Devon Creek to Coast Independent (self-guided) walking holiday Inn to Inn / Village to Village
“Foot Trails was extremely easy to work with. We're delighted and hope to do another walk next year” Susan, NY, USA
Welcome & trail story from Alison Howell Guests often ask us about walking inn to inn on the coast and for some time we have longed to offer a coastal inn to inn walking experience. We are thrilled that the Devon Creek to Coast trail is here! When people think of the coast and South West England the South West Coast path often comes to mind. But for me it's not the best experience. And it's not very Foot Trails. Purely walking on the coast path can become all the same and with lots of up and down quite tiring. With this Devon Creek to Coast trail we wished to take a different approach with more variety and experience included. On this trail you can follow the river Dart from its early creeks, on its journey to the sea. Read on to learn more about our coastal trail.
Warm regards, Alison Howell, Founder & Director
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About Devon Creek to Coast Devon Creek to Coast is an inn to inn in style walking trail, 7 nights at its longest, staying in up to three different locations in South Devon. (You can also choose from 5 & 6 night itineraries). This area of South Devon is known as the South Hams, a landscape of rolling green hills dotted with villages and small towns. It includes some of the most unspoiled coastline on the South Coast, which along with the Avon and Dart valleys form the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You won’t simply follow the coast path (sometimes monotonous & busy!), you’ll visit towns, villages and historic sites as well as enjoying some spectacular countryside from the early creeks, to the sea and along the coast Read on for a pick of the highlights.
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Contents Pick of the highlights
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Where & getting here
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Sample daily itinerary
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Where you stay
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Details & prices
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Booking your trail
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Our pick of the highlights * Admire ancient castles * Explore Totnes, founded in 950 AD to guard the river crossing * Opportunities to ride a ferry boat or hop aboard the steam train * Visit Greenway, holiday home of English crime author Agatha Christie * Explore Dartmouth, historic and naval coastal town with deep water that has given the town strategic advantage since the 12th century * Wander through the Sharpham Estate, which produces the most fantastic English cheeses and wines! * Cross (or jump!) the river creek via stepping stones over the river * Soak up the stunning seascapes and sea views * Look up at Start Point lighthouse * Enjoy a sense of journey following the story of a river from creek to coast and on to the sea
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Where & getting here Devon is in the west country of South West England. This historic county borders Somerset, Dorset and of course Cornwall. The South Hams is the southernmost tip of the county and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. How to get here? The trail begins on the River Dart at the town of Totnes. The nearest train station for arrivals is at Totnes, just 3 hours from London Paddington. The journey time by car, about 4½ hour drive from London. The suggested international airport is London Heathrow which offers an easy transfer to London Paddington and around two hours to the start of the trail. There is also a regional airport at Exeter. Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we can arrange this for you.
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Sample daily itinerary... We have created this suggested itinerary as an outline for the optimum Devon Creek to Coast experience. You will find the mileages & prices for this itinerary in the ‘Trail details & prices’. Custom Itinerary Service If the suggested itinerary; lengths of stay, arrival day, daily mileages are not right for your plans, we can customise an itinerary to you. You can choose your preferred dates - start on any day of the week - stay for how long you wish - include rest days - change the daily walk distances. Day 1 - Arrive & relax Arrive to Devon, the riverside and your Foot Trails adventure! Take a little time to settle in and for those that wish take today's short introductory trail to get to know the local area. Day 2 - Creeks & rivers Explore some charming Devon villages, with their solid stone walls and mossy roofs. Jump across the creek by the stepping stones, but watch the middle one! Along the way take time to divert to Sharpham Wine & Cheese for a little sample, how are our English wines these days? Then arrive back to your inn on foot.
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Day 3 - Dart the Dart to your next inn (Luggage transfer included) The River Dart is the star on your walk today. Its flowing water has shaped the landscapes you will walk and the villages. There are options too to visit Greenway, summer home of British murder mystery author Agatha Christie on route. Descending the hill through the old town of Dartmouth is a joy, then stand and gaze at the river and the mouth to the sea. Arrive at your inn on foot, check in and enjoy the change of scene. Day 4 - The Sea! From the doors of your inn, enjoy a wander in Dartmouth's historic streets this morning. Buy a picnic from the Deli and then set out to find the sea! As you crest the hill the sea is before you. Enjoy 'turtle rock', find tucked away coves and as you make your way back towards Dartmouth call in at its Tudor castle. Aha me hearties! Day 5 - By the Ley to your next inn (Luggage transfer included) 'She sells sea shells' goes the tongue twister and on this trail you will wander along the coast, from cove to cove and then along the barrier beach at Slapton with its lagoon nature reserve and charming ancient village. Arrive at the hotel on foot, check in and enjoy the change of scene. Day 6 - All the joys of the Coast Be intrigued by the story of the "lost village", with both sad and inspiring tales to tell. Walking through this sea filled landscape, there are cliffs, lighthouses, the sounds of waves and sandy coves. At the village of Beesands, linger and take supper at the inn or freshly caught fish 'shack' then a dusk time walk back to your hotel. 10
“Just letting you know our trip was fantastic from start to end!! Everything was planned and everyone who looked after us was great. We loved every minute of it and are planning to do this again sometime soon! Gemme & Derek, Canada
Day 7 - Charming Salcombe Take the ferry across the estuary to the small town of Salcombe, full of charm with its sandy beaches beside the wide estuary. The ferry ride over the estuary gives you great views from the boat. Follow the coast path with sensational views then turn inland to find creeks and green meadows and delightful villages. Return to your inn on foot. Day 8 - Time to depart Check out from your hotel, time to make your onward travels refreshed by your time beside the sea.
