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Fun Things to Do Outside...

Two things that we’ve de nitely learned from the last year are the bene ts of exercise and fresh air. Torbay is the perfect place for this with walks, parks and stunning outside places close to all areas. We take a look at some of the options (restrictions permitting).

Walking

Whether you have the time and energy for a lengthy yomp or just a short stroll, Torbay has a huge choice of routes. Just make sure to don sensible footwear and bring a waterproof jacket, maybe in a rucksack with a drink and a snack if heading off the beaten track. Discover all the places you can walk to directly from home – it’s very liberating and saves a fortune on fuel!

South West Coast Path

The Torbay section of this wonderful trail is 22 miles long and includes woodland, cliff walks, beaches and some pavements. We love the Brixham to Broadsands section, which takes in some stunning beaches. From Broadsands, heading towards Paignton you’ll gain some amazing views but be prepared for steep climbs. Stroll around the gardens at Roundham Head before enjoying Paignton Harbour and wandering along Paignton Seafront. You can pick up the path again behind the Imperial Hotel and walk through once cultivated gardens at Peaked Tor Cove towards Daddyhole Plain and on to Meadfoot Beach and even Thatcher Point if you’ve got the energy. southwestcoastpath.org.uk

John Musgrave Trail

For the serious hiker, the John Musgrave 35-mile walking trail can be split into more manageable sections: Maidencombe to Cockington (11miles), Cockington to Totnes (9.5 miles), Totnes to Dittisham (9miles) and Greenway to Brixham (5.5 miles). countryside-trust.org.uk

Other Amazing Local Walks

There are also superb Cockington Estate Walks, Berry Head walks (accessible with a network of tarmac paths), Walls Hill (with its bronze age field system) and woodland walks around Occombe, Scadson and Cockington Valley. countryside-trust.org.uk

Kayaking

River or sea kayaking is a wonderful way to see our local area from a unique viewpoint. You’ll also be able to commune with nature – seals, sea birds and occasionally dolphins are some of the star attractions of this sport. Ideally you’d join a club that will supply you with kit, guided trips and training, often for a surprisingly modest annual fee. There are many clubs in the area. Try Paignton Canoe Club, Brixham’s Ibex Canoe Club or Dartmouth Yacht Club’s canoe section. Often Canadian canoes and kayaks are also on offer. paigntoncanoeclub.org.uk ibexcanoeclub.org.uk dyc.org.uk

Photography

We are so lucky to have breathtakingly beautiful viewpoints and a wide range of fab subjects, not least the wonderful cruise ships that have been around all year. It’s also something you can do from home especially if you have a garden. Try and snap and identify some garden birds – so pretty on frosty days. Don’t forget to leave some food and water out for them.

Sea Swimming

Feeling anxious, stressed or frustrated by lockdown? Sea swimming is all the rage to lift your spirits and there is apparently growing evidence that its helps reduce tension and aids sleep. It’s enjoying a big ‘moment’ in Torbay right now. One can see swimmers at our local beaches all year round but for support and safety if you have no experience, Healthscape is a non profi t organisation that organises socially distanced open water swims and gentle dips. FB @healthscapecic

Devon Rocks and Stones

here s been a rr o interest in stone painting with the pastime of decorating, hiding and hunting little rocks and stones. This one is especially suitable for children o all ages t s so e citing to fi nd a bea ti ll painted rock in an unexpected place. I usually photograph and replace them. See the Facebook page for more advice and details. Devon Rocks and Stones

Tennis

There is a good choice of great tennis clubs around the Bay but when lockdown relaxes why not dust off your ancient tennis rac et, fi nd a ew balls and head to one o man ree tennis courts around the Bay? Free courts are available at St Mary’s Park, Brixham, Upton Park, Torquay and Victoria Park in Paignton.

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Running

We e heard a lot abo t r nning being beneficial or health and there’s no doubt that runners enjoy getting into the great o tdoors more o ten than most b t be s re to start slowl i o re ncertain abo t o r fitness o ll onl need a pair o sensible r nning shoes to start and don’t worry about squeezing into shorts, most runners wear leggings and baggy t-shirts these da s

Running Clubs

great option is to oin a local cl b and ma be sign p or their starter or o ch to class initiall r i iera acers in or a , o th e on in aignton or ri ham Harriers cl b meets are still restricted on go ernment ad ice then wh not ha e a go at the pro sion on irt al e ents and challenges that now abo nd or r nners rivieraracers.co.uk southdevon.run brixhamharriers.co.uk

Virtual Challenges

o need something to get o o tside reg larl and o ten o co ld tr the ands nd to ohn roats irt al n We e tried it and it s great n here are man other a ailable too endtoend.run

Birdwatching

When loc down allows s to lea e o r gardens and ent re rther afield, the a has some splendid sites or the ine perienced birdwatcher or a id birder r err Head ational at re eser e, lennon a es, aidencombe and lots more sites (and see i e angman s article in this iss e Wh not tr a bit o s etching and painting too

Fishing

his can be a er therape tic acti it and orba is the per ect spot to gi e it a go op lar places where o ll spot lots o fishing acti it are on rincess ier, ri ham rea water, ead oot each, ddicombe each, lberr o e and man more o co rse o can also hire fishing boats to ta e o o t here is lots o in o on orba ishing s website torbayfishing.com

Cycling

oc downs, partic larl the first one, ha e been a boon or ner o s c clists li e m sel with the roads ieter than s al o re getting bac into c cling wh not ta e a c cling co rse or head to orba elopar once restrictions permit orba o ncil has an online orba cle ap ater, once tra el is allowed o co ld head to Haldon orest ar and tr some gentle o road mo ntain bi ing

forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park