This isn't so much a walk, more a
day out. At least it is if you go for the full-monty, but if you
really want to ignore the boat and train rides you could still
enjoy the most superb of riverside strolls.
Fact File Basic Hike: From Greenway on the eastern bank of the
Dart, south along Dart Trail to Kingswear.
Useful numbers: National Trust at Greenway - 01803 842382. Round
Robin (River Link, Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, and Stagecoach)
travel information hotlines: 01803 834488 and 01803 664500.
I was on a mission to visit the newly opened National Trust gardens
at Greenway - Agatha Christie's old home on the River Dart - and
the property-manager implored me to try what is known as the Round
Robin service which includes steam train, ferry, another ferry and
eventually a mini-bus.
Skipping the last of those links I discovered this fantastic hike
but, let me assure you, the rides are all great fun and an integral
part of the Dart experience.
Note that all maps on this site are only
indicative. You should never set out without the correct OS map.
The ways and means of gaining access
to this walk are many. The National Trust is very conscious of
the traffic situation in the narrow lanes around Greenway, hence
the multifarious and exciting ways of getting there.
I did the grand tour - catching the steam train at Paignton which
took me over to Kingswear where I took a ferry across to Dartmouth
to change boats so that I could enjoy a wonderful cruise up the
Dart. Eventually you are dropped at the old quay below Greenway,
and from there you can walk up to Agatha Christie’s old home.
You could simply park at Dartmouth and catch the boat, or stop
in Dittisham opposite the river and take the little ferry across
(be warned, there's not much room in the village in summer). Or
you could catch the 'hoppa' bus from Paignton direct to the property.
(See details of options in panel).
Anyway, the basis of this walk is simply a stroll back down the
river to Kingswear. What you get are four or five of the most scenic
riverside miles in the Westcountry. First though, I recommend a
turn around the remarkable gardens at Greenway.
After that the route follows a section
of the 16-mile Dart Valley Trail. Continue up Greenway Road and
then, at the junction, follow the lane right towards Maypool Youth
Hostel. Halfway along the trail heads left, up a track through
fields over Oakham Hill. At the crest you are treated to fantastic
panoramas of South Devon and the River Dart.
The great bend north of Dittisham is particularly in evidence,
but you are high enough to see across the ridge it surrounds, and
on up the river, past Bow Creek to the outskirts of Totnes.
Following a long thin wood (on our left) we cross the hill and
are immediately treated to another series of views. Essentially
these take in the main thrust of the river as it heads towards
the sea. At the end of the great sheet of water, there's Kingswear
clinging to its promontory.
Now the route is easy as, not only is it sign-posted, but there's
very little in the way of alternative thoroughfare to confuse the
hiker. At this point we are at a hamlet called Higher Greenway,
and we simply follow the path south, up a gentle hill, and into
the wood.
This is aptly named Long Wood that
runs alongside the river for a mile or so. The ancient wood, semi-natural
oak woods cover 100 acres - largely owned by the National Trust.
Don’t be shocked if you hear a steam whistle. The path weaves
through the wood at a point not far from the place where the Greenway
railway tunnel issues out into the trees. The sudden appearance
of a massive steam locomotive is a both frightening and wonderful
thing to behold. It's simply a matter of following the path through
the woods towards Kingswear. You get visual snippets of the river
through the trees all the way and latterly you look down upon a
large boat yard and marina.
Around this we walk to be introduced to the road, where it's simply
a case of taking your life in your hands and crossing to the lane
opposite. This leads past back gardens down towards Kingswear.
You can either take a right, halfway along and descend to the Upper
Ferry, or continue south to meet the railway, which you follow
to its terminus.
From there you are spoiled for choice as far as transport is concerned
- and that, in a way, is a theme of this riverside walk. Steam,
cruise, bus - whichever mode you choose - you'll be glad you took
Shank's Pony to complete the five beautiful riverside miles of
this walk.
South
Devon & West Dorset
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