Day 44 - 47 Beesands to Torquay

Day 44 - Beesands to Dartmouth. The day started with a long straight stretch along the Slapton Ley nature reserve and past Slapton Sands. There were a few hills during the afternoon but nothing too challenging. Plenty of clouds today but it was very warm and still no sign of rain. Other than having to push a cow out of the way of a gate so I could get through, it was an uneventful day and I arrived in Dartmouth by mid-afternoon. Dartmouth really is a lovely town, understated but beautiful with so many things to see and do, definitely somewhere to come back to.

Day 45 - Dartmouth to Brixham.  I left my BnB early as I knew this was going to be a tough day and so it proved. I didn't have long to wait for the ferry to Kingswear and this is actually a proper ferry that takes cars as well. It was only about 12 miles around the coast to Brixham but it felt so much further. It was like being back on the most difficut parts of the north coast, the path constantly went down deep ravines and then up the other side. There were some lovely views along the south coast as far as Weymouth but it really was very tiring. As I got closer to Berry Head near Brixham the path became quite busy and I witnessed quite a nasty fight between two dogs close to a car park. At one point it looked like the owners themselves might start fighting each other but it gradually sorted itself out. I didn't get to Brixham until nearly 4pm so even by my standards I was slow today ! I sat on a bench on the sea front in Brixham in the late afternoon sunshine for a while to get my strength back before wandering off to find the pub I was staying in.    

Day 46 - Brixham to Torquay.  In contrast to yesterday, this is a short (about 9 miles) and fairly flat stretch and was really enjoyable. There were heavy black clouds as I left and although the rain held off it was misty and grey for most of the day. After Brixham harbour and the fish markets, there is a lovely wooded path leaving Brixham and a couple of pretty hidden coves. It was then mostly urban walking, the path goes over Goodrington sands, along Paignton sea front and around the whole of Tor Bay through to Torquay. I was there by early afternoon so had a wander around and some fish and chips by the sea. 

Day 47 - Rest Day