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Adventures on Burgh Island

One of the most magical walks in South Hams is around Burgh Island which lies on the outskirts of the small seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea (about 4 miles away from the village by car). There is also a circular walk from Aveton Gifford which I will talk about in another post. 

The island has a colourful history including being a retreat for monks, a launching place for pilchard fishermen and a hiding place for smugglers and wreckers in the 18th century. 

Grandly rising from the rock is the retsored 1920's art deco style hotel (please see useful links) which can proudly name Agatha Christie and Noel Coward as guests and a 14th century smugglers pub called 'The Pilchard Inn'. The sandy beach path to Burgh Island is cut-off at high tide but guests and visitors can use the sea-tractor to cross the water. It's a unique experience and a sight not to be missed. 

We love going there on a quiet day to sit and watch birds of prey hover majestically in the sky, cormorants gather on the jutting rocks and voles, small birds and rabbits bob about in the bracken.  

If you'd like to know more about the hotel and the island's unique history there is a wonderful book on sale called 'The Great White Place' written by Tony Porter. We were fortunate to buy a signed edition from our local village shop. 

FLOWERS ON A FRIDAY 

(photos taken by me, sequined flowers made by me).

The Strete Gate Coast Path

Today we really needed a brisk walk so we looked at our map book (am I the only one who can't refold them?) and decided to try a new route along the cliff from the northern end of Slapton Sands following the Strete Gate Coast Path (see map above).  

The deluge of rain water under our feet produced a steady stream downhill and all the little creatures apart from the hardiest of birds seemed to have either hidden, burrowed or scurried away. Still the cormorants determinedly bobbed about on the water and numerous small birds darted past on their way from bracken to hedgerow and back. 

I'd remembered to pack my bird-watching book this time as I couldn't bear being quizzed anymore by chatty ramblers about which bird I was 'studying' through my binoculars, expecting some kind of educated response, only to be met by a bemused red-faced look from me. But alas even though it was a good idea in theory, today's rainy spells did not will me to grab it from the safety of my rucksack. 

It was a nice quick refreshing walk, which was made even more special by the discovery of numerous little ledges that we could scramble along to get a better view out to sea. For more information on Strete Gate please see the links on the right hand side of my blog called 'Websites with Local Interest'.  

After battling the elements, I snuggled up in the lounge and watched the 1962 James Bond film Dr No. Heaven. That goes for the film and Sean Connery.

Ponderosa

Gosh I truly have no idea where to start. Well we moved to Aveton Gifford, a small village in South Hams back in June of this year and since day one I've been determined to sit down and write an online journal. Alas due to one too many adventures and general tardiness I've never been able to focus long enough to start anything. However thanks to darker evenings and the daily torrential rain we've been experiencing, it seems like an ideal time to dust off my keyboard and put my typing skills to the test. 

I guess the aim of my blog is to give anyone who's hoping to spend more time in and around the area a kind of 'Rough Guide to South Hams'. Whilst at the same time padding it out with my photography, charity shop raid goodies and home-made craft bits. 

So even if only one person manages to find this blog in amongst the sea of a trillions others or a friend or two of mine take some time out to read it; I hope it entertains you in someway. 

Coming Soon!

More to follow....