South Devon Day 7 - Torquay to Exmouth

After our stay in Babbacombe for the night, we set off for the coast expecting to pick up the path at sea level, a kind chap who works in the Cliff Railway saved us the walk all the way down and then back up again as the path has now been routed through the edge of St Mary-Church housing estate due to previous cliff falls (he also mentioned house falls!). So after chatting for a while we pressed on at a higher elevation.

I remember visiting this place as a child, it was pretty awesome at the time, wonder what it's like now?

You can see how the erosion is taking place. The rocks seem to be within a very soft and sandy red soil which is easily washed away and then the rocks are free to fall. It was so obvious, in places the sea water was actually discoloured red in places.

Looking back at Oddicombe.

Maybe this isn't the best photo. But I was amazed to see how dominant the Ivy seems to be along this path. It's everywhere, covering trees, shrubs and plants and probably eradicating other species in doing so.

Is that David Bellamy wading through the undergrowth? Time for a bit of care and maintenance on the South Devon Coast Path I think.

This is going to be amazing! I wonder whose house this is? Somebody rich for sure.

Who put that tree there?

Teignmouth coming into view. But there is the River Teign to cross first.

And a golf course near Shaldon.

Quite a wide crossing here. No hope of wading this one.

One minute wait and our ferry arrives. "Two halves for Teignmouth please".

A leisurely trip across on a warm afternoon.

Teignmouth promenade.

In my youth I can remember our youth clubs summer 2 week holiday here back in 1976. Yes, that hot hot summer. We had a great time in Teignmouth, but I do remember running out of this very Pier trying to avoid some local thugs, who had decided our group of Northerners offered some form of threat on their patch - must have been my long legs and adrenalin as I wasn't caught. Nevertheless, we were advised to avoid the Pier for the rest of our holiday. I did have a peep inside to see if any of them were still there, just to be on the safe side.

I was about this time the Davy began to get a bit bored of my Teignmouth tales as we strolled along the promenade which held some many memories for me. To be fair, he did tolerate my many reminiscences with great understanding.

Next it is that marvellous coast wall and the train line at Teignmouth. We enjoyed our Cornish Pastie lunch sitting on the wall and watching the trains fly by. I also spent a while narrating videos for my 2 year old Grandson Lucas, whilst a train approached and went past. After take 5, I sent the best one to him on our family 'What's-App' group. Should really do a bit of walking now.

As if you didn't already know.

Next stop was Dawlish, with it's brand new sea wall, as the last one fell into the sea taking the track with it!

At Dawlish Warren we turned inland alongside the River Exe (more of an estuary really) and headed for Starcross where we needed to catch our next ferry to Exmouth. A sharp shower made us don our waterproofs for the first time proper on this walk, we also realised that we had an outside chance of catching the 15:10 ferry - otherwise we would have to hang around a full hour for the next one. Checking the time, we had 45 minutes to do the best part of three miles. What followed was the fastest walking done so far.

Made it!! Just.

Time for a relax as we head over the Exe towards Exmouth. Plenty of sandbanks, so the journey took quite a bit longer than expected as they were rounded. The £5 fare was justified this time - unlike some of the previous £4 ones to cross 50ft of water.

Approaching Exmouth harbour and the multi coloured apartment blocks.

I liked Exemouth - Pleasant and friendly place. Plenty of pubs, we particularly enjoyed the Bicton Inn, plus had a nice Nepalise meal, but the highlight was the Microbrewery pub - The Grapevine. Had the best pint of the week there - The Exe 'something' craft ale - lovely.