Synopsis: A loop around Torbay starting from The Bridge Retail Park, through Cockington onto Oldway Mansion returning to Torquay.
This was once again very much a spur of the moment walk. I wanted to check something out at the Staples store, and rather than go to the local store I decided on visiting the store in Torquay as I could then make that the start of a walk. I hurried to get ready to catch the 9.30 bus, not having time to prepare a walk. I did the walk planning whilst I was on the bus to Torquay.
Oldway Mansion, PaigntonThe idea that came to me for this walk was to see Oldway Mansion in Paignton, a building I’d often heard mentioned but had never seen. I knew precisely where it was. It is situated not far from one of our old family day trip venues. I discovered that Oldway Mansion is certainly large and grand, and yet rather peculiar with it. Some aspects of the building don’t seem quite in proportion or harmony with the rest of it. It seems to have highly coloured baroque flourishes here and there. And with it’s large white pillared front it brought to mind the White House in Washington, USA. I suppose for me it has a slight air of a building with grand pretensions. It’s not grotesque, just a little weird. Take a look at some of the sculptures on the external walls of the building.
IItalianate Gardens at Oldway MansionOldway Mansion is today used as council offices. It has an interesting history, which you can read about at Wikipedia. The grounds around the building are reasonably tidy but not planted for great interest, probably to hold the upkeep costs down. It’s a bit of a shame, as fine gardens would really set the house off. The best part of the garden I felt was the knot garden. This formed lovely shapes and was well planted, if a little tired looking. There is a strange cave/grotto in the garden, which is fenced off probably because it is unsafe.
Electric House, Torquay
As I’m waiting to catch the bus home from Torquay I spy an interesting looking building across the street from the bus stop. The building is called Electric House and is an excellent example of art deco architecture. Luckily most of it has not been tampered with, and such items as doors, windows, and even the clock appear to be authentic art deco. Smashing, and so understated and probably unnoticed.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 11.6 miles
Elapsed Time: 5hrs 44min
Total Ascent: 592 metres
Maximum Elevation: 152.6 metres
Buses: X64, 32 & 2
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