John drove us to the Steamer Quay in Totnes where we boarded a riverboat for a fantastic cruise along the stunning Dart to Dartmouth. The trip lasted one and a half hours and the entertaining commentary from the crew added humour and interest to the journey. En route the scenery was spectacular - from ancient oak forests, to quaint villages, to the splendour of Agatha Christie's Greenway Estate - there was plenty to keep our eyes occupied - we even saw a seal!
We pottered around historic Dartmouth.
Dartmouth is home to a maze of quaint shops. There's everything from chandleries, to home-made soaps and beauty products, an excellent card shop and a delicious selection of cafes and bars.
We enjoyed crab sandwiches and some bubbles before taking the short foot ferry trip across the River Dart to Kingswear.
From here, we took the heritage steam train on a picturesque route to Paignton. The old rail line was engineered by Brunel in the mid-19th century and runs across a number of fantastic viaducts. A visionary of the day, Brunel planned to extend the line by bridge across the Dart, and was so confident of getting Council approval for the bridge that he built a viaduct to carry the line to the bridge and even a station in Dartmouth - the only railway station never to welcome a train. Today the station, which is where the ferry docks, is a lovely café. To this day Dartmouth remains opposed to the idea of a bridge nearby, and I gather that the nearest road bridge is several miles inland at Totnes.
The smell and sound of the steam engine took us all back to our childhood. What a lovely experience. Get in the Devon Belle Observation Carriage: this historic coach, was built in 1917 originally as an ambulance vehicle for the London and North Western Railway, before being converted into a Pullman Observation Car in 1921. It has recently undergone a major refit in the workshop at Paignton. (it's worth the extra £2.50). It is believed to be one of just two remaining in the world. You sit in armchairs and double seats, it even has a champagne bar. Visibility through the windows is excellent and the scenery is spectacular. The train chuggs close to some lovely beaches and beach huts.....and everybody waves as you pass! A real treat for people of all ages.
Then it was time for an ice cream in Paignton .
The final leg of our journey was a bus back to Totnes.
Thank you John and Julia a lovely outing.
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