Torquay to Falmouth

We managed an early departure from Torquay in anticipation of a long day on the road. Our destination was Falmouth via Bovey Tracey, Tavistock, Launceston, Port Isaac, Padstow & St Agnes.

A steep climb from Bovey Tracey placed us 2000 feet above sea level on the moors in the Dartmoor National Park. We shared the open space with free ranging sheep, cattle & ponies. The latter are said to be descendants of those turned out in the Middle Ages. Haytor Rock was considered more or less a climb too far! We had many stops for photos of vistas breathtakingly beautiful.

            We passed through the pretty hamlets of Ponsworthy & Dartmeet & marvelled
                  at their antiquated stone bridges, babbling brooks & thatched cottages.

    

 Just when we thought it it couldn't get any better, we discovered Tavistock, a World Heritage Listed market town on the Tavy River. Tavistock's history dates to 960AD with the founding of the Tavistock Abbey, which sadly is now in a state of ruin. It's favoured son is Sir Francis Drake. Tavistock is home to comedienne Dawn French.

Launceston is situated one mile west of the Tamar River, which defines the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. With a history much older than its Tasmanian namesake, Launceston doesn't have a Brisbane, Bourke nor Edward Street. No Lethborgs either!

Port Isaac with its stunning scenery was picture postcard perfect. I wouldn't have minded had we not been able to find our car. A bold statement, but it is the most beautiful place on earth. An hour was insufficient time to explore the coastal walking trails & appreciate the charm of this cray & crab fishing village. Those who are familiar with the television series 'Doc Martin' will recognise the cottage on Roscarrock Hill & the pharmacy.

                        

Padstow was too busy & too late in the day to battle for a car park & then jostle our way through the crowds for a photo shoot of the River Camel Estuary, so we pushed on in search of St Agnes.

A distance of just two miles on the A30 allowed Phil to reach a speed of 70 mph. After 'lane speed,' for a minute or two we were really motoring! Suddenly, he screamed to a halt  & almost didn't execute the intended right turn! What she screamed is unprintable! Practising for Falmouth!

The hoops a boy will jump through to please his mother! St Agnes, difficult to get to but a beautiful coastline to capture. It's easy to appreciate its World Heritage recognition.




Eight hours since our departure from Torquay and we have arrived at Falmouth.