Walk

SPRINGTIME TRANQUILITY

Need to know Distance: 7 miles Exertion: A good long countryside walk Time: Allow 3 hours Terrain: Riverbank and woodland. Not suitable for pushchairs or very young children. Take care near the river as currents are strong in places. Dogs: Under close control near livestock Refreshments: Bring a snack and a flask Start Postcode: TQ9 5JR Grid Reference: SX 80212 60932

1 For convenience this route starts from the car park at Totnes train station on the southbound side, it is a pay and display car park so one could park a little further away to avoid the fee. At the far end of the car park follow the brown information signs toward the steam railway and Rare Breeds Farm, when you reach the river turn left and head upstream. The riverside path takes you up past the Totnes Weir, the most upstream point of the tidal Dart, and on to a short section of road that is the drive to Dartington Hall. Look out for for the wildlife viewing platform on the right of the road but also look left,

Spring has well and truly sprung and as the winter rain fades to a memory what better than taking to the great outdoors to drink in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on one’s face and marvel at the blanket of owers that have appeared as if by magic.

is Totnes to Staverton walk is a little further aeld than usual but it’s been a spring favourite of mine for many years and is well worth the drive to get a x of the riverbank at its prettiest.

e route is not circular but there are variations in the pathways that all lead in the same direction bearing in mind proximity to the river.

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up the water meadow, where deer can often be seen grazing in the distance.Follow the road for about 300 yards then take a right turn through a kissing gate down into the pasture next to the river. Dogs on leads here as XLIrI can FI PiZIsXSck in XLI ½ IPds 2 The route stays within yards of the river for the next couple of miles through wide, rich grassy meadows and along meandering wooded paths. There are many FIaYXiJYP sTSXs XS siX and Ticnic aQSngsX XLI fl S[Irs Sn XLI riZIrFank 8LI riZIr is cr]sXaP cPIar and sPS[ fl S[ing here and the steam railway passes closely by on the opposite bank. 3 Between waypoints three and four the route becomes a little more adventurous with some

short steeper climbs up maintained paths as the river narrows and quickens. The riverbank has many sandy coves, inlets and islands that are great fun for children but it can be muddy when wet so wellies are advisable! As the route passes through the various TPanXaXiSns XLIrI is TPInX] SJ inXIrIsXing fl Sra and fauna to see and keep the children interested within these well managed woods that form part of the Dartington Estate. 4 The forest trail exits onto the Staverton road so take care with dogs and children. Follow the road over the bridge to the South Devon Railway which runs back to Totnes from here - check website for availability southdevonrailway.co.uk 

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