Around Cornwall on CB125F Day 2 – Portland to Slapton
Along the shores of Devon
Not to early start but in the good time, just after 09:00. I had 99 miles to cover and few places to visit before my destination – Slapton.
It was lovely, sunny morning, little traffic, so very easy ride. What I did not know, it was the road I chose and views from it. I simply did not prepared myself for that, neither my camera. If the weather is good it is truly joyful experience riding B3157 from the moment you pass the Abbotsbury. It opens up to the stunning sea and hills views as you go. I was surprised by how many laybys are there to stop and admire. And it goes until you pass Chesil Beach Lodge, where the road turns away and goes down the hill.
Soon after I got on A35 and on my way to the first stop in Lyme Regis, just for a break and snack. When I arrived, again the beautiful views from a small car park behind the Lyme Regis museum were to be seen. Especially today, I just can’t understand why I did not take a single picture there or anywhere on the way. It looks like I have to get back there again.
The Lyme Regis in its own cord is a very picturesque small town. It is worth stopping for longer and explore. There is nice beach, marina, golf course, many places to stay, eat and shop. But it feels that the town likely becomes very busy in the summer.
I didn’t have much time to look around it. In those days if you wished to visit some place like a castle, house, gardens of caverns, you could do it only by booking it online and well in advance. So, I got a time slot on this particular day. There are 49 miles to Kents Cavern in Torquay and my time slot was at 12:00 so, had to go. I arrived there just in time via Exeter, Exmouth and Shaldon with spectacular views over the Teignmouth. Well, looking from the road to the left and a bit behind 🙂
The Caverns
The caverns are amazing, so I highly recommend a visit. There is also something for children too. An interesting history facts and speculations told by the guides add to the experience.
Actually, those caverns when discovered were almost completely filled in with thick, muddy soil. But few very brave men were digging and removing it for decades over an early Victorian times of the 19th century. Hundreds, if not thousands of archaeological artefacts those men have found. What we can see today, it is practically as much as they uncovered then. A tour takes around 40 minutes. but it was long enough to become ready for a lunch.
On The Way To Slapton
From Torquay I think that the best route to Slapton is to follow A3022 until Paigton and there turn into A379 followed by B3205 from Hillhead. This will take you to the lower ferry in Kingswear, by most considered nicer one and more unusual. This is because unlike usual chain ferry this one has only a swinging tug, which changes its facing position on the way and is based on direction. Small but really lovely as the views around.
I took a short ride to see the Dartmouth castle. Well, it was closed on that day. But an onsite café has served delicious ice-cream and coffee to top-up the spoil. The castle is known for having a ship sinking cannon and a massive chain run across the river from the castle to the other shore. This was to stop enemy ships from entering. It of course could be dropped to let others pass.
The last few miles were on B3205 and back on A379. I almost missed my right turn towards Slapton, as the road is so nice there. I mean the whole stretch between Dartmouth and Torcross.
Slapton is a very small medieval village. It has two pubs, a church and tiny shop. There is also a caravan / camping site and if I’m correct one or two farms offer horse riding. Pubs are closed on Mondays.
I have stayed in Ley Field Centre. This is one of many Field Studies Council (FSC) Centres in the UK. They “help people learn about the environment so they can make informed choices about how best to protect it”. The centre runs many courses for children, teenagers and adults. Highly recommend to stop by there, however it may difficult to get a room.
Nice and very affordable place, at that time only with breakfast served. Rooms with and without bathroom but some can have as a private one. I have arrived on Monday, so I didn’t have any other choice but to get to Torcross for a meal, which is the nearest location. A bar on the beach front had a lovely scampi and bottled beer. I was thirsty and hungry, so this made it a feast 🙂
My plan for the next day was to ride around the area, before saying good by to Devon.
And here is my route on the map.
