Dartmouth - Natural Beauty
Natural Beauty
The South West Coast Path runs 630 miles from Poole in Dorset
right round the coast of Devon an Cornwall to Minehead, and passes Dartmouth. The path includes many scenic walks with sections to suit walkers
of all abilities. From Dartmouth Castle, the walk south is not too challenging, and offers great spots for picnicking, birdwatching, and allows
access to several small coves. Crossing the ferry to Kingswear, you can take the path North towards Brixham, with more stunning cliff top views
and quiet beaches, such as
Man Sands.
South Hams features many of the cleanest beaches in the UK, including some which can be reached easily along the Coast Path such as the award winning
Blackpool Sands, with a great cafe. Believe it or not, this peaceful cove was
the site of the last (albeit brief) invasion of the UK mainland by French militia in 1404. In 1944 Blackpool and neighbouring
Slapton were used in practice and preparation
for the (more successful) invasion of France. Slapton Ley is now a nature reserve.
Hope cove on the west side of the South Hams coast is a
popular location for swimming, scuba diving and also has a public slipway. There is a good pub, and is one of the few beaches where you can watch
the sun set into the sea. A little further along the coast are the vast sandy beaches at Bantham and
Bigbury, (
check for low tide),
very Popular with Surfers, kite fliers, kite boarders, and anyone who likes making sand castles.
Dartmoor
As if all this coastal beauty wasn't enough, Dartmoor lies about 30 mins drive from Dartmouth, offering rugged and beautiful open moorland, ideal for running, walking, cycling, nature watching..... and cream tea!
Local History
Dartmouth Castle and St Petrox Chapel date from the 14th Century, built to guard the mouth of the river. Bayards Cove, a Tudor gun emplacement lies
on your walk into Dartmouth - the old quayside from Bayards Cove to the lower ferry was so atmospheric, it was used extensively in filming the
Onedin Line series in the 1970s (who could forget that
theme tune?!)
There are a number of National Trust properties around, such as
Coleton Fishacre, art deco mansion
built for Rupert D'Oyly Carte, with beautiful gardens and sea views, or
Greenway, Agatha Cristie's home overlooking
the river opposite Dittisham. The remains of the Civil War fort of Gallants Bower, lie on the hill directly above the Pottery. This fort was built and manned with guns
by Royalist forces who occupied the town in 1643.
Here is our YouTube selection of walking, beaches and outdoor activities around Dartmouth :
