Ruth’s Guidebook - What to see and do from Apt 2

Blackpool Sands Turn right out of the drive and walk towards the Post Office and village stores. Turn left here and walk up towards the Green Dragon. Turn left at the church and follow this lane to the bottom. Cross with care and turn right. Take a moment to take in the view of the incredible coast line. Bear left continuing along the SW coastal path through the beautiful tree lined path with the sea on your left, following the path down to Blackpool Sands and the Venus Cafe.

Dartmouth Turn right out of the drive and walk towards the Post Office and village stores. Turn right here and walk up through the village keeping to the right. After no more than 3/4 minutes, turn right into signposted SW Coastal Path. Follow this beautiful lane as it wends its way downhill and bends to the left taking time to admire the sea views on your right and the wonderful hedgerows, especially in spring and summer . At the top of a slight hill you will see a National Trust carpark for Little Dartmouth on your left and right. For the shorter option...... continue straight ahead, keeping the sea to the right. Keep to the path as you essentially walk up and over before dropping down to Dartmouth Castle. For the longer (30 minutes or so) and more beautiful option........... Turn right through the car parking area, walking towards the sea along a path at the edge of a field. At the end of the path turn right with the sea on your left. Follow the coastal path as it bends to the left and gently undulates before bringing you out at Dartmouth Castle. Reward yourselves with tea and cake or ice creams at the Castle Tea rooms and then head down to the ferry crossing, just to the right beyond the castle. The ferry transports you gently along the Dart into the centre of Dartmouth. Alternatively continue along the path straight ahead, keeping the River Dart to your right and you will find yourselves in the centre of Dartmouth. For the return journey little legs may prefer to take the bus back to Stoke Fleming from the Pontoon in Dartmouth.

Burgh Island and The Historic Pilchard Inn Do check tide times before you go! Drive to Bigbury and take the world famous sea tractor across to Burgh Island and its iconic art deco hotel or simply walk across at low tide. Walk to the top of the Island for breathtaking views and fascinating history before taking refuge in the incredible Pilchard Inn. Dating back to 1336 this was a favourite haunt of fisherman and smugglers in times gone by. Refresh the taste buds with one of their mouthwatering ales or ciders, the perfect accompaniment to their famous crab baguettes.

Kingsbridge A beautiful meander along the A379 will bring you to the delightful town of Kingsbridge. A perfect destination in its own right or en route to Burgh Island or Salcombe. A traditional high street nestles above the River Dart, boasting mainly independent stores. Herring Shoes, the fabulous fruit and veg shop, traditional toy shops, kitchen shops and any of the bakeries are well worth seeking out.

Gara Rock/Mill Bay/Salcombe This is a firm favourite of ours. Drive to the National Trust car park at Mill Bay, East Portlemouth. Arrive before 11am in peak season to be sure of a space. Check out the walk details from the Ordnance Survey Pathfinder Guide in the grey box containing guidebooks. The walk takes you along a stunning tree lined path walking away from the sea, continue straight ahead, crossing a small track and after 20 minutes or so you will arrive at Gara Point and the opulent Gara Rock hotel. Sit outside if weather permits and sock up the extraordinary coastal views and enjoy lunch. Continue along the coastal path following it to the right, with the sea on your left, as it winds around the headland before returning to the Salcombe estuary. Atop for a fame of cricket on Mill Bay or walk along the beach and take the Mill ferry boat across to Salcombe. My girls then make a beeline for Cranch's sweet shop, a wonderfully traditional confectioner, easily identifiable by its pink and white stripe awning.

Hope Cove Fabulous Boogie Boarding and a delightful National Trust cafe.

Bantham Sands Fabulous beach and a favourite spot for boogie boarding. Often has a lovely beach cafe shepherd hut.