LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 61              Total: 513 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
2.25 hours            n/a          4 miles         85%           Dull & Windy

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  14oC        100%          15%      Dull          Good Underfoot
Compantions:  Ann

Details:
Ann & I drove to Maidencombe and parked in the Beach Car Park, 
'The Start of the Walk'. The South West Coastal Path (SWCP) skirts 
the car park so no time wasted starting the walk. Ann walked a 
short way with me from the car park to the end of the lane, near 
the Coastguard Station, then Ann returned to the car and drove to 
Shaldon Car Park while I walked the Path. Good track soon turned 
into an overgrown path between two hedges. The hedges made it 
very difficult to see the views, although I was walking only yards 
(metres) from the cliff edge in many places. There are various tracks 
from the path to the main road, A379, if required. I walked high above 
the shoreline at the top of the cliffs, passing Blackaller's Cove, 
Mackerel Cove and Herring Cove. No problems were encountered 
navigating the way, I just kept to the top of the cliff. However the route 
is very undulating with the path constantly twisting and turning. At 
times this made it difficult to find the way, amongst the trees and 
bushes. Views were limited due to the vegetation but, depending upon 
the season, the flora was very varied along the section, with 
mushrooms, tall foxgloves, very tall slender thistles etc. I passed the 
car park near Labrador Bay on the A379 main road which would be 
ideal parking if the walk needed to be shortened. Excellent views along 
the coast from the tops of the undulating cliffs, especially if the 
weather is clear. Unfortunately it was very misty on the day I walked 
this section of the SWCP. The first sign of life was near Smuggler's 
Cove where the Path joined the main road for a while, by some houses. 
One house was exceptionally large and modern, with a perfect vista to 
the sea and along the coast. At Bundle Head, the view to the north, of 
The Ness and Teignmouth was awesome with a slow descent where 
the view could be savoured. The blocked path on a steep section, near 
Bundle Head, proved to be a hazard, but not impossible to navigate. 
I was careful to watch for flying golf balls as I followed the golf course 
on my descent to The Ness. There were more excellent views of The 
Point and Teignmouth to be enjoyed from The Ness. I continued down 
hill through the woods from The Ness to The Ness Hotel, a charming 
little hotel. I soon reached Shaldon Car Park, opposite The Point on the 
far side of the Estuary, where I met Ann in the car. Ann joined me on the 
walk along the Promenade to the Teignmouth – Shaldon Ferry, passing 
numerous boats and fishing equipment. The 'End of the Walk'. I was so 
impressed with The Ness, I wanted to walk back along the Promenade 
to the Ness Hotel and the Tunnel under The Ness to Ness Beach. It was 
worth the extra walk, another adventure with Ann. We drove over the 
Shaldon – Teignmouth Bridge into Teignmouth and parked the car in 
Bitton Park Road so we could explore the town and check out the bus 
stops ready for the next section of the SWCP to Dawlish. 
Another excellent day's walking on the SWCP, not to be missed, 
especially on a clear day.


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