Category: Blog

The atmospheric town taken by the sea

Only 18 miles from Totnes the village of Hallsands near Kingsbridge in south Devon is the village that fell into the sea. To say the village is still there would be bending the truth slightly, however the remains (which are now closed) can still be seen from the safety of a viewing platform over the cliffs. No-one knows exactly when Hallsands was established although some say it was probably in about 1600 and growing in the 18th and 19th centuries. By 1891 it had 37 houses, the London Inn and a population of 159 with a very close community. Most residents owned their own homes and depended on fishing, mainly crab, for a living. It was a hazardous business with irregular earnings and frequent losses at sea. Everyone, including women and children, helped haul in the boats and nets. Everything was fine until the 1890s when the Admiralty decided that the naval dockyard at Keyham near Plymouth should be expanded which required hundreds of thousands of tons of concrete. In January 1896 the construction company Sir John Jackson Ltd was granted permission to dredge shingle from the coast between Hallsands and neighbouring Beesands. Many fishermen at the time, who knew the area offshore intimately, opposed the plans saying the dredging would alter the seabed as well as the beach and what was taken would certainly not be replaced. Despite the resident’s protestations dredging began in the spring of 1897 and during the next four years some 660,000 tonnes of material were removed. Activity was eventually paused when opposition from several fishing villages grew as they saw their shingle beaches being relentlessly carried away.  
It took 18 years from the start of the dredging to the final destruction of Hallsands village. It had been assumed that the removal of any shingle would be replaced naturally but we now know that the same shingle which protects the nearby villages of Beesands and Torcross was deposited thousands of years ago during the ice ages, and is not being replaced.
  An inquiry was established in response to protests from villagers who feared the dredging might threaten their beach and village, but dredging continued after it was decided that the activity was not likely to pose a significant threat. However by 1900 the level of the beach had started to fall and in the autumn storms that year, part of the sea wall was washed away. In November 1900, villagers petitioned their Member of Parliament, Frank Mildmay complaining of damage to their houses, and in March 1901 Kingsbridge Council wrote to the Board of Trade complaining of damage to the road. The Liberal MP for the area was extremely supportive of the residents of Hallsands and on more than one occasion offered his own money to help out the residents. In September 1901 a new Board of Trade inspector concluded that further severe storms could cause serious damage and recommended that dredging be stopped and on 8th January 1902 the dredging licence was revoked. On 26th January 1917 a combination of easterly gales and exceptionally high tides breached Hallsands' defences and the village fell into the sea! Miraculously no one was hurt but many families had to relocate to neighbouring villages having lost everything. Only one house was left standing after the destruction. The owner Elizabeth Prettyjohn stubbornly refused to leave and lived there with her chickens until her death in 1964. She acted as a guide to the visitors who came over the years curious to see the remains of the village. Today her house is used as a summer holiday home. Another famous Hallsands resident was Ella Trout together with her sisters Patience, Clara and Edith. When their fisherman father, William, became sick, Patience and then Ella gave up school and operated his boat which was the only source of income for the family. William died in 1910 when Ella was 15 years old. On 8th September 1917, after the Hallsands disaster, Ella was crab fishing with her 10 year old cousin William when they saw the SS Newholm struck by a naval mine one mile south of Start Point. With William Stone, another fisherman in the vicinity, they rowed to the scene and helped rescue nine men. In recognition of her bravery she received the Order of the British Empire. The sisters, with compensation for the destruction of their cottage at Hallsands plus some earnings, built Trout's Hotel on the cliff above the deserted village. The Trouts ran the hotel successfully until 1959. More recent owners moved down from London and attracted some of their well-known friends to stay including Danny La Rue and Larry Grayson, and for years their signed photographs hung on the walls of the dining room. The hotel has since been turned into apartments now called Prospect House. In more recent years the story of Hallsands has been turned into an opera called ‘Whirlwind’ commissioned by acclaimed company Streetwise Opera and written by Will Todd, one of the country’s leading young opera composers, and Ben Duwell, and has also featured in a book by Steve Melia called “Hallsands; A Village Betrayed”. You can walk to Hallsands from the villages of Beesands or Torcross following the South West Coast Path. Beesands, albeit a small village, has a café and toilets and free car parking. Torcross is bigger with a few cafes and a pub and more (charged) parking. Please note that you can no longer drive from Blackpool Sands to Slapton Sands and then on to Torcross because of the recent storms and road damage which in itself is somewhat ironic. Hallsands and Beesands are both walkable with a moderate degree of accessibility from Torcross, which has ample (paid) parking. Beesands however has free parking. If driving from Totnes head for Dartmouth, then Slapton and finally Torcross. If you want to travel by bus you can take the 164 to Kingsbridge or the X64 to Dartmouth and then catch the number 3 to Torcross. All routes joining the coastal villages are part of the South West Coast Path and therefore accessible at all times.

