Mildendreath to Seaton

Although it was only March it was a hot day, the forecasters saying the temperature would reach 20C.  We drove to Mildendreath, where it was free to park and walked to Seaton.  We knew before we set off that there were lots of ups and downs, but lunch at the cafe on the beach at Seaton was a good incentive.

There was a steep hill to climb out of Mildendreath, first on the road and then on a well defined path.  The views from the top were worth the effort.  Initially we could see across to Looe Island and Hannafore.  Later on in the other direction we could see around to Rame Head.

There were lots of flowers at the side of the path - primroses, violets, daffodils, gorse, hawthorn, pink campion and the occasional bluebell.  Butterflies were also fluttering around and we saw peacock. tortoiseshell, small blue.

There were picnic benches at the top of Bogdigga Cliffs but there were no other seats along the path.  And it was a very strenuous walk, going up and down, sometimes on steps.  It was a 2 1/2 mile from Mildendreath to Seaton but it took us 1 1/2 hours.  At times the path went through trees, but most of the time we were in the sunshine and it was very hot!  When we came out of the path there was a steep flight of steps that led to a road that went down to Seaton

After our lunch at Seaton we headed back the same way.  To begin with it did not seem to bad a walk, but as we went on it became very hot and it was hard work.  This was the most strenuous walk we have done to date, and I would not want to repeat it!  However, we can now say that we have done all the South West Coast Path from Plymouth to Polperro.

Jennycliff to Bovisand

We had done this walk back in August, but that day my camera was not working properly so I wanted to re-do it and take photos.  When we did it last year part of the South West Coast Path was closed due to a landslip and we had to walk a small section on the road.  Today the whole path was open.

Although the forecast was for a sunny day there was a sea mist that meant you cold not see Cornwall clearly.  I waited to take my photos on the return journey but the backgrounds were still not very defined.

There were a lot of steps at the beginning of the walk, first down then up but after this the path went gradually up and then down before more steps just before the end.  There were Devon violets along the side of the path to remind us which county we were in.

There were spectacular views of the Sound. into Plymouth and out to the Breakwater.  It was a pity it wasn't a clearer day.

It was low tide so there were large beaches at Bovisand and Sandy Parlour.

Bovisand Beach with the Breakwater in background

Sandy Parlour, with Bovisand Fort

Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Seaton

Wanting to do some of the South West Coastal Path in East Devon we rented a caravan at Sandy Bay on the outskirts of Exmouth.  The Coastal path went round the side of the caravan site so it was very convenient for walking.

Sandy Bay

We set off from the caravan at 8.30 in the morning and within a couple of minutes we were heading towards Budleigh Salterton.  The coastal path was more undulating that we had anticipated, but the views were worth the effort.  We could see across to the River Exe and inland as well as the sweep of the bay towards Budleigh Salterton with the distinctive red cliffs.

  As we started to walk down towards the town gorse bordered the path

When we reached Budleigh Salterton, after a quick look around the town we walked up the River Otter until the coastal path crossed the river to come down the other side to continue its way up the coast.  The clouds were gathering so we hurried back to the town, but soon we were caught in a heavy shower.  This soon passed and it had stopped raining  by the time we caught the bus to Exmouth.

After looking around the town centre in Exmouth and having a fish and chip lunch we headed to the sea front and started to walk back to the caravan.  This was a flatter walk with only one steep hill at the end of the beach up on to the cliff top.  This was near the Orcombe Point where the Jurrasic Coast starts, marked by the  geoneedle.

After walking along the cliff top we were soon back at the caravan at the start of our walk.

While in East Devon we also visited Sidmouth and Seaton.


At Sidmouth we parked just outside the town centre and walked through the Connaught Gardens to the path by the edge of the beach and along to the town centre.

Sidmouth

On another day we drove to Seaton, where we were surprised to see the cliffs were white, not red.

We parked the car near to Axmouth harbour and walked along the beach to the Tram station, not a long section of the South West Coastal Path, but a pleasant walk on a sunny morning.