At the top of the hill behind the Pottery lies “Gallant’s Bower”, site of a Civil War fort, with a fantastic (and presumably strategically useful) panoramic view sweeping from the Town and harbour, across the Kingswear side of the estuary, and then across the English channel round towards Blackpool and start bay. There is a path leading from the top end of the Pottery carpark, up the steep side of the hill, across the fort and then down the other side to join up with the South West Coast Path, so it makes an interesting detour from the standard path. The hill belongs to the National Trust.
The top is a picturesque, open place at any time, but in late April (weather permitting) the whole is bathed in a sea of bluebells. When the sun is out and a gentle breeze sets them all swaying, it’s quite dazzling.