Award-winning Roly’s Fudge

Roly's Fudge are celebrating winning the Taste of the West "Sauces and Accompaniment" Champion Award for 2021, with their Roly's Salted Caramel Fudge Sauce.

The award is the most coveted food and drinks award in the South West for foods at the top of their category.

Roly's Fudge Sauce beat many other contenders for the Champion award.

It is the fourth Champion award for Roly's Fudge, which has previously won Champion Confectionery for Salted Maple & Pecan twice, as well as Champion Confectionery for Cherry Bakewell Fudge last year.

All of the fudge flavours and sauces entered were handmade with traditional ingredients in Roly's Fudge, which continues with the same recipes that the Totnes shop has used for more than 20 years.

rolys fudge 1

According to John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West: “These awards underpin our core values and strengthen our regional brand, a brand which is attracting considerable interest from new markets – both nationally and internationally, and is now helping to attract more and more visitors to our region each year so playing a major part in our visitor economy. Our sincere congratulations to all the finalists and overall winners, and to all of our valued sponsors and partners who continue to support us.”

Independent Totnes Cinema

How many High Streets in Great Britain can boast their very own independent art-house cinema?

Totnes Cinema CIC is a social enterprise, set up by a local couple, passionate about film and excited about Totnes. So far the project has been entirely funded by local donations and memberships and the success of its carefully chosen programme, and we still have plenty more to do!! All the bar staff, stewards, and musicians volunteer their time and are paid with the chance to watch the film. Totnes Cinema is located in the heart of Totnes, down a hidden passageway just off the High St. Our mission was to bring back the magic of cinema to our local town. We were inspired by a wonderful photograph, taken in the late 1940s of boys holding banners saying “Save our Cinema,” and in true Totnes style, they marched up the High St to make their feelings known. There had been a cinema in Totnes from the early days of film and the last remaining one, The Romany, closed its doors in 1964 due to falling audiences. The building became the well-loved Totnes Library until its expansion and relocation, and the building fell empty. As a local couple, film lovers and with teenage children, we took on the challenge of re-creating a cinema for our local town center to create a social and cultural hub in the town.

As you leave the hustle and bustle of the market day, you are taken into this unique and surprising space, more like a Berlin cabaret than a cinema, with subdued lighting, comfy sofas, bistro table and chairs and luxurious cinema seats on the balcony. We even have a baby grand piano!

As a truly independent cinema, we can offer a wide range of films, carefully chosen from all genres including classic black and white film noir, the best from musical theatre, and modern-day classics and Oscar winners. With a fully licensed bar which stretches the width of the building, beneath an enormous screen we encourage people to come early and enjoy cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers and to meet up with friends, often with live music and a showreel of classic adverts. There is always someone around afterward, to chat and discuss the film. On a Saturday you can pop in for excellent coffee and homemade cake, as our “mystic portal” opens up to daylight. We believe we add to the uniqueness of our wonderfully independent High St and complement all the many individual traders and businesses around us, bringing life to the evenings on the High St as well as the days. Jane Hughes, Director of Totnes Cinema

Totnes: your insider guide

Set halfway between moor and sea on the beautiful River Dart, the thriving town of Totnes is a South Devon gem. From spotting wildlife and having fun on the water to discovering hidden histories and enjoying the best local food, if you're looking for things to do and see in Devon, you'll find something for everyone with our insider guide to Totnes.

