South West Costal Path No: 59 Total: 505.5 miles
Sunday 10th June 2012
Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Weather:
12oC 80% 100% Poor Heavy Rain
Rain, travelled to Torquay, but heavy rain did not stop until well into the afternoon.
Coastal walk abandoned. Early carvery at the local Hare & Hounds Pub.
Monday 11th June 2012 ...............Walk No. 952
Time Taken: Cycle: Distance: Enjoyment: Weather:
3 hours n/a 5 miles 90% Sunny Periods
Nature: Bees and Birds (inc Cormorants)
Temp: Cloud: Rain: Visibility: Ground Conditions:
15oC 80% 0% Good Good Underfoot
Compantions: Ann
General:
Parked car in Babbacombe car park, by Walls Hill or Babbacombe Down.
Caught No. 32 bus from nearby bus stop on A379 and alighted at the
harbour, the town centre of Torquay. Followed the path route at the
harbour complex to the south west corner, where we ascended Beacon
Hill, passing 'The Living Coasts' complex, where we saw penguins.
(At one corner of the harbour water could not be seen for the high density
of water craft.) Passed the Imperial Hotel to a narrow gritted path, up and
down steps, to Daddyhole Plain, via a good sighting of London Bridge
(stone arch) and the Gazebo Castle before the plain. Good views across
the calm Tor Bay towards the coastal path route through Brixham and
Paignton. Passed a bench in memory of Kenneth Alan Woof which
reminded me of the New Zealand 'MOT' called a WOF, warrant of fitness.
Passed the Coast Watch Tower and crossed the plain to the wide path
steps down to Meadfoot Beach, under the impressive Hesketh Crescent.
Easy walk along the sea wall, passing East Shag Rock, covered with
cormorants preening themselves. Steady climb from sea wall up Marine
Drive, past Kilmorie Flats and an unknown bell-shaped flowering plant,
to Thatcher House. Missed signposted path to right around Thatcher Point.
Continued up the Marine Drive to Hope's Nose. Short diversion towards
the Nose for photos as a few spots of rain were felt. Good view of an
anchored tanker offshore and Ore Stone from the summit of Marine
Drive. A complete change of scenery around Black Head, through the
woods. The Way post had the grid reference marked alongside the
direction indicator. Passed a remote modern shelter before Astley's
cove car park. Another diversion off the road, this time Astley's Cove
Road, to Babbacombe Down. Stopped for refreshments on a bench on
the Down amongst the dog walkers in the milky sunshine. Followed the
fence around the 'Down' to the lane leading to the car. Black clouds i
nland, rain started about five minutes after arriving at car. How lucky
is that? Another good and interesting coastal walk with Ann.
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