Synopsis: A short but varied stroll that took me through countryside, parkland and along Torquay seafront. Glass blowing taking place in the craft centre at Cockington Court. Most refreshing.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)
A very impromptu idea of mine to take a walk. A quick glimpse at a map before setting off in the car from home. Why was I in the car? Well, I had some garden waste and textiles for waste recycling centre. As it happened, parking was really easy for this walk. It was a little busy today, with many people taking their mothers out what with it being Mother’s Day.
I didn’t take my camera with me today, as I wasn’t sure the walk or the weather would merit photos. I changed my mind whilst out on the walk, and did take a few photos, using the camera on my tablet PC. This isn’t going to be a big post, just one to kick-off the new year. I’m rather late getting going this year. My only previous walk being at Pembrey Country Park that which I did with my daughter Helen whilst we were in South Wales.
I came off the Torbay ring road at Gallows Corner, and drove towards Torquay. I found a really convenient place to park. As it was by now a little after one o’clock, I decided to have some lunch in the car before setting off on my walk.
I followed Cockington Lane for a while, before pickup up a track which led me onto the John Musgrave Heritage Trail, parts of which trail I’ve walked on numerous occasions. I circled through countryside before dropping down to Cockington Court.
Helen and I cycled by the Cockington Court craft centre whilst on a cycle ride during her stay with me over Christmas, but at that time the whole place was closed. Today, however, there were plenty of signs of activity. I stopped a brief while to watch the glass blowing that was taking place. I then had a cup of tea from my flask, with the odd biscuit or two. I know I shouldn’t have.
There was scaffolding surrounding the old Gamekeeper’s Cottage. On closer inspection, I discovered that it was in the process of undergoing a makeover. It is being turned into accommodation for volunteer staff working on the estate. It seems a very enterprising idea.
Walking on, I followed the drive through the grounds of Cockington Court, passing the string of small lakes as I went. The Gunnera was poking its head up, preparing to put on another spurt of amazing growth for this season. I’m always impressed by how much growth these plants are capable of in one season, before dying back for the winter each year.
I picked up the trail that follows the course of the stream that flows from Cockington village down to the sea. This is a pleasant, and always popular walk. On reaching the seafront I walked up to Corbyn Head where I discovered daffodils in bloom on this site which overlooks Torquay beach.
I strolled along the seafront for a while, before reversing my route by walking into Torre Abbey Gardens. Some money has been spent upgrading some of the features in this park. It is always kept neat, tidy and well planted.
A skirted around Torre Abbey with its impressive medieval Spanish Barn. Then, continuing on, I followed a road which lead me to a path from where I began my ascent to where I’d parked my car. It had proven to be a really enjoyable walk. May 2016 bring many more such walks.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 48min
Stopped Time: 24min
Total Ascent: 206 metres
Maximum Elevation: 113 metres
Buses: (none) – drove to walk start/finish