Aerial shot credit to Artur Niedzwied 2
Photo: Artur Niedzwied

Eat and Drink in Totnes

Are you looking for the best Devon food and drink? The rolling hills around Totnes provide a bountiful harvest and you’ll find a choice of cafes and restaurants making the most of the local, seasonal produce. Cool off with a home-made gelato, grab a vegan baked beetroot falafel with hummus, refuel after a walk with a cardamom bun and coffee, or sit by the water’s edge with pizza and Moules Mariniere.

waterside LR
Enjoy al fresco dining

Discover Devon's historic Totnes

Meander along the streets to admire the town’s historic buildings in the shadow of the town’s majestic Norman motte and bailey castle. The medieval Dartington Hall and Gardens is a pleasant walk from the town centre. Totnes Museum is a treasure trove that's not to be missed.

dart valley trail
Dart Valley Trail

Experience nature close up on holiday in Devon

Feeling adventurous? Hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board or join a guided canoe tour to spot local wildlife along the river.  If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, enjoy the choice of riverside walks to Dartington and Sharpham. Walks start and finish in the town.

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Fun on the River Dart

Shop

If you like to shop, you’ll love the treasures on offer in the independent stores lining Totnes’ thriving high street. There’s a strong emphasis on local and handmade goods, with everything from fashion to fudge ready to tempt you. On Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, the market square buzzes with over 50 stalls. These sell an eclectic mix of vintage collectibles, food, and crafts.

Getting here

Totnes is a 25-minute drive from Torquay and a 40-minute drive from Plymouth.  You’ll find a number of public EV charging points, including one at Morrisons supermarket, Coronation Road. The Gold Bus runs every 30 minutes and takes 50 minutes from The Strand, Torquay and 1 hour from Plymouth. Totnes is a 30-minute train journey from both Plymouth and Torquay.

If you’d like to arrive in style, The Dartmouth Steam and River Company operate boat trips to Totnes departing from Dartmouth and or hop aboard a vintage train from Buckfastleigh with the South Devon Railway.

