A further 50! Walk 7a – 26/08/2022

Published before it should have been – so here is the rest!

Our path takes us towards Bolt Head and as we are looking out towards the sea before we change direction again we spy ponies on the horizon.

A steep climb down to Starhole bottom and then the most splendid view to a beach far below – not one we’ve ever been down to. One more easily reached by boat. We decide this is a good place for lunch and sit on the grass at the top of this cliff. There is a wire fence that protects anyone from falling over the cliff, with a small path and a battered piece of fence signalled by an abandoned straw hat! Probably not really meant to be there.

A mother and daughter approach with a golden retrieve but although the mother was game to try getting down to the beach, the teenager daughter obviously thought it was far too much trouble! Then a young couple venture over the top. Wish I and been more adventurous.

The path can be seen curving round the side of this rocky outcrop and having climbed back up to the track we were back on our way. We had walked this last section before but often from the other direction so we knew that this was a rocky section which would soon turn towards Salcombe.

The path having been very narrow then turns to a track which runs along the cliff side, diverting both up to Sharpitor and gardens and also down to South Sands. So from tranquility and wildness we were suddenly down into people, parking, ice creams and beach games. The path follows the road and moves on to North Sands where there are the remains of a castle and fort. Then we come to the town proper, when we get to the steps down to the foot ferry across the estuary our walk proper for the day is completed.

We do visit the town, do a bit of shopping, including ice cream! We check out where the bus will leave from and then go back to the ferry for a quick trip across and a short visit to the wonderful sunny cove. One of us goes in the sea and the other just foot dips! And then a very quick walk back to the bus and just manage the one we’d hoped to catch!

Not a long walk today just a little over 15 km but very enjoyable and getting a bus from Salcombe was far preferable than having the car. The liberation provided by catching the bus felt good.