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.
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