Walking into town ----------

On our first morning in Torquay we were up early and walking to town. 

Warm and partly sunny it was perfect for a hike.

We walked along the beachfront from the cottage, climbing the cliff walk/steps up 

over Daddyhole Plain (above the rows of new-style beach huts) and along the 

Rock End section of the Southwest Coast Path.

Meadfoot Beach at low tide.

The tower, which you actually walk through, and sections of old wall, are all remaining 

of the former Rock End estate. Very expensive homes have been built here - you 

can imagine the beautiful sea views they must have.

Bob and Jasmin at Rock End.

This board shows our path along the cliffs - we climbed to Daddyhole Plain 

from Meadfoot Beach, following the coast pathway to Beacon Cove. With stops for 

gasping at the views across the bay - Jasmin had not been on this walk on her last 

visit many years back - and of course taking photos, it took about an hour.

Passing the Living Coasts - Britain's only coastal zoo - read more here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Coasts

Reaching the harbor we were a bit tired, but if I could walk into town with 

such views here in North Carolina, I'd sell my car! 

Ready to continue our day, we headed to the ferry for the sail

across the bay to the fishing port of Brixham.

Torquay's Inner Harbour

Boarding the Western Lady VI ferry which crosses Tor Bay in about half an hour for 

just a one pound fare - the best bargain in town!

Here, the ferry was passing the Grand Hotel, one of the oldest and largest hotels 

along Torquay's shoreline, and where Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon. 

Across from the hotel is a rocky beach and row of traditional style beach 

huts - my favorites.

For me, the small beach, named Corbyn Head, holds many childhood memories. 

When in elementary school - about a two mile walk from here - on warm June afternoons 

before school was out for the Summer hols, my neighbor, whose two children were 

in school with me, would meet us at 4 PM and walk us to the beach. She'd bring 

our swimsuits, towels, cheese and tomato sandwiches, orangeade drinks, and we'd

 spend a few wonderful late afternoon hours swimming and playing in the rock pools 

when the tide went out.

Those really are days I will always cherish.

Next time I'll show you Brixham at the far end of Tor Bay.

Down to my home in Devon. . . . . . . .

Arriving in England is usually the same for me. 

When we're going straight home to Devon we take the National Express 

coach from Heathrow airport to Torquay. We no longer drive in the UK.

It's a long ride and one has to be prepared with lunch/snacks for the 5 hour 

ride - we pick up a sandwich and bottled drink from M&S or Boots at the

 airport shops and, having purchased tickets online, just wait, somewhat 

bleary-eyed from the overnight flight, until the 501 coach shows up - always 

on time believe it it not!  The ride on an almost Summer day is lovely. At this 

time of year the countryside is spectacular. It was cloudy leaving London but 

as the southwest counties appeared on the signposts, the sun peeped out 

and by the time we were 'home' the afternoon was perfect. 

My dear cousin David was at the coach station to meet us.  

He took us to a grocery store for the basics we needed at the rental cottage

 and drove us to our 'home' on the coast for the coming ten days.

More about David in a future post - we grew up together, our mums were sisters, 

and thankfully we have stayed close despite the distance since I emigrated to 

the US over fifty years ago.

The pink cottage, almost on the beach, was awaiting our arrival.

We let Jasmin choose which bedroom she preferred - this was the magnificent 

view from her window.

The sun goes down late over Tor Bay at this time of year - it remains light 

until around 10:30 PM which is wonderful, and the early dawn brings bright 

mornings by 5:30 AM.

Here, as we looked across the bay, the lights came on in Brixham, the fishing

 town where my father was born.

It's a long journey home - but always worthwhile.

Sleep was welcome that night.