Tell me tales of Totnes (a fortnight in March).

[mojo pixy]

I think Ashburton is worth a visit, just for a walk really because it's very pretty, even alongside Totnes.

 

[emanymton]

Full of hippies.

He will fit right in then.

 

[Idaho]

How far can you walk on a good day danny la rouge ? Just wondering what Dartmoor points of interest could be in range

 

[Boris Sprinkler]

Second one for the boat trip along the Dart. Dartmouth is a nice town.

There’s also steam engines to go to Buckfastleigh. That of the the fabled wine.
If you ask nicely they let you on the engine to take a photo.
Decent food in the Cott inn a 14th century pub.

 

[tim]

...

The old cinema is very cool, art house stuff plus current releases and releases. It also does nice coffee, cake, wine and get this danny la rouge live jazz on Sundays between 1200 and 1400

View attachment 459910
for that sort of thing.

There are a few moorland spots which can probably provide good views without any / much walking, but I never have time really to go to them perhaps Idaho can advise. Am not very good with the tourist stuff to do as I’m too busy usually doing the day to day life stuff!

I live a few miles away just outside of Newton Abbot so if you fancy meeting one day give me a shout. I’d ought to check on the dogs welfare at least

Live Jazzz!

 

[danny la rouge]

How far can you walk on a good day danny la rouge ? Just wondering what Dartmoor points of interest could be in range

20 mins.

 

[mx wcfc]

My brother used to live nearby. We went there for a pub crawl once. Nice pubs and nice local ale. Long time ago.

 

[CNT36]

Parking is tricky in the centre on Saturdays when the market is on (tarot readings, interesting food, dream catchers, other hippy shit) so I tend to take the train when I visit.

Good charity shops along Fore Street (the high street) but it’s a steep hill. So be aware of this. Also cafes, galleries etc

The old cinema is very cool, art house stuff plus current releases and releases. It also does nice coffee, cake, wine and get this danny la rouge live jazz on Sundays between 1200 and 1400

View attachment 459910

There are Dart river cruises you can do from the bottom of the hill somewhere though I’ve never done one. They seem a bit geriatric.

It’s quite nice to sit by the river if the suns out for lunch - and dogs will enjoy that. You can walk along the river towards Dartington but not sure if it would be accessible to you. Haven’t done this either!

I’m not an expert on the beaches, but if you want a tatty faded seaside resort try Paignton. You’re veggie so I won’t suggest places but Mrs La rouge may like the fish in some of the restaurants. I’ve never been to Brixham but told it is good for that sort of thing.

There are a few moorland spots which can probably provide good views without any / much walking, but I never have time really to go to them perhaps Idaho can advise. Am not very good with the tourist stuff to do as I’m too busy usually doing the day to day life stuff!

I live a few miles away just outside of Newton Abbot so if you fancy meeting one day give me a shout. I’d ought to check on the dogs welfare at least

Also there are two different ferries to Dart with wildly different prices. Do your research...

 

[mojo pixy]

Of an evening The Barrel House at the top of the high street can be a great spot for live music, dj'd music, poetry and probably other things too.

 

[mojo pixy]

Oh, and seaside - personally I recommend Teignmouth because it has a nice beach, good food shops, an art gallery, a theatre and a bit of history (eg it was the last place on mainland Britain to be invaded by the french).

 

[SpookyFrank]

Is Devonish Pasties a thing?

Yes. In fact what goes by the name 'Cornish pasty' is a Devon recipe. Actual Corrnish pasties are some bullshit with fruit in them.

 

[SpookyFrank]

20 mins.

Haytor is a nice 20 minute-ish walk from an easily accessible car park.

 

[Idaho]

This is an easy flat walk from the closest car park. Good views and suitably eccentric.

Ten Commandments Stone

The Ten Commandments Stones lie just below Buckland Beacon on the south eastern side of Dartmoor. They were commissioned by the lord of Buckland Manor, a William Whitely who asked a local sculptor …

treksandtors.co

 

[Idaho]

You can sort of park quite close to this. There are some informal spots right at the end of the lane. Atmospheric up there.

Scorhill Stone Circle - Southwest of Gidleigh, Dartmoor, Devon

Stone Circles and Antiquities

www.stone-circles.org.uk

 

[Idaho]

Sheepstor and the burrator reservoir are very nice. A fair drive from Totnes though

Sheepstor

Attractive hamlet, surrounded by meadows and woodland. Nearby Burrator Reservoir ideal setting for wildlife, walking and cycling.

www.visitplymouth.co.uk

 

[Idaho]

South Brent is a cute little village. There's a nice short potter up the river Avon to Lydia bridge

South Brent - Visit South Devon

Attractive, well kept village on the fringe of Dartmoor, just off the A38. Remains of watermills and a windmill (on the moor). Interesting church,…

www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk

 

[Dystopiary]

Haytor is a nice 20 minute-ish walk from an easily accessible car park.

