Synopsis: A walk following the River Avon from South Brent. This was a lovely ‘daffodil walk, as the banks of the River Avon were carpeted with them. Over my shoulder were views of Dartmoor.
This was going to be a long day, as bus walks often are. Up at 5:30 for breakfast, prepare meal for slow cooker, then catch 8:48 bus. Being a Sunday, not my favourite day for bus walks, there were going to be few options to catch a bus home at the end of the day. I’d be catching the 18:20 out of Kingsbridge later in the day. This would be much later than I’d normally choose but there weren’t a lot options. Still, mustn’t complain, as on paper this looked like being a really interesting walk.
I was deposited by bus quickly and efficiently in South Brent. The sun was shining and the day was warm. I immediately picked up a lane heading up out of the village, over the A38, and out into the country. It was a little while before I escaped the din of the traffic all around, but eventually I left the bustle far behind.
The early walking was mostly along lanes, but there was little traffic, so the walking was pleasant. It was easy going too, as I was following the course of the river. I could see a good deal of evidence for the old dismantled railway, which I was also to follow for most of my walk.
The rail line, the Kingsbridge branch line, otherwise known as the Primrose Line, just over 12 miles in length, ran between South Brent and Kingsbridge. Plans to run it to Salcombe never materialised apparently. Some of these old rail routes such as this were real gems, travelling through amazing countryside. The stations, such as that at Loddiswell, look a bit out of place now, occupied as dwellings, but undeniably still stations that have simply lost their purpose.
Diptford church, visible on the brow of the hill.I had to climb steadily up a lane to reach the village of Diptford. I could make out the village church on my approach along the valley, as the church steeple stands prominent on the hill. I stopped briefly by the church to take a few photos whilst the sound of church goers this Easter Sunday could be heard inside singing hymns. Sometimes there’s an inviting bench in a church yard, but I couldn’t see one here, so I pack a muesli bar in my back pocket to eat en route, and set off on my way.
Carpet of daffodils
As previously mentioned, the river banks were dotted with many daffodils. I couldn’t have timed this walk better. They were a real treat to see, something I hadn’t at all expected. I suspect some people who live locally know of this ‘secret’ of the valley, as there were quite a few couples and families out walking.
Kingsbridge, EsplanadeOn reaching Kingsbridge, I found myself walking down Fore Street, which was ideal, as I wanted to locate some old Francis Frith photos of Kingsbridge, many of which were taken in Fore Street. Once again, as with recent walks to Kingskerswell, Axminster and Wellington, the previous night I’d loaded my mobile phone with old photos from the Francis Frith collection. Kingsbridge is well endowed with these, having 42 in total. Obviously a very popular place in times gone by. I had a reasonable amount of time on my hands before my bus was due to arrive, so I could wander around the environs of Kingsbridge to see if I could identify the locations of these old photos. Probably a strange occupation you’re thinking, but it amuses me.
Kingsbridge, Fore StreetOnce again I discovered kingsbridge hadn’t changed so much, at least in the heart of the town. It was perhaps surprisingly easy to identify the locations of many of the Francis Frith photos. In this ever changing modern world it’s nice to find a semblance of earlier times; at least I think so. The only major difference today is that the streets are littered with cars, so much so it is difficult to take a good photo. Francis Frith never knew how easy he had it!
My bus arrived punctually at it’s allotted hour, which was a relief, for as much as I was enjoying my visit to Kingsbridge, my turkey stew was what I really relished this late in the day. It had been a really good day’s walking. And nice to have had the sun accompany me for most of the day.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 16.4 miles
Moving Time: 6hrs 11min
Stopped Time: 1hr 35min
Total Ascent: 649 metres
Maximum Elevation: 170 metres
Buses: X38 & X64
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