steam train
Steam Train beside the River Dart

Revamp of the Bull Inn

Article by Kate Philbin at the Totnes Times. As the planning application was submitted for the transformation of a historic town centre pub, the woman behind the plans has been speaking out about her extraordinary life. Geetie Singh-Watson, 48, known to many as the wife of Riverford entrepreneur Guy Watson, is the driving force behind the redevelopment of The Bull Inn in Totnes which aims to become an organic gastropub with letting rooms upstairs. However, it is not an extension of the Riverford empire but a project in its own right and it is hers and hers alone, Geetie insists. She says that people assume The Bull will be run by Riverford or is being financed by Riverford but actually it is neither. Raised on a commune in Herefordshire by a mother who was a builder, Geetie was no stranger to hands-on manual work from an early age. Her mother, Liz Singh, bought and restored a derelict cottage, installing everything from the sewage system to the windows. She was “a powerful role model” for Geetie as was her father, Gurmukh Singh, a Sikh entrepreneur who first came to the UK in the 1950s. He founded the first Indian restaurant in London that was owned by its staff. One of its backers was Salman Rushdie. Later, her mother remarried and her stepfather, Geoff Petty, an educationalist whose work is used to this day by schools such as Totnes Progressive School, also proved a great role model. At the age of 28, Geetie opened her first “values-driven gastropub”, The Duke of Cambridge in Islington. Inspired by her hardworking parents and the example set by women like Anita Roddick, Geetie was determined to create a thriving pub business that was both ethical and profitable, without compromising on staff welfare or the quality of ingredients. She needed £350,000 to build the business. “I asked everyone I knew if they would be interested in investing. No one gave anything they couldn’t afford to lose, it was a gamble but it was fun.” The pub broke even in its first year. Geetie admits she was “too young and cocky” and she “should have listened” to advice from Anita Roddick, who told steadily to build a stable and effective business. Instead, swept along by the dotcom boom, Geetie bought two more pubs in London. “As the business expanded the passion got lost. Within five years I sold off the two other pubs and just kept The Duke of Cambridge. Overall it was a positive experience but I felt bad for the investors.” Despite these knockbacks, Geetie believes the experience gave her a far greater understanding of business. “You don’t learn in business when you are being successful, you learn from your failures. If I were investing I would never invest with someone who hasn’t failed at least once because they know nothing.” Geetie sold The Duke of Cambridge to Guy Watson four years ago. At the time she was a trustee of the Soil Association and a founder member of the London Food Board with Ken Livingston. She was also working with schools in deprived areas to teach children about healthy cooking. When she met Guy it wasn’t exactly a match made in Heaven. She said: “I had known of him in the organic world for many years but he came to talk to me in 2007 about setting up a pub in London. I thought, what are you doing here on my patch? I was very frosty.” The pair met again some years later through the Soil Association and it was a very different meeting. “I realised our business values were completely aligned and that he was extraordinary.” They married in 2014. Geetie spent three years running The Riverford Field Kitchen but stopped to concentrate on developing The Bull.
She has always been fascinated by town centre pubs and looks out for any that are for sale in a town “in the way that other people look out for houses”. She said: “I love The Bull. It looks beautiful and it has great views and a big, corner site in front of an open square. It is slightly off the beaten track which I love as it means tourists have to put some effort into discovering it.” The pub is currently in a run-down condition and requires extensive restoration. Geetie has plans to turn it into an organic, values-driven gastropub but without losing its traditional heritage. Its name won’t change as she believes “pub names should be protected, they are part of our history”. The restoration work, which will cost in excess of half a million, is being funded by the sale of Geetie’s London flat. “I rather like the fact that property equity, which feels like an unfair distribution of wealth, is being used to bring a historic Totnes pub back to life.”
If all goes to plan, the pub will open in Summer 2019. Around 30 jobs will be created and it will use local, organic suppliers. Geetie said: “I grew up in a staunchly feminist household – my mum could strip down a car engine! The fact that people assume Guy is funding my business has opened up a new conversation in our household about feminism. It is great. Guy is a real feminist, he took my name when we got married. It is an exciting time.” The planning application for The Bull is available on the SHDC website, reference: 3376/18/LBC      

Top 4 wild swimming spots in and around Totnes

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing dip in the River Dart or off the South Devon coast? Dive on in to discover our top 4 picks of the best places to go wild swimming in and around Totnes.

1) Just above the weir in Totnes

River dart above the weir low
Swim in the River Dart above the weir at Totnes

Location: On the Access for All path between Totnes and Dartington

Getting there: It’s a short 5-minute walk from Totnes Station or 10-15-minutes walk from the centre of town.

What to expect: Popular with local swimmers, the River Dart pools reasonably deeply at this spot just above the weir. You may be joined on your swim by Mandarin ducks, which live all along this stretch of the river. Also keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers because these are regularly spotted here.  You’ll find a handy platform on the bank at this wild swimming spot in Totnes to make it easier to get in or out. This also makes it a popular location for launching kayaks and SUPs. Because it’s above the weir, you don’t need to worry about tidal currents. However, the river can flow quickly at times so check local conditions before you get in.

Treat yourself afterwards: Head back into town for a wide choice of cafes and restaurants including The Bull Inn, Wild Thyme and Waterside Bistro

2) Dartington ‘Beach’

Dartington beach low 1
Swimming in the river at 'Dartington Beach'

Location: Dartington Estate. Head down the concrete path (at the point where the road splits towards Aller Park and the Deer Park.)

Getting there: Dartington is a 2 mile walk or 7 minute drive from Totnes and there’s plenty of parking at Dartington Hall.

