South
Devon Heritage Coast
Description
This heritage coast runs from Brixham to Wembury, a distance of some
50 miles. Along the way it takes in several nature reserves and popular
sailing centres, and passes one of the finest gardens in England.
The area
spanned by the coast coincides roughly with the South Hams region
of South Devon. The name "hams" is an old Anglo-Saxon word
meaning "sheltered place". The Gulf Stream ensures a mild
climate for South Hams, with early springs and long summers. Five
rivers flow down to the coast from the heights of Dartmoor, creating
excellent harbours and sailing centres at Dartmouth, Salcombe, and
Kingsbridge, among others.
There
are a large number of beaches along the coast, including the broad
sweep of Slapton Sands, with its freshwater lagoon, and more private
sandy coves, like Blackpool and Thurlestone. The reed beds and marsh
around Slapton Ley provide habitat for a large number of bird species.
Just
a few miles from the coast at Ashburton the River Dart Country Park
is set in 90 acres of a former Victorian estate. The park offers woodland
walks along the Dart, family leisure facilities, and a variety of
accommodation and camping options.
On the
coast at Coleton is The National Trust garden of Coleton Fishacre.
The garden was only begun in 1925, but the mild Devon climate makes
it ideal for plants that like it wet, such as bamboos, mimosa, and
subtropicals. There are rare trees, walled and terraced gardens, a
circular pool and stream gardens, scented plants and herbs. Good autumn
colours. Open March, Sun. 2-5, April-end October Wed.-Fri. and
Sun., 10:30-5:30, Tel. 01803 752466
Area
Countryside attractions:
The
South West Coast Path
Easily the longest and, in places, the most arduous, of England's
National Trails. The path is actually the amalgamation of 4 paths;
the Somerset & North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon, and Dorset
Coastal paths. The route is quite popular, and it can be crowded in
the summer months, though there are always long stretches where your
only company will be a chorus of sea birds. More
...
Rame
Head Heritage Coast
This heritage coast takes in a low promontory housing an old Iron
Age fort, a coastguard lookout, and a medieval chapel. On either side
of the headland are isolated beaches, and the area is rich in birdlife.
More ...
Dartmoor
National Park
The landscape of Dartmoor is extraordinary; tall granite "tors"
stand out atop two high plateaus split by the valley of the River
Dart. On those plateaus the famous Dartmoor ponies still graze. Dartmoor
is also blessed with an abundance of prehistoric remains. More
...
Attractions
in South West England
Maps:
Ordnance Survey Landranger map #201, 202
Top Links:
Devon County Council Tourism Guide
River
Dart Country Park
Devon
links
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Heritage Coasts
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