Starcross to Exeter Quay

We caught the train to Starcross then started to walk along the Exe Valley cycle path towards Exeter.  This was a lovely flat walk, beside the river Exe and then the Exeter canal.  At times we had to share our path with cyclists, but some of they way there was a separate footpath for walkers.  Although we were on a road at one point, it was only an access road and cars knew they had to share the space with walkers and cyclists.  Most of the way we had a view of the water, and lovely countryside on the other side.  This included walking past Powderham Castle, and we could see the deer in the distance.

Our original plan we to walk to the Turf Hotel for lunch then catch the ferry to Topsham to get the train home.  However, after a wonderful lunch at Turf Hotel (salad and curry) we felt ready to walk all the way to Exeter.  Turf Hotel was in a lovely setting, and I am sure we will go back there again.  Fortunately we were they just after 12 and got our meal quickly, but it was busy and I am sure in high season and later in the lunchtime there might have been quite a wait for food.

We walked on another 3 miles until we came to Double Locks.  We have eaten at this pub in the past when we have walked out from Exeter.  Today we just stopped for a cup of tea and cake.  It was very crowded and we felt we preferred Turf Lodge.  

Having been refreshed we continued on to Exeter Quay and then walked to Exeter St Thomas' station. Altogether we had walked 9 miles and we were tired, but it had been a good day. In future I would probably do the walk from Starcross to Turf Hotel, but not go on all the way to Exeter.

Wheal Jewell reservoir and Lydford Gorge

I love walking on Dartmoor, but like to have walks with definite paths so there is no danger of us getting lost..  I was therefore pleased to find the walk at http://www.richkni.co.uk/dartmoor/betsy.htm which said it was a walk with clear paths.

The walk starts off the main road just north of Mary Tavy. We found it difficult to find where we had to park to start the walk, but eventually we found where we needed to stop by the path up to the Wheal Jewell reservoir.  The walk was easy as it was flat and with wide ranging views.  We could see the Wheal Betsy mine works but as there was no definite path to it was did not go to see it closer but instead stayed on the path to the Wheal Jewell reservoir and then walked around that and then back again on the same path.

The leat that flows into the reservoir

Pool beside the reservoir

Wheal Jewell reservoir

As this had only been a short walk we drove on to Lydford Gorge.  We walked down to the Devil's Cauldron then returned to the car and drove to the other end of the gorge and walked to the base of the White Lady Waterfall.  The wild garlic was out, but only a few of the bluebells.  It won't be long before the woodlands around this National Trust property will look wonderful.

Devils Cauldron

River rushing through the gorge

White Lady Waterfall

Tasvistock

As a break from driving we decided to take the bus from Plymouth to Tavistock.  We had been wanting to do this for a few weeks since we learnt there is a duo ticket that meant both us of could travel there and back for £8, which we thought was good value.  We caught the double decker bus by Plymouth Railway Station and enjoyed the view from the top deck during the journey.

After coffee in the Wharf coffee shop we started by walking along the river to the centre of Tavistock.  There was a lot of water coming down the weir.

We spent a pleasant hour looking around the pannier market, the stalls outside and other shops before a fish and chip lunch.The market is certainly a very interesting place to visit.

We then walked up to the viaduct and onto the old railway line that is now a cycle and foot path.  From here we had an elevated view of Tavistock.  After going under several bridges we came to a road which we followed downhill until we came back to the main road by Drakes statue.  Another time we will walk up the canal from here but today we made our way back to the centre of Tavistock.  We had intended to walk along the canal but we noticed some purple by the river and so went to investigate.  It was masses of crocuses that had been planted at the end of  Meadowlands.  A lovely cheerful site.

Tavistock is definitely a good destination for a day out from Plymouth, and with buses every half an hour it is easy to use public transport.

Saltram snowdrops

For once it wasn't raining so we went for a quick walk at Saltram.  I particularly wanted to see the snowdrops that I anticipated would be out by now.  And I was not disappointed.  As soon as we entered the gardens we saw the snowdrops that had been planted in the first flower bed during the last year.

There were also snowdrops around several of the trees and at the side of the Lime Walk and other beds in the gardens.

There were also other  flowers out showing that Spring was on the way.  An occasional daffodil was in flower, although most were still in bud and and there were some primroses peeping through.  Crocuses  were showing their colour but not fully out.  Amongst some of the beds of snowdrops there were aconites.

There were also shrubs and trees in blossom adding to the colour in the garden that brightened the day.

Azelia

Camelia

Witch Hazel

 Having walked around the gardens we decided to walk down to Snowdrop Wood in the grounds on the Boundary Walk towards Marsh Mills.  On the way we saw a new signpost which was a very interesting design.

 There were a lot of wild snowdrops in the area of Snowdrop Wood.