Saltram at Christmas

We went to Saltram planning to have a short walk around the gardens between showers.  At the reception we were told that a tour of the House was just about to start, so we joined this.  The theme of the tour was "Saltram at Christmas".  Some of the rooms were decorated for Christmas and as we walked around the guide explained how Christmas was celebrated through the ages at Saltram.

After looking around the house we did get our short walk around the gardens.  We were surprised to see the first snowdrop.

There were also some other flowers still out, such as white hydrengeas and another flower I did not recognise. that looked like it was related to orchids.  Some of the camelias were also showing colour.

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Eden Project

Eden is a great place to visit during the winter when it could rain at any time. We particularly went to visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which did not disappoint.  There were some stunning photos.

As we walked into the biodomes we saw daffodils flowering - only a couple of months early!

As usual there were lots of bright unusual plants to see in the tropical rainforest.



The new Bakery Shop situated between the two domes looked very enticing but in the Mediterranean Dome there were lovely smells of cooking and we chose to eat the Breton Fish Stew and Hungarian Bean Goulash there instead.  Delicious!

As we walked back to the Visitors Centre and Exit we noticed this shrub covered by berries, just as bright as the tropical flowers in the domes.

Saltram in Autumn

As we approached Saltram we could not help notice the berries on the bush by the gate.

As we walked through the gardens we saw a pheasant, the first time we had seen one there.  It was a pity it moved as I photographed it!

Some of the trees looked spectacular with their autumn colour.

In contrast there was a wonderful white hydrengra 

Newton Abbott to Teigngrace

It was a mild November day so we wanted to make the most of it and go for a long walk, but we thought footpaths would be muddy after all the rain we have had recently, so we chose to walk along the Templar Way as this is a cycle path a lot of the way.

We caught the train to Newton Abbott and then walked down past Tuckers Maltings to the cycle path that led along the River Lemon.  This led into Jetty Marsh Nature Reserve and then along the old canal up to Teignbridge.  Most of the time there was a good path, although it did get very muddy at the end.  It was a pleasant flat walk, but nothing special to see except the occasional mushrooms and berries on the trees.

Tree full of berries

Close up of berries.

Ivybridge Woods

It was a mild November afternoon, so we took the opportunity of a walk along the river Erme up from Ivybridge.  It had rained a lot recently and the path was muddy in places but the torrent of water flowing down was spectacular and the scene was brightened up with the autumn colours on the trees.

 

Buckland Abbey in Autumn

It was another lovely day, so although we only had the afternoon free we decided to make the most of it by visiting Buckland Abbey.

We followed their well marked paths of the red route past the field of sheep and through the edge of the woods.  Once we reached the Carp pond we walked back to the Abbey along the Monk's Path (outward Yellow route) as this is a more gentle slope.  The trees were all changing colour or they had lost their leaves and the sun shining on them made them look lovely.

Topsham

there was a nip in the air first thing it was a perfect day to get out exploring.  We took the train to Exeter  and then changed to the train to Exmouth and went as far as Topsham.

To begin with we walked inland to Dartsfarm that is on the outskirts of Topsham and just a 15 minute walk from the station.   It was good to see all the variety of specialist foods and home products but we did not buy anything except our lunch of fish and chips.  A sparrow kept us company at the next table.

After lunch we followed the cycle path to Exon.  It was a lovely walk in the country, but we only occasionally got glimpses of the river.  At Exton a train was due so we caught it back to Topsham.  The railway platform at Exton must have one of the best views in the country.

Back in Topsham we wandered down the main street looking at all the independent shops and cafes.  Eventually we came to the quay and then we walked on to Goat Walk, where the land comes to an end.  We then walked back along the estuary until we were back at the top of the town and the railway station.  From here is was back home on the train with a change at Exeter