What to expect: There are lots of spots along the riverbank on the Dartington Estate where you can take a dip. The largest entry point is locally known as Dartington ‘Beach’ because of the gently shelving bank of shingle/sand. Dynamic Adventures launch their kayak trips from here and it’s a favourite spot to play and swim for families. With a beautiful meadow behind you and the South Devon Railway steam train track on the opposite river bank, it’s a great spot for a picnic too.

Post-swim coffee: Grab a flat white and cardamom bun at The Green Table at Dartington for a post-swim pick me up.

3) Elberry Cove, Torbay

Elberry Cove

Location: Near Churston, Torbay

Getting there: Around a 20 minute drive from Totnes + 10 minutes walk from either Churston village or Broadsands Beach car park.

What to expect: With the sun shining you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in Greece. Swim in the crystal clear waters from this gently shelving pebble beach.

4) South Milton Sands, Thurlestone

SouthMiltonSands low
South Milton Sands

Getting there: Approx 40-minute drive from Totnes with a small National Trust Car Park at the beach. Please be aware the beach is accessed via a narrow lane.

What to expect: Swim out to the iconic arch – the Thurlestone - which gives the neighbouring village its name.  Back on the beach, relax and soak up the view towards Burgh Island.  This dog-friendly beach is also perfect for the bucket and spade brigade thanks to the sand and fine shingle. Rockpools are exposed at low tide and it’s a popular beach for paddle boarders and kayakers too.

Stay on to watch the sunset: Grab a post swim pizza at Rockbox (during August) or get a drink and a bite at the South Milton Sands Café.

Enjoying the water safely

Remember: If you’re planning a dip in the River Dart or sea, always follow the guidance of the RNLI. Choose your spot carefully and always check the weather and tides. For more safety advice go to: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming


Water quality

Check the water quality at beaches near Totnes using South West Water's WaterFit Live Map


Getting to Totnes

Train or bus: Totnes is a 30-minute train journey from Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay. The Gold Bus runs every 30 minutes and takes 50 minutes from The Strand, Torquay and 1 hour from Plymouth.

Driving: Totnes is a 40-minute drive from Plymouth and 50-minutes from Exeter.  You’ll find a number of public EV charging points in the town.

If you’d like to arrive in style, The Dartmouth Steam and River Company operates boat trips to Totnes departing from Dartmouth and or hop aboard a steam train from Buckfastleigh with the South Devon Railway.

Find out more.

Make more than a day of it

Enjoy a sunrise or sunset swim when you stay a night or more. Check out our top picks of places to stay in Totnes

For more inspiration on what to do and what’s on or to book activities and plan your day, check out www.visittotnes.co.uk or follow @visittotnes on Instagram and Facebook

Review of the White Hart at Dartington

By Muddy Stilettos

Hey, culture vultures, its time to eat! Muddy feasts more than just her eyes on The White Hart's new Devon o'clock menu. 

Click here to read the full review.


The White Hart at Dartington

Walks in and around Totnes

From sweeping Dartmoor views to riverside meadows buzzing with wildlife, there’s lots to discover when you walk in and around Totnes. Whether you’re looking for the best dog walk in Devon or a family-friendly stroll for pushchairs and scooters, here’s our top pick of walks in Totnes Devon.

Totnes to Dartington Walk

4 miles / 6km round trip (6 miles if you continue to Dartington Estate)

This accessible for all walk leads from Borough Park in Totnes to the Cider Press Centre at Dartington. Here you can pause to look around the shops and cafes, where you’ll find a strong focus on local makers and ingredients before retracing your steps back to Totnes. For a longer walk, carry on from The Cider Press Centre to Dartington Hall. Here you can visit their formal gardens, Deer Park and discover more places to eat.

access for all map walk in Totnes

Travelling along the River Dart, the path is mainly flat. There's a choice benches along the way to stop, relax and look out for birds and other wildlife. The path is ideal for pushchairs, scooters and bikes too. The extended walk from the Cider Press to Dartington Hall does involve a hill so may not be suitable for all.
Click here for more information.

