15/09/20 - Start Point

Distance - 5 Miles

Geocaches - 1

Walk Inspiration - 100 Walks in Devon and Cornwall, Walk 5

No pubs on route today.  This walk is as facility free as it gets.  Along with pubs, the other things we could have used but are sadly absent include tea shops, newsagents and a bin to put a Guide Dog in training deposits in.

Still, it does have views.

Another frankly terrifying journey to get to the walk start point.  In previous days we have given way to SUVs, 4x4s and some monster farm vehicles.  Today, we get less than a 1/2 mile from our apartment when we have to wait for the farmer to move his cows.  At least he wasn't taking them to market in Kingsbridge.  Once that hazard is passed, its down lanes where it advises you not to attempt them if you car is wider than 6'6".  

Previously unaware, I now know exactly how wide an Audi Q3 is.

The final, grass down the middle track, leads to Start Point.  Despite its "end of the world" feel - there is still a little old lady collecting £3.50 for parking.  With 3 port-a-loos outside her little wooden shack, we think she lives there for the summer season.  

The views are worth the entrance fee.  And its probably worth the "there and back" detour to visit the lighthouse - which now advertises itself as holiday accommodation.  Remember to bring your own beer.

Start Point Views

Downhill to the Lighthouse - uphill to pick up the Coast Path

All the glory for this walk is in the early coastal stages.   Wild precipitous high paths to the first and only Geocache at Great Sleadon Rock.  The tide is out and there is a little beach - which we scramble down onto to allow Abi the guide dog in training to have a splash around.  This is completed with scant regard as to how we might get back up - but one of a Golden Retriever's hidden talents is rock climbing.

   

The walking team, posing in front of a cache GZ

A more accessible beach is available at Lannacombe.  Served by an honesty car park and a single track, it seems to be one of the places used by people that are "in the know".  It's as good as any of the other beaches we've found in our short stay but you can more or less have it to yourself.  As long as you are honest.

Beach fun and games until Abi starts to eat the seaweed.

Lannacombe - all yours, if you know where it is

Lannacombe is where we leave the coast behind.  As with all circular coastal walks - you pay for the spectacular bits with a long and in this case, mainly uphill, trudge to get back to the start.

A stop in Kingsbridge for refreshment.  I lose the argument about whether to wait for the Good Beer Guide Hermitage Inn to open at 2pm.  One look at the mouldy drawn curtains is enough to convince Mrs M that we WILL be finding a cafe for Devonian Cream Tea.