Most students seem to like the idea of a “short walk” but when it really comes down to it, do you actually do more than a short walk to the 24 hour garage at 3am for more supplies?

Well since its getting to that time of year when you might actually want to get outside the city and see a bit more of this beautiful part of the world, here are a few helpful suggestions that have been put together by some of us in UPSU who know that really you want a short walk that also includes a pub/café somewhere on the way.  See how many you’ve actually done since you’ve been here. Please note, none of them include C103, Varsity or the Union!

1. Burgh Island, Bigbury on Sea

If you haven’t been here yet then you want shooting.  The island has an art deco hotel on it which features in loads of Agatha Christie films.  Its not this that is the attraction though, you’ll be looking for the short walk across the sand bar at low tide for a lazy afternoon at the Pilchards pub slowly watching yourself get cut off from the main land by the tide; then either wading back to pretend you’ve had an adventure, or getting the tractor/beercrateonstilts type thing back and have an even bigger adventure. Barely a walk, plenty of relaxation.

2. Langdon Court to Wembury Beach

A walk you can do either way round depending on your preference.  Either park the car at Langdon Court, have a pint and wander down to the beach through the woods, have a cup of tea at the beach café, then walk back uphill for another well earned pint. Or, start with a tea at the beach, walk up hill for a pint, then stroll back through the woods for another lovely cream tea on the beach. Takes about 40 minutes to walk each way

3. The Ship at Noss Mayo

Bit more serious, probably about 5 miles in total, but great as you can start and finish in one of the best food pubs around. The best way to do this walk is to get the up hill bit out the way at the begin, so park at the pub and walk inland uphill, past the tennis courts and over the hill to join the coast path.  It’s then about 3 miles all downhill back to the pub.  There’s even a little secret beach towards the end that you can find your way down to for a swim.  Most people get to it by boat but you can get to it from the land if you look hard enough.

4. Mount Edgecumbe Trail, 7 Miles (or more if Rame Head included)

Undoubtedly the finest walk in the Plymouth area, and one of the best in the Southwest.

Takes you from the landing stage on the Cornwall side, through the formal gardens at Mount Edgecumbe House (entry to gardens free) across the open hillside overlooking Plymouth Sound to the Folly, then either following the seaward side or via Maker Church to the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. There are formal gardens, open countryside, beaches, four pubs one chip shop and at least two excellent places to eat - on a country walk of seven miles. You can extend this by 5 miles to take in the rugged coastline leading to the historic chapel on Rame Head.

To reach the start we suggest you take Passenger Ferry from Admirals Hard, off Durnford St, Stonehouse, Plymouth (close to City centre), Car Park 250m from Ferry. Ferry costs £1.30 each way and runs all year but note last return times, details 01752-822105. Western National buses No 80 & 81 run to start, check times 01752-222666.

5. Cotehele, Cornwall

If you don’t mind venturing into Cornwall … there is lovely walk from Cotehele (the National Trust property near St. Dominick) to Calstock.  Through the woods alongside the beautiful River Tamar with magnificent views of the viaduct and across to the Bere Peninsular.  It takes about 30 minutes to reach Calstock and the Tamar Inn where you can get refreshments.  If you fancy a short ferry ride back to Cotehele you can do that instead of walking.

6. Burrator Reservoir

Another favourite is Burrator Reservoir, past Yelverton and through Dousland.  You can walk around the lake or drive on to Norsworthy Bridge, park and take the path on your left to walk by the river and on to another clapper bridge (Leathertor).  If you fancy going a bit further you can walk over the bridge and up the path to your left.  Climb over the stile on your right and continue on the path through the woods up to Drakes Leat.  This is a lovely peaceful walk with only the sound of the river, bird song and the wind in the trees.  If you are lucky you will see the Buzzards, Kestrels and the occasional Deer.  On returning to your car you may like to pop into the Burrator Inn for a drink and meal before driving back to Plymouth.

Happy walking.

There are also many festivals and competitions taking place:

 
Oceanfest, Croyde Bay, North Devon.  June 5-17^th
Lanhydrock House – Music in the Park.  14^th July
Maker Sunshine Festival.  26-29^th July.
Rip Curl Board Masters.  5^th-6^th August.
St.Endellion – Cornish music festival.  July 31^st- August 10^th