“Kingswear to Scabbacombe must be one of the most stunning sections of the South West Coast Path, with precipitous climbs and coves you can only access on foot. I bet everyone says that about their local patch but I truly believe it!”
On the water
My favourite local trip on the water here on the South Devon coast near Plymouth is sea kayaking to the Mewstone, a rocky islet about half a mile out to sea from the river mouth, to watch the wildlife. Mew is an ancient word for Gul and you’ll see plenty of cormorants, shags and guls. There’s also a grey seal colony. I might sea kayak there or go in the RIB if I’m taking people out on a wildlife spotting trip. But the kayak is less disturbing, especially when the seals pup in autumn. You can’t step foot on the Mewstone as it’s protected but there’s incredible wildlife close to shore.
greatescapesdartmouth.co.uk
Next to the water
My local stretch of the beautiful Coast Path runs right past my house. Kingswear to Scabbacombe must be one of the most stunning sections of the Coast Path – and I bet everyone says that about their local patch but I truly believe it. It’s classic Coast Path with precipitous climbs and coves that you can only access on foot, finishing at Scabbacombe’s beautiful beach. You might see a golden oriel, one of Britain’s rarest birds which has been spotted on this coastline or experience a peregrine in flight. By the time you get back to Dartmouth you’ll really appreciate the cream tea at the end.
southwestcoastpath.org
In the water
Snorkelling is always fun, and with a dog it’s even better! There are some gorgeous secluded coves dotted along this coastline that are perfect for swimming or snorkelling. Two coves near me on the south coast that are certainly worthy of mention and great for snorkelling are Compass Cove and Sugary Cove. Reuban loves it at both and always comes with me. I once kayaked back from Compass Cove and he followed all the way to Dartmouth for about a mile. He’s a Newfoundland Cross and a great swimmer. For a challenge walk from Dartmouth Castle to Compass Cove and swim back.
southdevonaonb.org.uk
