Synopsis: All aboard! The Seaton tramway that runs from Colyton is followed for part of this walk. Also passed by Shute Barton (NT), but today it was not open to the public. And something grizzly too!
I thought this might be a walk I’d fail to undertake when the bus I was travelling outwards on broke down in Rockbeare. Thankfully Stagecoach sent out a replacement bus from Exeter, and it only delayed me for 30 minutes. As this planned walk was of a relatively short distance, the delay did not impact significantly on my intentions.
The morning started bright enough, but as the day wore on some low level cloud obscured the sun somewhat and created a hazy light that reduced visibility. A pity really, as the countryside was so beautiful and there was the potential for some really excellent views. Still, it remained dry (mostly), and this wasn’t going to spoil my day.
I was greeted by a very disgruntled man a minute or two into my walk. He asked if I had just got off the bus, to which I indicated I had. He said he’d hoped to catch it, but after waiting for a long time had given up on it. I explained that the bus was running thirty minutes late as a replacement had to be called out. He grumbled something about the buses always breaking down (which isn’t my experience). He was not a happy man! The trouble with buses is that when things do go wrong, it’s very difficult to find information about what is happening. That’s an experience I’ve had on a few occasions.
On the approach to Shute Barton
My path climbed gradually into a woods through which I intended to circle on my way to Shute. On the brow of the hill I was greeted with the sight of a gypsy camp. I’d seen a woman drive by me on the rough woodland track I walked and I thought then that that was odd, so the sight of a gypsy (or should that be ‘travellers’ these days?) camp wasn’t a complete surprise. Whether the authorities know they’re here I don’t know. I have to say they’ve chosen a delightful setting. I said, as one traveller to another, a “good morning” in my friendliest tones to a man holding back a very large dog on which I hoped he had a firm grip! Discretion led me to think best not tarry.
Shute parish church of St Michael
It was lovely walking through the forest. The sound of bird song was all around. This was easy going and I was soon descending a track towards Shute Barton when the local parish church came into view. I took a little time out to walk up to the church and give it a quick inspection.
Shute parish church of St Michael - statue to William Pole
There is a significant statue to a William Pole, who was Master of the Household under Queen Anne. I presume Shute Barton was his country pile. It’s slightly unusual to have a statue in a church like this, but that’s man’s vanity for you. Shute Barton is National Trust, but there in only very limited opening to the public due to it having been converted to a ‘premium’ holiday accommodation. “The gateway, Elizabethan and built to impress, has two wings with turrets meeting over a central arch and pavilion displaying the Pole arms.” – Shell Guide
Seaton Tramway - Colyton
From here my path took me across country through fields and along tracks before eventually descending on the edge of a woods in the direction of Colyton. This is the terminus of the Seaton Tramway, a brief history of which is available at British Heritage Railways.
A tram was boarding in the station so I hung around for a while to watch it pull out of the station. Being electric it of course does this without very much fuss at all. It does however look wonderfully quaint, and along with a very picturesque Colyton station, this was a charming window on a bygone time and world, albeit a little fake. I say that, as apparently these trams have been displaced from their original home, which was Eastbourne, and are now running on what was once a conventional rail line. Rather lovely all the same. There are photos of the line as a conventional railway in the Rail Station UK – Colyton group on Flickr. And there’s also the Tram UK – Seaton Tramway group on Flickr.
Colyton - "Most photographed lamppost in Devon
I came across this rather ornate lamppost in Colyton, so I had to take a photo of it, only to discover later that it is said to be: “The most photographed lamppost in Devon”.
River Axe
By this time I was getting hungry and looking for a suitable place to eat my lunch. As I walked by the River Axe I was on the lookout for some shelter from a cold easterly breeze but it wasn’t until I had nearly reached Colyford that I found an embankment I could drop onto that was well protected and comfortable.
Seaton Tramway - Colyford
There is a stop for the trams at Colyford. I took the opportunity of once again wondering over to watch a waiting tram board its passengers and set out on its way to Seaton.
I then picked up a lane and had to follow this for sometime in the direction of Seaton, which, although not too busy I did encounter some traffic. I noticed a poster advertising a discussion about a proposed footway/cycleway which I presume is intended to link Colyford with Seaton (I later discovered this will become part of The Stop Line Way, following “the line of the old World War II Taunton Stop Line”, proposed National Cycle Route 33 from Sustrans). This would be a worthwhile exercise, so I hope the venture goes well.
Seaton - in sea mist
I wasn’t long in Seaton before a little rain began to fall. There were junior runners all about who were in the process of competing in a Grizzly Run, which I understand is a regular Seaton event. This is the ‘grizzly’ I referred to in my blog synopsis. The final length of the run is along the cobbles of the beach, which appeared to be well and truly grizzly, particularly in the drizzle now falling. I believe the following day there was to be the main Grizzly Run event, which I think is an adult occasion. I don’t feel this is for me.
An enjoyable walk through quiet countryside with a few diversions to add interest. I saw my first primrose of the season on this walk, and many daffodils too; there’s a real feeling that spring is on its way and everyone is wanting to get out and enjoy it.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 8.7 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 16min
Stopped Time: 32min
Total Ascent: 238 metres
Maximum Elevation: 163 metres
Buses: 380 & 52A
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