley, then across stream and up the other side.

8 Cross road at top and follow footpath down into next valley and again up the other side.

9 At the fingerpost at the top of the hill turn right and follow ridge path down to Bigbury.

10 Join road down into village. Where the road curves left, cross straight over and down to car park.

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Heritage:

A monastery once occupied Burgh Island, just off the shore from Bigbury. A small chapel was built on the highest point of the island in medieval times, and you can still see the remains of a building there today. This was a ‘huer’s hut’, occupied by a lookout who would scan the seas for shoals of pilchard. When he spied one, he would shout and holler, bringing fishermen running for their boats. At one time, local boats might land as many as a million fish in a day. The Pilchard Inn on the island dates from the 14th century. It was once the haunt of notorious Elizabethan smuggler Tom Crocker – and the place where he was eventually shot dead by the customs men. A tunnel, now bricked up, used to connect the inn to a cave on the beach where his smuggled goods were landed.

In the 1920s, Burgh Island was a trendy destination for the rich, famous and fashionable who came to stay at the hotel there. The hotel remains open, and is one the best survivors of the art deco era.

The village of Ringmore is first mentioned as the manor of Reimora in the Domesday Book of 1086. In fact, there was probably a settlement there well before then. Ringmore’s pub, Journey’s End, takes its name from the famous play by R.C. Sherriff about life in the WWI trenches, said to have been written at the inn.

Before this, the pub, originally built to house the labourers who built the church, seems to have had a colourful history. Although described in a church document of 1685 as ‘a house of good order’, and used for meetings of the very respectable Town Council, it actually had a false wall concealing a secret room where smugglers hid their contraband. All Hallows Church, Ringmore, was built around 1240. By the 19th century it was in a sorry state, to the extent that its rotting pews occasionally collapsed under worshippers during services. However, the little church was pulled back from the brink by an energetic Victorian rector, Francis Hingeston, and today it is well kept, and open to visitors.

Another dynamic Ringmore rector, William Lane, roused local men to fight for the king during the English Civil War. He fired cannon at Roundhead soldiers crossing the bridge at nearby Aveton Gifford. Seeking revenge, Roundhead troops landed at Ayrmer Cove and came after him. However, the rector stayed hidden in the church tower in Ringmore for 3 months, before managing to escape to France.

Wildlife

Tree Mallows grow along the cliff edges, particularly at Bigbury. They have woody stems a little like brassica stalks, and large velvety leaves. They produce clusters of pinkish flowers with purple veins on the petals, and plants are generally anything from 50 cm to 2 metres tall, or more.

On the cliffs, especially between Bigbury and Challacombe, you can find a wild relative of our cultivated spinach, Sea Beet. Look out for its clumps of thick, dark green leaves among the rough grassland of the cliffs. The leaves are edible, and tasty, although with a bit of a strong aftertaste!

Wild Carrot, another country cousin of a garden vegetable, also grows along these cliffs, this time more commonly between Challacombe and Ayrmer Cove. Also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, it has delicate ferny, feathery leaves. It produces rosettes of massed tiny white flowers, often with a light blush in the centre of the flowerhead.

In places the cliffs beyond Challacombe are peppered with rabbit warrens. This is ideal habitat for rabbits, as they prefer dry well- drained grassland, and the gradual crumbling of these cliffs probably loosens up the soil to make digging easier. It is also nice and open up here, which means that it would be difficult for any predators to get too close without being spotted.

Hazel trees line the hedge bank along the green lane from Ayrmer Cove to Ringmore. Hazel catkins – and the tiny deep red female flowers that poke out from the ends of certain buds – are among the first signs of spring. Later in the year, hazel nuts are a very important food source for, amongst others, the rare, golden- coloured dormouse.

Along lanes and hedgerows inland you may glimpse a Sparrowhawk. This deadly hunter preys on smaller birds, and has a long tail to help it manoeuvre at high speed. It never hovers or soars, but zips along between trees or low along hedges, often switching suddenly up and over a hedgerow to surprise a bird on the other side.

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Distance: 8.8 miles (14.1 km)

Parking: Bantham Sands car park - TQ7 3AN or walk from the cottage, taking the Stakes Hill Road signposted Easton at the village shop/pub crossroads. Free parking by the bridge at Aveton Gifford.

Difficulty: Challenging - Footpaths which may be muddy, green lanes, surfaced roads including a tidal road. A fair amount of steep ascent and descent, with some stiles and steps.

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A circular route on both sides of the River Avon, along by the wooded banks of the estuary where the river flows into the sea at the end of its journey from Dartmoor. Curlews call from the shoreline, herons nest near Cockleridge, and it is one of the best places in England to see swans. Trout and salmon swim in to spawn upriver, and otters can sometimes be seen fishing. At Aveton Gifford the walk crosses the historic bridge over the saltmarsh, following the route that ancient travellers took on their way from Modbury to Kingsbridge.

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The South West Coast Path crosses the Avon by ferry, which is seasonal. Out of season, use this walk. The route travels along a road which floods at high tide so check the tides before you leave. Directions are also given for an alternative route inland, bypassing this road. This adds a mile (1.6km) to the total distance.

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Distance 5.6 miles (9.0 km)

Parking Parish Church of St James, Kingston - TG7 4QE

Difficulty: Challenging - Coastal path, footpaths and bridleways, can be muddy. Quiet roads inland. Some steep ups and downs.

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A walk along high clifftops, above a rocky coastline where the surf washes around stacks and islets and runs in channels between the seaweed-clad rocks on the small sandy beaches. Ravens wheel overhead and oyster catchers pipe as they patrol the tideline. The clifftop grasslands are full of butterflies in summer, and in the woodlands above the Erme estuary, the trees are festooned with lichen. A good walk in springtime when the woods are carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic, as well as primroses and celandines.

 

This walk is particularly good for dogs as it passes a beach and pub where dogs are welcome. See Top Dog Walks on the South West Coast Path for more dog-friendly beaches and pubs.

There are four walks around the Parish Boundary of Ringmore where a benefactor has recently placed 18 marker stones.

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For fantastic local maps detailing great walks and cycle paths in the area, check out Croyde Cycle.