Maidencombe and Watcombe, South Devon

MAIDENCOMBE AND WATCOMBE

DEVONSHIRE Our reach is truly exceptional!

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MAIDENCOMBE - WATCOMBE

Above - The walk from Maidencombe beach to Watcombe beach is only a mile, but there are plenty of inclines to make you earn your break.

Left - Devonshire magazine's walk aficionado, Alfie - admiring the stunning coastal views.

Below - You can see the coastline is striking and much of the walk is under trees and through cool glens. It's a relaxing and relatively quiet walk.

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

THE WALK ROUTE & CREAM TEA

Maidencombe Cross

A37 d 9 Teignmouth Roa

Maidencombe Court House

Maidencombe Beach

Community Orchard

Shackley Bench Rock House

Orestone Manor cream / high tea

Valley of Rocks

Bell Rock

Valley of Rocks

Whitsand Beach (not reachable by paths)

Watcombe Beach

A3

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Watcombe

Smuggler始s Hole

Above - don't begrudge yourself a lovely treat - you can sample one of Orestone Manor's Devon Cream Teas or their Full Afternoon Tea. It's only a short way up a lane from Court House and makes for a very memorable occasion.

Left - this map should help - even better if you have an Ordnance Survey map, although it's fairly simple to work out the route without. Don't miss visiting both beaches.

Below - the community orchard at Maidencombe. This old orchard was part of a working farm until the mid 1980s when it fell into disuse. You are able to visit the orchard for picnics, relaxation and simple enjoyment of a Devon orchard.

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

WATCOMBE BEACH

Watcombe Beach - if you've got here from Maidencombe, chances are you'll need a rest. It's only a mile, but there are some decent inclines to get the heart pounding and your lungs heaving. You'll feel all the better for it - you may even fancy a swim!

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Image copyright Andy Stuthridge

There's interesting flaura and fauna to enjoy. There are amazing climbers, appearing a bit like lianas, and there are also lots of shade loving plants such as ferns. It's worth taking the camera and/or binoculars and keeping an eye open for rare birds such as the Cirl Bunting, which is one regular visitor to this part of the coastline. They were once common farmland birds, but now quite rare in Britain, breeding mainly on the South Devon coast.

The walk between Maidencombe beach and Watcombe beach - the pathways are a delight, nicely shaded and interesting landscape. Make sure you wear reasonably comfortable walking shoes or trainers - the inclines can be a bit steep, but there are plenty of bench seats where you can catch your breath and enjoy the views.

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

MAIDENCOMBE & WATCOMBE

Sandy red paths follow the fields that plunge down to the cliffs and coves. It's a memorable and unique piece of coastline.

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MAIDENCOMBE - COURT HOUSE

Court House and the Judas Tree Formerly known as Court Farmhouse, the building was extended and altered in the 20th century. It's a Grade II Listed building and it's reported to be the same site as the legendary manor house of 'Mansum' that apparently, was owned by Ralph Tregoz who had been granted a licence by the Bishop of Exeter in 1330 for an oratory.

The cerise/pink tree is a Judas Tree (see plaque shown below) and is believed to have come from a sapling brought back from the Lebanon in the 16th century. At the time of visiting (mid May), it was in full bloom and made an impressive site.

There's an interesting website called maidencombe.net that's worth visiting for more background information on Maidencombe.

Editor's Comment To see a plaque in Maidencombe referring to the Neighbourhood Plan for this beautiful village really strikes home how little consideration our beautiful countryside is now given - Maidencombe really should be out of bounds for the developers.

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

THE JUDAS TREE

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MAIDENCOMBE BEACH

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

IN THE DISTANCE - EAST DEVON AND LYME BAY

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THE UNIQUE COASTLINE - MAIDENCOMBE BEACH IN THE FORGROUND

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Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk

S TAY C AT I O N South Sands, Salcombe

Lewtrenchard Manor, Lewdown

Bayard Cove Inn, Dartmouth

Highbullen Hotel, Umberley

Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove

Thurlestone Hotel, Nr Salcombe

Want your hotel featuring in Staycation? call Nigel on 01395 513383

Want a luxury, stress free holiday, without spending a couple of days at airports?

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Just go to Devonshiremagazine.co.uk /devon/lifestyle/holidays/staycation

What's On in Devon? mydevonevents..co.uk

DEVONSHIRE NEWS You are able to see all STAYCATIONS as they appear through our e-newsletter, just go to Devonshire magazine website and subscribe

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