hettie slapton
Family Favourites - March/April 2013
Lots of little activities suit families well in the winter (go out, get blasted by the wind and rain and then quickly dash home for a hot chocolate and a piece of cake) but as spring comes along there are more opportunities to get out again for longer walks and wanders along the beaches and in the woods and have your hot chocolate and cake with you to eat out and about.
For a quick trip on a cold day, drive to the Strete Gate carpark at the eastern end of Slapton Sands. From the carpark go through a little gate, not down to the beach and then wander around in the little nature reserve. Just as you enter on the left, there is a lovely mound with a winding path to the top. My children think elves and fairies live on this winding path, because somehow there are sweets dotted along the sides of the path up to the top! Magic. Take your flask up there and sit and look at the amazing views. The information board up there is really good too. No dogs are allowed inside this fenced area, and I think it is reasonably safe for children to explore on their own, as there are lots of different paths, but the whole area is fenced off from the road. There are lots of secluded picnic benches hidden amongst the trees and it is quite a sheltered area. We really love it there. Do remember before you set off you cannot walk your dog here.
If you want a bigger walk from the carpark at Strete Gate, then walk down to Slapton Sands, and turn towards the eastern end of the beach. Wander along, and you will come across a beautiful cairn type structure on the beach, made of stones and with some coins stuck into it. With children it is always good to have something to aim for on a walk, other wise they just won’t keep going, but this seemed to be enough to keep the interest of my two small kids.
In 2012 the council did up the play area at Beesands, and it is now full of much better equipment. We used to like the play area because it looked like it hadn’t changed since the 1950s and it gave Beesands the air of being stuck in time, but they have done it up now, and although it is bright and garish, it is much more fun for kids. The climbing frame is good and there is a huge slide. We have spent many happy days walking the dog at Beesands and taking the little ones for bike rides down there. Since moving to Dartmouth we have struggled to find lots of places to let the kids practice riding their bikes safely (beyond just riding round the park and ride field or Coronation Park) but Beesands really feels like a good little bike ride for a four year old from one end to the other - just watch the cars on the road. Other reasons to visit Beesands are the large amount of free parking, the field is huge and safe to run around/have a picnic/have a BBQ/fly a kite, Britannia on the Beach cafe and shop is really excellent and child friendly and the Cricketers is a great pub that comes highly recommended.
If you are in Totnes for any reason and you want a breath of fresh air there is a lovely walk along the river from Steamer Quay. It is really short (perfect for children) and it is tarmac the whole way. Mud free! It usually takes us about an hour to amble along this stretch of river, very slowly and we have taken bikes there many times. The river is lovely here and you can look at the yachts moored up on the quayside and choose your favourite. At the end of the tarmac path is a wooded area to wander around in and play hide and seek, although watch out because it does go right up to the water’s edge. Drive all the way to the end of the road at Steamer Quay and park in the last pay and display car park. The gate is at the far end of the car park. Be warned this is a tiny walk, but we always stretch it out into an afternoon’s activity (often with a picnic on the bench at the far end), because it is so accessible and flat.
You can spend a fantastic morning or afternoon at picturesque Dartmouth Castle, exploring all the little spaces, towers, rooms, corridors, weapons and so on. It is a small castle that is easy for a four year old to enjoy, because there is not too much walking involved, but then an older child would love all the information boards, history, views and more. They have the odd cannon that makes a rumbly bang and some dressing up… we love a bit of role play! The stairs are steep and narrow so if you have a nervous child you will have to help them but it really is worth a visit for both children and adults. Why not travel to and from the castle on the Castle Ferry and also have a picnic in Castle Cove (watch the tide) on the rocks? And while you are there, the cakes are amazing in the café, especially the carrot cake, which if you are lucky like me, the children won’t like it and you won’t have to share with them. Have a lovely time!
First published March/April 2013 By The Dart