Day 39 - Saturday 17 June 2017
Slapton to Dartmouth (9.6 miles)
After yesterdays long day it was a nice short 10 miler today into Dartmouth - good job really as Breakfast was not served at our B&B until 0930!! It was already boiling hot as we prepared to leave Slapton therefore we were glad of the short mileage today. Unfortunately, as were waxing Fudge's paws we found he had an unwelcome visitor - a tick!! Therefore once it was removed and sent packing we eventually left Slapton at 1040.
Shortly into the walk we realised it would be very important (as it always is) to rehydrate often today - including Fudge. Therefore we were extremely disappointed that when we arrived in Strete their one and only pub had closed down - never mind. Bumped into a quartet of walkers shortly after Strete and got chatting - they were hot and tired and were looking forward to having a nice cool drink in Strete's pub - cue massive disappointment when we told them it was not an option.
The section between Strete and Blackpool Sands was mainly field paths and woodland - the latter gave us some respite from the scorching sun and we could see from above that Blackpool Sands was extremely busy. Reaching Stoke Fleming, we stopped at The Green Dragon for a welcome drink. From Stoke Fleming to Little Dartmouth was shady in part along a very quiet country lane and at Warren Point we bumped into more bolshy cows which meant a slight diversion.
All that remained was to walk the very pleasant stretch, mostly in the shade to Dartmouth - a place we both know very well having attended and worked in the Royal Naval College. Our B&B at Campbells was a short walk up the hill however our host Colin insisted he drive down to the town and pick us up. Our room was just fantastic - huge and overlooking the Dart and we sorted ourselves out and joined Colin for tea on his terrace. That evening we bimbled into Dartmouth - an expensive drink in The Royal Castle followed by a trip to the shops to source a Carpet Picnic which we took back to the B&B.
Rest Day tomorrow!!
Shortly into the walk we realised it would be very important (as it always is) to rehydrate often today - including Fudge. Therefore we were extremely disappointed that when we arrived in Strete their one and only pub had closed down - never mind. Bumped into a quartet of walkers shortly after Strete and got chatting - they were hot and tired and were looking forward to having a nice cool drink in Strete's pub - cue massive disappointment when we told them it was not an option.
The section between Strete and Blackpool Sands was mainly field paths and woodland - the latter gave us some respite from the scorching sun and we could see from above that Blackpool Sands was extremely busy. Reaching Stoke Fleming, we stopped at The Green Dragon for a welcome drink. From Stoke Fleming to Little Dartmouth was shady in part along a very quiet country lane and at Warren Point we bumped into more bolshy cows which meant a slight diversion.
All that remained was to walk the very pleasant stretch, mostly in the shade to Dartmouth - a place we both know very well having attended and worked in the Royal Naval College. Our B&B at Campbells was a short walk up the hill however our host Colin insisted he drive down to the town and pick us up. Our room was just fantastic - huge and overlooking the Dart and we sorted ourselves out and joined Colin for tea on his terrace. That evening we bimbled into Dartmouth - an expensive drink in The Royal Castle followed by a trip to the shops to source a Carpet Picnic which we took back to the B&B.
Rest Day tomorrow!!
All quiet at The Tower Inn as we leave for Dartmouth
It was a bit early for this however luckily none of the nudists were about today
We wondered what this was when we first saw what appeared to be an old shell nailed to the way mark. On further investigation and reading the sign below the shell is thought to have been fired from a Beach Landing Craft during Exercise Tiger in 1944.
A seat with a view as we look back towards Slapton Sands
The path above Shiphill Rock near Strete
Looking to the outskirts of Strete
Blackpool Sands now visible as we leave Strete - in the far distance the daymark tower above Kingswear can just about be seen
This was a cheeky little up & down to get the legs moving just before Blackpool Sands
Before heading up the slope to the road we looked left to see this lovely view to the southern end of Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands
Hopefully the pub will not be shut like it was in Strete
Whey hey - it's open!!
We hung about here for well over an hour as we enjoyed cold drinks & shade
The path passes through the Golden Jubilee Gates as it leaves Stoke Fleming
Poppies out in Stoke Fleming
Wot no privacy?
Not far to go now as we arrive near Little Dartmouth
This was a lovely section above Warren Point
Compass Cove
It was extremely warm now as we neared Dartmouth
Looking back to Compass Cove as we round Blackstone Point
Familiar territory for Angie & I as we arrive in Dartmouth - St Petrox Church with Dartmouth Castle to the right
The entrance to the River Dart and Dartmouth Castle
This was absolutely massive and was just sat in somebody's garden
The inlet at One Gun Point - reversed a Picket Boat into here a few times!!
Dartmouth & the River Dart. The Naval College is up on the left with the windjammer Sea Cloud II in the harbour
Britannia Royal Naval College - I passed out of here as a Naval Officer in July 2000 whilst Angie had 2 stints working here in the 90's
A closer look at Sea Cloud II - little did we know it but she was just about to get underway
A panorama of the River Dart with Kingswear centre stage
Kingswear across the River Dart
Our version was not handmade but is quite delicious
Sea Cloud II leaving Dartmouth
Not a bad view from the room of our B&B
Come on Fudge - lets get out and see the sights of Dartmouth
Day 39 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Cumulative Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Ascent
9.6 miles
503.6 miles
4 hrs 50 mins
248 hrs 25 mins
2309 ft
116537 ft
503.6 miles
4 hrs 50 mins
248 hrs 25 mins
2309 ft
116537 ft