It'd be 20 minutes back though.

 

[Idaho]

A local institution. Nice cream teas.

House of Marbles | Marble Runs, Glassworks, Restaurant & Shopping

Free parking & entry. Discover our range of marbles, toys & games. See glass blown. Attend a workshop. Dine at The Old Pottery restaurant. Visit the museums. A family-friendly place with much more to see and do when you visit. We are open to trade customers for wholesale business, in addition to...

www.houseofmarbles.com

 

[Idaho]

At staverton bridge there are parking spots and a flat footpath that takes you to the riverside. Sit still and you'll see kingfishers

STAVERTON BRIDGE, Dartington - 1324955 | Historic England

List entry 1324955. Grade I Listed Building: Staverton Bridge. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.

historicengland.org.uk

 

[hash tag]

Haytor is a nice 20 minute-ish walk from an easily accessible car park.

Haytor is one of my favourites places but a trek from the car park, uphill all the way. I might be on the way to Widecombe from Totnes.
Nearby Torquay is classed as the English Riviera. Becky Falls is up that way and you could enjoy a bit without too much walking.
There are so many good places on the moors like Dartmeet and Postbridge.
Is the gnome place still in the area?
Not recommended, but strike out a little further to Princeton and Dartmoor Prison.
This must be one of the most scenic railways in the UK.
Timetables
Kings bridge is a small town, quite pretty in parts.

 

[hash tag]

Ps. Can I come along?

 

[Idaho]

Haytor is one of my favourites places but a trek from the car park, uphill all the way. I might be on the way to Widecombe from Totnes.
Nearby Torquay is classed as the English Riviera. Becky Falls is up that way and you could enjoy a bit without too much walking.
There are so many good places on the moors like Dartmeet and Postbridge.
Is the gnome place still in the area?
Not recommended, but strike out a little further to Princeton and Dartmoor Prison.
This must be one of the most scenic railways in the UK.
Timetables
Kings bridge is a small town, quite pretty in parts.

All great advice except (imho) Princetown. It's odd and grim with little to recommend other than a passable Dartmoor visitor centre.

 

[kebabking]

danny la rouge - this is worth a looksie.

4x4 tramper hire - loads of locations in Devon. The fees are pretty minimal, and it's a good way of getting out.

Where - Countryside Mobility

You'll be spoilt for choice with around 60 beauty spots and outdoor attractions in the West and Wales to enjoy with your Countryside Mobility membership.

countrysidemobility.org

 

[Idaho]

If you want characterful Devonian smuggling and fishing vibe, Newton Ferrers is lovely. It has little river crossings within the village that are unique

Newton Ferrers - Visit South Devon

Newton Ferrers is a little slice of tranquillity just 10 miles from Plymouth. Surrounded by ancient woodland and creeks, the village of Newton…

www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk

 

[Elpenor]

Haytor is a nice 20 minute-ish walk from an easily accessible car park.

I am not sure that’s feasible as it’s steep uphill.

 

[rubbershoes]

Oh and on Totnes market I am sure there was someone doing palm / foot readings once.

He was dressed like someone from Monty python's the life of Brian

Don't forget to haggle

£10 for a foot reading? Are you trying to insult me

 

[Idaho]

And if you find Totnes just too left wing and down market, then head south to Salcombe. It is very posh, but mainly because it's so pretty that the rich folks have long since had it to themselves.

Salcombe! - Salcombe Tourist Information & travel advice

Salcombe Information Centre no knowledge like local knowledge! a warm welcome awaits you....A hive of information!

salcombeinformation.co.uk

 

[danny la rouge]

And if you find Totnes just too left wing and down market, then head south to Salcombe. It is very posh, but mainly because it's so pretty that the rich folks have long since had it to themselves.

Salcombe! - Salcombe Tourist Information & travel advice

Salcombe Information Centre no knowledge like local knowledge! a warm welcome awaits you....A hive of information!

salcombeinformation.co.uk

My people!

 

[two sheds]

You're not there for 21st are you?

With the arrival of March comes the promise of spring—the month is said to roar in like a lion, and if we're really lucky, roll out like a lamb. Meanwhile, on or around the 21st of the month, we have Ostara to celebrate. It's the time of the vernal equinox if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, and it's a true marker that Spring and warmer, sunnier days have come. There are many different ways you can celebrate this Sabbat, depending on your tradition.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Ostara, but typically it is observed as a time to mark the coming of Spring and the fertility of the land. By watching agricultural changes—such as the ground becoming warmer, and the emergence of plants from the ground— you'll know exactly how you should welcome the season.

Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.

In pagan communities like Totnes, residents often search out strangers and incomers to lash into a Wicker Man and set fire as a warning to others.

 

[moochedit]

In March we are dog sitting near Totnes.