Synopsis: Very familiar territory. A fairly light walk this, reasonably short in distance and few hill climbs. I started just out and above Teignmouth to take in the fantastic views approaching Shaldon.
I set myself up for a fairly light and easy walk today. Several recent walks have been quite demanding, especially so in the recent heat wave we’ve been experiencing. Today the weather was hot and humid, and so once again was quite demanding. Hordes of flies buzzed me whenever I was in walking through thick vegetation.
I’ve a big confession to make. I gaffed completely when it came to making my bus connections in the morning. I had three bus hops to make to get to my walk start, and I was doing alright after the first two, but fouled up on the third. There I was standing at what I thought was my bus stop, only to see my bus go past me on the opposite side of the road. Yes, I was standing at the bus stop on the wrong side of the road. For some reason I got it into my head the bus would be travelling in a certain direction, only to find I was completely wrong. Luckily the bus I needed to catch runs on a 30 minute frequency, so I wouldn’t have too long to wait, this time standing on the right side of the road! So annoying!
Walk start, near cliff head car parkI was dropped at the end of what is named Deane’s Lane. There was then a rather nasty stretch along the busy main road up to where there is a car park from which I could pick up my path. The car park is quite a major attraction, and usually hosts an ice cream van, but it hadn’t arrived as of yet. From the car park a short path of about 100 metres connects with the coastal path. There is also an alternative path that hogs the contours if you’re feeling lazy, or perhaps simply want to do a circular walk from the car park.
The Ness
It wasn’t long before I mounted the summit of a hill and the views opened up over The Ness, Shaldong and Teignmouth. I’ve done this part of the walk before, so I knew I was in for a treat. It is quite a steep descent from here which demands some concentration, but the ground was firm and dry underneath, so there were no slip-ups.
The view of Teignmouth from The Ness view point
The view point at the tip of The Ness, thankfully cleared of overgrown vegetation, is a fantastic place to just stand and take in the view. The view stretches across the mouth of the River Teign, along Teignmouth sea front, and then sweeps around the bay, with Exmouth clearly visible in the distance. The tide was in so I was looking out over a vast expanse of water; at low tide the area behind Teignmouth becomes mud flats.
Shaldon - anyone for bowls
I descended from The Ness and began to stroll through Shaldon which is a delightful place, full of many beautiful buildings. Men and women were beginning to appear on the green to play bowls. Others were drifting into their days sipping coffee in the various cafes.
Teignmouth - pier and exotic gardens
My next stop was Teignmouth, where I paused briefly on a bench gazing out on Teignmouth Pier. The gardens along the promenade were looking very exotic. After taking a few photos I head off for my next destination, which would be Dawlish. Although I planned to make it my lunch stop, I didn’t quite make it. This was partly due to my finding a bench on top of a hill in the shade and with a glorious view. This was too good to pass up.
Dawlish
After lunch I dropped down into Dawlish. I approached along the cliff path that leads down towards the beach. I could see children climbing on the breakwater. They were jumping in the sea from the top, which must have required some nerve, as it is quite a height. I don’t think I’d want to do it. Moving on into Dawlish and walking through the gardens, a place visited so many times through the years. I thought I’d see if I could capture some unusual shots of the place; you’ll have to judge for yourself whether I succeeded.
Dawlish Warren - the party commences
Easy level walking along the sea wall from Dawlish to Dawlish Warren was next on my itinerary. I passed the Red Rock cafe, a hut by the cliff, and was quite close to the Warren when this very loud music started up. There was a marquee on the grass and lots of people gathered around, seemingly having a party. I’m afraid that was not what I wanted, so I beat a hasty retreat to the bus stop. Shame really, as it did me out of a peaceful rest in Dawlish Warren.
A worthy walk, even if very familiar to me. Quite a lot of people about as we encroach upon the main holiday season. Lesson to be learnt: don’t expect it to be necessarily peaceful. Oh, and stand on the right side of the street to catch your bus.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 9.5 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 39min
Stopped Time: 1hr 8min
Total Ascent: 317 metres
Maximum Elevation: 139 metres
Buses: X64, 12, 11 & 2
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