In the summer this
popularity results in crowds that can be off-putting for those
who prefer a little peace and quiet. No problem: South Devon is
an ideal location for a short caravan break at either end of the
main season, in Spring or Autumn - especially so if you enjoy
walking, since there are wonderful areas for either a stroll or
something more strenuous!
One of the most appealing parts of Devon, the
South
Hams , brings together interesting small towns, pretty
villages, gently rolling countryside and a coastline that has
been described as the most attractive in Britain. This can be a
good touring base not only for the towns and coastline of the
South Hams itself, but also for the stark contrasts of the
Dartmoor National Park a short distance to the north.
South Devon is a great part of the country for walking, with the
South West Coastal path providing access to wonderful cliffs and
quiet beaches, and quiet country lanes away from the sea. The
route along the cliffs at Start Point is particularly good, with
spectacular views out to sea. Park at Hallsands, follow the
coastal path south to Start Point, and make the short diversion
to Start Point Lighthouse (now unoccupied but open to the public
occasionally). Continue west along the coastal path to Lannacombe
Beach, then return to Hallsands inland by the country lanes.
Further to the west Prawle Point is another good place to access
the coastal path.
Kingsbridge is the principal town of the South
Hams, relatively unspoiled at the head of the Kingsbridge
Estuary. A key market town for the region, in the days of sail it
was an important port and ship-building centre. Those times are
long gone; the quayside, where sailing ships were once built and
rigging ropes made, is now a focal point for visitors and gives
good views out towards the sea. The Town Trail leaflet available
from the Tourist Office has information on the trades that used
to be carried out in various buildings, from rope making to
milling, and also the peculiar passageways that are a feature of
the town. The ancient, stone building in the main street known as
The Shambles - once used as butchers stalls - is worth a
look.
Totnes, long a busy market town, has been going
through something of a transformation over recent years and has
an 'art and craft' feel about it aimed, no doubt, at
visitors to the area. Interesting sights in the town include the
castle and the Guild Hall, a 16th Century building which once
included a prison and is still in use as a council chamber.
Dartmouth, home of the famous Britannia Royal
Naval College, is a pretty town on the Dart Estuary and a natural
anchorage and haven for many small boats. Bayards Quay has been
kept much as it was a hundred or more years ago. In 1620 the
Pilgrim fathers sailed from here in the Mayflower towards a new
life in America, and it has often been used as a location for
filming - in the 1970s it was featured regularly in the
television programme 'The Onedin Line'. Some of the
villages further up the Dart Estuary, such as Dittisham or Stoke
Gabriel, are worth a visit; boat trips are available from
Dartmouth.
Across the estuary from Dartmouth lies the town of Kingswear.
Small, rather old-fashioned car ferries operate frequently both
above and below the town eliminating the need to pass through
Totnes
en route to Brixham or Torbay.
The pretty, waterside town of Salcombe sits close to the mouth of
the Kingsbridge Estuary. On occasion - particularly in the peak
summer season - it seems to be entirely devoted to sailing and is
packed with members of the yachting fraternity. At other times,
though, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through narrow streets
close to the water's edge with spectacular views up or down
the estuary. This is the most southerly resort in Devon and it
benefits from a particularly mild climate. A ferry (pedestrians
only) operates to the small village of East Portlemouth,
opposite.
A short distance north of the South Hams is the Dartmoor National
Park, an area of hills, forests and moorland dotted with small,
picturesque villages. Famous for Dartmoor Prison at Princetown,
and with
Dartmoor Ponies roaming freely across the moor, it is great
for walking or just driving. There are many places to visit -
take a look at the Old Clapper Bridge at Postbridge, or the
bubbling water at Dartmeet. Walk up Haytor for a great view of
the surrounding moorland, or just find a quiet spot and enjoy the
wonderful scenery. You could do worse than stopping for a while
at
Bellever, close to Postbridge.
This area of South Devon is ideal for a short caravanning break
and there are several touring sites from which to choose. We
stayed in the Caravan Club site at Start Bay (members only) and
from here it is possible to walk to the seashore at nearby
Torcross. A circular walk guide - available at the site or in
Torcross - will get you along the coastal path to nearby Beesands
via an old quarry, then back to Torcross through woods and
fields.
A World War II Sherman tank is on permanent display as a memorial
at nearby
Slapton Sands - recovered in recent years from a lifetime
submerged under the sea after being lost during a practice for
the invasion of France. Slapton Sands itself is a shingle bank
that separates the sea from the freshwater 'lagoon' of
Slapton Ley, managed as a wildlife sanctuary.
© GDS 2003
