A Fresh, Autumn Stroll

Most of the summer tourists have left, so we can enjoy a walk or a drive without bumping into caravans and large groups of excited children. Pack up a picnic and take some flasks of hot soup, but keep some change in your pocket to enjoy the local pubs and cafes you might find while exploring.

October is a great month to head outdoors, usually having fairly mild temperatures, but in case you get the walking-bug, here are a few great strolls in the area to give you some inspiration.

Wembury & Stadiscombe

This 7.5 mile circular route around Wembury and Bovisand, returns via footpaths and lanes inland starting and finishing at Wembury beach car park (National Trust fee to park). With marvellous views of the famous Mew Stone and the busy shipping lanes of Plymouth Sound, this walk allows for that ‘blow away the cobwebs’ feeling as well as the enjoyment of more sheltered walking away from the coast. 7.5 miles

Dartmouth Town Trail

This one is for the whole family. It’s a short walk of 1.2 miles taking in the town’s historical delights where you won’t get blown along too badly thanks to the shelter away from the coast itself. There are lots of places to stop for a hot cup of cocoa or a Sunday lunch treat for you and the children to enjoy. Start and finish at the Higher Ferry car park. 1.2 miles

Bantham to Thurlestone

A beautiful circular walk from Bantham’s main car park for 3.8 miles. It’s a relatively moderate walk with estuary mouth views across to Burgh Island and the Thurlestone Rocks off shore as the walk continues. This is an ideal winter walk. There are two places to have a break for a pub lunch, either at the Sloop Inn in Bantham near the start and finish of the walk or you can pop into the The Village Inn at Thurlestone, or go to both of course! 3.8 miles

Sutton Harbour to Royal William Yard

Don’t forget about the beauty we have on our doorstep, right here in Plymouth. Starting from the Harbour Car Park at Sutton Harbour, follow The Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail around the harbour to the historic Barbican. This easy walk then passes the Hoe with its great views across Plymouth Sound through to the magnificent Royal William Yard. All along the route are artworks which help to bring the past alive, and there are plenty of places for a delicious meal at the Yard when you’ve finished your walk. 3.7 miles

Tregantle

A long loop with an optional shortcut (when the MoD practice range is not in use), taking in the best of Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’. Features along the way include a tiny medieval market borough with stone crosses and a haunted coaching inn, and one of the ring of ‘Palmerston follies’ built to defend Plymouth during the Napoleonic Wars. Travelling high above Whitsand Bay, the footpaths follow ancient routes and medieval green lanes inland through woodland and heathland, past wetlands full of wildlife. 6.5 miles

Visit: www.southwestcoastpath.co.uk