LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 54              Total: 483 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
5 hours                  n/a          5 miles         90%           Cloudy
Nature: Bluebells, Cowslips & Butterflies

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  12oC         50%          0%      Good        Good Underfoot
Compantions:  Ann

General:
Arrived at Riviera Bay Holiday Parkand walked to Bolton Street. 
Caught bus with Ann from Brixham to Kingswear (no 24). Bus 
took wrong route and passengers complained, bus turned around 
to take correct route. Short visit to train station in centre of 
Kingswear. No steam trains before a quick visit to wishing well, 
then starting coastal path at Alma Steps. Excellent views of 
Dartmouth and boats on Dart River. Slow ascent along footpaths 
and narrow roads past luxury houses and palm trees, passing 
above Kingswear Castle. Passed Brookhill House visitors entrance 
with only a shear drop to sea visible, very strange.Lots of cowslips 
and Bluenells along the walk from Mill Bay Cove to end of walk. 
Good wide path by the Warron, where Ann saw a tree stump 
covered with pine needles looking like a lion. Ann said thanks to 
the fairies and elves for letting us take the photograph inside. 
Through High Brownstone National Trust area, passing above 
Newfoundlound Cove to Bownstone Battery on top of the inner 
forward point. Enjoyed exploring the concrete structures of the 
battery, including the slipway and gun position before the steep 
steps with the metal conduct handrail. Very sunny around Pudcombe 
Cove. Excellent views, yellow cowslips very colourful and abundant 
near Pudcombe Cove. Very sheer cliff after Ivy Cove, with steep 
path. This is where we decided to abort the walk due to the tough 
walking conditions. Path very undulating and narrow for most of 
the walk. Crossed the lush fields above Downend Point to 
Scabbacombe Head track, where we scaled locked gate with care 
before the long steady walk to the car park near Coleton Farm. 
Tried to cadge a lift from two Youngsters but their car battery was 
flat so they couldn't start the car. Eventually  got started by jump 
leads from another walkers car, so we got a lift back to Bolton Road 
from the lads. Walked back up the steep hill to the car. 
A very eventful and enjoyable walk with Ann.