Click here to view this walk on OS Explore.

Dogs are permitted on the path to Dartington and in the Estate but not in Dartington Hall gardens.

Dartington Deer Park Map
Dartington Deer Park Map

For an extended loop walk including Dartington, click here.


Walk from Totnes to Sharpham and Ashprington

10km / 3 hours

A popular walk from Totnes to Sharpham House and Ashprington (where you'll find a pub for a quick pit stop). The main path is firm and suitable for bikes and walking. There are some hills and this walk is considered moderate. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk as lots of wildlife make a home in the fields and reed beds beside the river. At Sharpham, turn around to enjoy the spectacular view of the river with Totnes in the distance. You'll also find a couple of benches along the way for a mid-walk rest or picnic.

Dogs are welcome on the path to Sharpham, however some parts cross a conservation area. As a result, owners are requested to keep dogs on leads in some places to avoid disturbing wildlife.

There is an option to turn this into a circular walk using the footpath which follows along the edge of the river.

Take a look at the map here.

VSTOT21 03 7550 A
The path to Sharpham with The River Dart and Totnes in the background

Walks in Totnes: Franklin Totnes Trail

The Franklin Totnes Trail is a 6 ¾ mile circular walk through the countryside which starts and ends in Totnes town centre. There are lots of interesting points and fine views along the way.  The path is steep in places and it should take the average walker three to four hours to complete. If time is limited, there are options to shorten the walk by ¾ mile, 2 ¾ miles or 4 miles. This walk is suitable for dogs but be aware some paths are near roads.

View from the Franklin Trail walk in Totnes
Views from the Franklin Trail Totnes Walk

To view this walk on OS Explore, please click here.


Longmarsh Measured Mile

If you're looking for a gentle walk in Devon, the Longmarsh Measured Mile is right for you. This mile long, easy walking route alongside the River Dart is flat and suitable for people using wheelchairs and buggies as well as scooters and bikes. It starts on the Plains in Totnes just by the roundabout and is ideal if you’re looking for a gentle stroll away from the hustle and bustle of town.

The Measured Mile is marked with purple stickers and there are waymarks at quarter mile intervals. From the Plains, turn right, cross the bridge, turn right at Seymour Rd, turn right at Steamer Quay Rd and follow the riverside path to its end at Longmarsh.

There is plenty to see along the way. You may spot Cormorants on the river bank and Seals often swim up river on the incoming tide from Dartmouth. Kingfishers are resident in the marshy area at Longmarsh behind the Measured Mile. The river can be busy with paddle boarders, rowing boats and ferries from Dartmouth and Torbay.

There are benches along the way as well as a cafe, car parking and public toilets. Dogs are welcome, especially in the wide green space at Longmarsh. However, please note parts of this walk are on pavements beside a road in the town.

Find out more.

Walks in Totnes Devon: Longmarsh
Walk the measured mile at Longmarsh, Totnes

To view the Measured Mile on OS Explore, please click here.


Walks in Totnes Devon: Dart Valley Trail

12 miles/19km

As promoted on TV by Julia Bradbury, the Dart Valley Trail follows the course of the River Dart and links Dartington with Dartmouth, travelling through Totnes at the midway point. With many quaint villages and the magnificent Sharpham Estate along the way, there are plenty of picnic spots or refreshment stops on route. This walk can be also shortened into more manageable sections or cycled.

Dogs are welcome on the path to Sharpham, however some parts cross a conservation area. As a result, owners are requested to keep dogs on leads in some places to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Click for more information.

Sharpham Estate view with Totnes in background
Sharpham Estate with Totnes in the background

Totnes Town Trail

Walks in Totnes Devon are not just about the countryside. Discover local legends and appreciate the fine architecture and pretty streets on a 60-minute self-guided walk through town.  Be warned, there’s a steep up-hill gradient as you climb up Fore Street and High Street. Luckily, there are also plenty of cafes to stop and rest and enjoy a cake and coffee!

