Synopsis: A woodland walk around the Parke estate at Bovey Tracey, following the course of the River Bovey. Followed by a bus-hop to Torbay for lunch, and a stroll along the sea front to Paignton.
I was looking for some light walking today, and settled upon the idea of a walk around Parke (NT), at Bovey Tracey. It doesn’t take very long to get to Bovey Tracey by bus and so, after leaving Exeter around 8:30, I found I was walking in Bovey by 9:15. As I walked through the streets in the direction of Parke I noticed how alive the town was with a bustle of people going about their morning errands. My experience of Bovey suggests it’s a vibrant and friendly place, full of charm. This morning I had been greeted by various people enquiring where I was going. I believe part of the reason for the vitality of Bovey Tracey might well be the fact that its very well placed to service the various needs of those on (or headed for) Dartmoor.
On the subject of Dartmoor: as I approached Parke the large and looming hills of Dartmoor were ever present on the horizon ahead of me. In many ways they were tempting, and I would have loved to have been up there, but trouble is getting there on public transport isn’t easy. Anyway, today looked like being such a glorious day, I was more than happy to content myself with a walk around Parke, in the foothills of Dartmoor.
Bovey Tracey - Parke (NT) - information board in car park
The entrance to the Parke estate is only about a 10 minute walk from the centre of Bovey Tracey. I was soon climbing the estate drive steadily to the car park where I hoped to find a map of the estate showing the paths; I was not disappointed. I selected my route and was on my way for a clockwise walk around the grounds of Parke.
Bovey Tracey - Parke (NT) - bridge over River Bovey
The path I followed took me across a couple of meadows and then into woods. The path then dropped in the direction of the river, taking me over duckboards to a footbridge that I used to cross the River Bovey. Once across, I walked a little further up river to take a quick look at the disused railway line sometimes used by cyclists. I then regained the river and started on my course down river towards Bovey Tracey. This was some of the most scenic walking in the grounds of Parke, as the river looked lovely with the sun sparkling off its surface.
A major personal breakthrough followed on retracing my way into Bovey Tracey. I’d spotted some homemade Battenberg cake in a bakery shop window as I set off on my walk, something I’d been on the lookout for for ages. Why don’t more bakeries make Battenberg cake? Anyway, I stuffed a rather large Battenberg cake in my rucksack which would provide something to look forward to later in the day. Oh dear! What an indulgence.
On arriving by bus back in Torquay I found myself rather hungry as it had become a little late for lunch. I sought out a bench on the seafront, a vacant one I unexpectedly found. On opening my lunchbox I noticed a busker was setting up his business close by; hence the reason for the empty bench I suppose. Actually I’m being rather harsh; he was really quite good, reeling off Johny Cash, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley songs and encouraging children to join him on maracas, for which he’d give them a badge and tell them they were now certified buskers. It made the onlookers laugh. I heard a quote on the radio within the last few days, one from Bernard Shaw I’m told, and it’s this: “Hell is full of amateur musicians.” Made me smile, although I’m sure things aren’t really as bad as that. I’ll let you know what I find!
Torbay - Torquay Rock Walk - magnolia tree in flower
After lunch I walked up the Rock Walk, which has been recently renovated, and is looking fresh and clean, if a little naked. I spotted this lovely magnolia on the walk. At least it must be said that clearing away the other plants away has brought this one into the limelight. The light at this time of year is so much better than high summer, as it illuminates from such an acute angle.
Torbay - Torquay Abbey Gardens
These flowers, in the Abbey Park gardens of Torquay seafront, I have finally found a name for. They are Bergenia, commonly known as Elephant’s Ear, apparently; I had to do a bit of investigation to discover that fact. They’ve been in flower for several weeks now, and are in fact going slightly over, and they’re to be seen everywhere. I feel any garden colour this early in the season is very welcome.
Torbay - Hollicombe Beach - mimosa tree
At Hollicombe beach I noticed there were some beautiful mimosa trees alight with colour in their fresh new bloom. The yellow bloom literally seemed to be ablaze. I imagine the bloom was fresh, the air clear, and the sun bright, which were perfect conditions in which to see these lovely trees. Beautiful!
A delightful walk, and how could it have been otherwise, on such a glorious day as this was. Nothing strenuous, but I felt nicely exercised afterwards, and very, very relaxed.
Walk Statistics:
Bovey Tracey:
Total Distance: 5.0 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 8min
Stopped Time: 32min
Total Ascent: 156 metres
Maximum Elevation: 110 metres
Total Distance: 3.3 miles
Moving Time: 1hrs 25min
Stopped Time: 52min
Total Ascent: 98 metres
Maximum Elevation: 35 metres
Buses: D, 39, 12 & X46
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