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LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD


Derek Harwood's Walking Records

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SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
TORQUAY to BABBACOMBE

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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19 July 2009 - SWCP - Map Courtesy www.streetmap.co.uk

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Devised: December 2020