Totnes is dog-friendly. You'll find water bowls located outside several shops when your four-legged pal needs a drink.

Click here for a map and information.

Totnes Castle seen on a walk in Totnes
Explore the history of Totnes
town trail map outlining a 60 minute Totnes Walk
Totnes Town Trail

Walks in Totnes Devon: John Musgrave Trail

35 miles in its entirety or 18.5 miles from Cockington to Dittisham

For the more adventurous walker, the entire John Musgrave Trail is a 35 mile walk from Maidencombe (outside Torquay) to Brixham. The walk can be split into more manageable sections including from Cockington to Totnes (9 ½ miles) and Totnes to Dittisham (9 miles).

The walk from Cockington takes in Occombe Farm where you can stop at the cafe, the village of Marldon and the romantic ruins at Berry Pomeroy. The Dittisham section follows a similar path to the Dart Valley Trail and takes in many villages including Tuckenhay and Cornworthy.

Click here for more details and map.

Walks in Totnes: John Musgrave Trail passes Berry Pomeroy Castle
Berry Pomeroy Castle is a stop on the John Musgrave Totnes Walk

Totnes to Berry Pomeroy Castle circular walk

12.5km / 3.5 hours round walk (allow more time to explore the castle ruins)

Combine walking with history when you enjoy the circular walk to the splendid English Heritage-managed Berry Pomeroy Castle. Take a look at the map here.


Treat yourself to coffee and cake after your Totnes walk

Don’t forget to treat yourself to delicious coffee, cake, or smoothie after you've enjoyed our choice of walks in Totnes Devon. Check out our pick of cafes and restaurants in Totnes catering for every taste. For more inspiration on things to see and do, go to www.visittotnes.co.uk

Get out with Totnes Ramblers

Totnes Ramblers have launched the Franklin Trail information board they have installed on the Plains in Totnes, so local people and visitors to the town can find out more and look at a map of the trail.

The Franklin Trail is a circular walk around Totnes which came to life as part of a legacy bequest from a member of the Totnes Ramblers, Mr Edward Franklin. It is a 6¾ mile, waymarked, circular walk, starting on the Plains in the centre of Totnes, with several points of interest along the way including

Totnes Riverside Station and Fishchowter’s Lane. Totnes Ramblers launched the Trail in 2017 and this year made improvements including the information board, benches and additional fingerposts. The new features have been installed thanks to the efforts of committee members, including Chairman Andrew Chadwick, Footpath Officer Trevor Walker, Chris Leigh and Anna Lunk.

Two benches have been installed, the first is above the Follaton Oaks development and has views across to Haytor on Dartmoor. The second bench is on Fishchowter’s Lane and as well as good views over the town it provides a welcome rest as you walk up the hill. To guide walkers around the Trail five new finger posts were installed on Fishchowter’s Lane, Copland Lane, Barrack Hill, Riverside near Brutus Bridge and near the Hydropower scheme on the River Dart.

Totnes Ramblers Chairman Andrew Chadwick said: “We are delighted to launch the new information board and encourage locals and visitors alike to come and look at it and try the Franklin Trail for themselves.”

More information about the Franklin Trail and a downloadable map can be found on the Totnes Ramblers website ramblers. The website also includes details of the group’s walks programme. Totnes Ramblers welcome newcomers to join them for a walk in the beautiful countryside of South Devon.

 


Members of Totnes Ramblers join Chairman Andrew Chadwick (third from
left) to launch the Franklin Trail information board on the Plains, Totnes (photo credit, Alan
Fuller).

Totnes Christmas Markets by train or bus

You will know that Christmas has truly begun when you soak up the festive spirit at the Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Events on Tuesday 5, 12 and 19 December from 3 - 9pm. But how are you going to get here?

Check out our guide below which tells you all you need to know about travelling sustainably by bus and train.

Sustainable Travel to The Totnes Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Events

Making sustainable travel choices for the Totnes Christmas Markets and Late Night Shopping Events is simple.