Walks / hikes lengths? Our approach to walking is very much about enjoyment, something achieved but not too much that you are not excited to do it again! When we put together the trails we plan them with a day out in mind, a few hours walking in the morning, a nice place to pause for lunch such as a pub or cafe, then a couple of hours to walk in the afternoon. The trail mileages (kms) are summarised in the ‘Trail Details’ and range from your 8.5 (13) to 13 (20.5) miles a day. On some days there are options to shorten / lengthen trails.
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Where you stay personally chosen Where you stay is a key part of your Foot Trail & experience. One of the reasons guests choose Foot Trails is for our choice and quality of accommodation. The country inns and country pubs where you stay are small, personal and friendly with excellent hospitality. Each one is in an English village with comfortable bedrooms and delicious local food and drinks to enjoy with dinner after your walk. Alison, Foot Trails founder, chooses each inn personally. Centuries old, each building provides a relaxing and authentic setting in which you can kick off your boots and eat dinner at the end of an inspiring day on the trail. During your Creek to Coast trail you will stay at 3 hand-picked inns and all quite different. From a riverside inn on the edge of Totnes with views to the river, waters edge terrace and conservatory restaurant. To an historic inn in the old heart of Dartmouth with beams and character around every corner. And finishing at a comfortable guest house in a Devon village with award winning food served nearby. Freshly prepared breakfasts at each inn are included for you to set you up for your seaside adventures! You will receive full details and website addresses of our suggested accommodation with your itinerary when we confirm availability of your trip. 14
Trail details & prices Details for the sample itinerary Best start day: Daily miles (km): Grade: Arrival train station:
Monday, staying for 7 nights 2.5 – 8.5 - 8 - 6.5 - 13 (or 9) - 9.5 – depart Moderate, walking with some steeper ascents & descents Totnes (Devon)
May, June & September: Standard - £1265 p/p // Superior - £1340 p/p April & October: Standard - £1195 p/p // Superior - £1270 p/p (Due to peak season we do not recommend the trail in July & August) Prices based on 2 persons sharing a bedroom. Twin (2 x single beds) & family bedroom options available. Solo's welcome (solo supplements apply). Group discounts (4+) and returning guests thank you discounts offered. Customise your itinerary If the itinerary featured, lengths of stay, arrival day, daily mileages are not right for your plans, we can customise an itinerary to you. You can choose your preferred dates - start on any day of the week - stay for how long you wish - include rest days change the daily walk distances. Prices for custom itineraries are quoted per trip and will vary from the prices quoted above. 16
What is included? * Our services in arranging your itinerary * Our guest support in preparing for your trip, and on call support during your trip * Accommodation for 7 nights, double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms * Country breakfast to set you up each day * 6 days of independent walking with a tailored itinerary to suit you and the season * Transport drop off services if required for your itinerary * Luggage transfers between your country inns * A comprehensive Walk and Explore box, posted for your arrival & including: * Local maps with your trails clearly marked (on our fully waterproof paper) * Innovative trail cards, one for each day, with clear easy to follow directions in word (on waterproof paper) * Trail cards also include local histories and stories to enjoy and read as you explore * Suggested departure times so that you don't miss lunch, recommended lunchtime stops at hand picked country pubs or cafes (lunch not included) * Foot Trail’s famous fortifying sweets, nature guide, guest booklet, local information and more
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Booking your trail If you would like help choosing the best trail for you then call us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk. We plan, write and create all our own walking trails and are here to offer you our expert advice. If the trails featured, arrival days or lengths of stay are not right for you, you can choose your preferred dates and start on any day of the week. We will create a custom itinerary for you based on your preferences. Prices for custom trips are quoted per trip and vary from the prices quoted in the brochure. You can make your booking by calling us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or if you prefer you can email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk. We will ask you a few details to enable us to make a reservation for you. We will then be able to confirm the availability of your trail. Due to the crafted nature of our trails there may be a day or two's wait while we contact our inns and hosts. We will email you with confirmation of your itinerary, accommodations and details for your deposit of ÂŁ125 per person. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Balances are due 8 weeks before arrival. We accept all major credit cards, PayPal and bank transfers.
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Words from our guests “What a wonderful trip. Based on a friends recommendation I contacted Foot Trails. From the moment I spoke to them I felt welcome, cared for and well informed.” Gayle, Toronto, Canada “Once again you have organised a wonderful 12 days of walking. We loved the coastal walks in Devon, inspiring and breathtaking in their ruggedness.” Mark & Bev, Canada (3 rd Foot Trail) “I can't express how good the experience was. The team at Foot Trails was great. The listened to what we wanted to do and planned the perfect trip for us.” Steve, Australia “We simply had a lovely tine on our Foot Trails holiday. Every day brought new discoveries, beautiful vistas, solitude and a sense of peace”. Joan, MD, USA You can read more reviews from our guests on our tripadvisor page www.tripadvisor.com/foottrailsUK
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Why a Foot Trail? A Foot Trail avoids the formulaic nature, crowds and predictability of mass tourism and focuses instead purely on the quality of your experience. Take a Foot Trail and you will explore deep beneath the surface. You will walk and hike in real and authentic places. Enjoy real, not manufactured tourism moments. Shared conversations with a local person, the stillness of time spent in beautiful landscapes and the joy of encountering stories and moments from England's past. Three words describe a Foot Trail perfectly.
Simple - Crafted – Authentic The press say: "One of the 7 Adventure Vacations you need to take in your lifetime." JetSetter.com, 2019 Foot Trails are one of England's best loved regional walking travel companies. We work within our local community, crafting walking experiences from scratch, aiming for a positive outcome for us all.
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Bookings & contacts Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a £125 person deposit will be payable. Bank transfers, PayPal & all major credit & debit cards accepted. +44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline) Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
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