Totnes is a 30 minute train journey from Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay, so relax and enjoy yourselves without the worry of having to drive home. When you arrive, the town is a 10 minute walk from the station, and to make life even easier, we have a shuttle bus service running between the train station and the town and a park & ride service from Follaton House.

The Stagecoach Gold Bus takes 1 hour from Plymouth or 20 minutes from Paignton.  Buses stop outside the Royal Seven Stars at the bottom of the town.

See below for train and bus times and details of the shuttle bus.

Travelling to Totnes Christmas Markets by Train

From Exeter St David's, (30 min journey) trains depart : 14.12, 14.49, 15.17, 15.25, 15.49, 16.15, 16.28, 16.49, 17.17, 17.49, 18.20, 18.49, 19.11, 19.20

From Newton Abbot, (11 min journey) trains depart : 14.32, 15.09, 15.37, 15.50, 16.09, 16.35, 16.54, 17.09, 17.38, 18.09, 18.41, 19.09, 19.33, 19.43

From Plymouth, (27 min journey) trains depart : 14.27, 14.48, 15.15, 15.27, 16.15, 16.27, 16.50, 17.23, 17.50, 18.16, 18.27, 18.48, 19.50

From Torquay (need to change at Newton Abbot), trains depart (35-50 min journey): 14.44, 14.58, 15.27, 15.56, 16.21, 16.45, 17.24, 18.24, 19.10, 19.25.

Travelling to Totnes Christmas Markets by Bus (the Gold Bus)

From Paignton (Stand 12)(20 mins.), bus departs: 14.35, 15.05, 15.36, 16.20, 16.40, 17.20, 18.00, 18.40, 19.10, 19.40

From Plymouth (Royal Parade stand A13)(approx 1 hr), bus departs: 14.00, 14.35, 14.45, 15.00, 15.35, 16.05, 16.50, 17.20, 18.10, 19.10

Travelling Home by Bus (the Gold Bus)

For Paignton depart Totnes (opposite Royal Seven Stars Hotel, stop E) at: 17:22, 18.07, 18:35, 19:17, 20:11, 21:11

For Plymouth depart from Totnes (opposite Old Town Mill, stop D) (calling at Dartington, South Brent and Ivybridge) at: 17:21, 17:43, 18:20, 19:00, 19:27, 19:57, 20:57, 21:57

For detailed bus timetables from Totnes check out take a look at the interactive map from Devon Bus

Or the updated Stagecoach Gold Bus timetable

Travelling Home by Train

Trains for Plymouth depart Totnes at 17:06, 17:21, 17:49, 18:21, 18:52, 19:21, 19:44, 19:54, 20:23, 20:46, 20:56, 21:14, 21:22, 21:49, 22:12, 22.23. Times in bold call at Ivybridge.

Trains for Exeter St. David's depart Totnes at 17:18, 17:49, 18:19, 18:43, 18:53, 19:17, 20:17, 20:54, 21:55, 22:55. Times in bold call at Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish & Dawlish Warren.

Trains for Torquay (changing at Newton Abbot) depart Totnes at 17:18, 17:49, 18:19, 18:43, 19:17, 20:54, 21:55, 22:55.

For the latest service details and changes, always check the links below before travelling.

www.gwr.com

www.nationalrail.co.uk

www.thetrainline.com

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey

Park and Ride from Follaton House/ Shuttle Bus from Totnes Station

Bob the Bus will provide a Park and Ride service from Follaton House Car Park, Plymouth Road, TQ9 5RS and from the train station. The service operates from 5pm to 10pm, dropping and collecting shoppers at the Rotherfold at the top of town.

From 6.30pm buses will also stop to drop or collect shoppers at the Royal Seven Stars at the bottom end of town (to save you a walk back up the hill!) The service runs approximately every 10 minutes and ends at 10pm.*

*This shuttle service is funded by a Customer and Community Improvement Grant from Great Western Railway (GWR).

Free (donations are welcomed.)

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