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FAMILY FAVOURITES


By Hettie Eggleton


Ideas to keep the children occupied T


he summer has come to an end but for now the sun is still out and there are plenty of local opportunities for walks and outdoor activities with children. recently we walked up to Gallant’s Bower with some drinks and snacks and, although it is a fairly steep walk up to the top, it is well worth the short, 15 minute climb with the kiddies. Gallant’s bower is on National trust land and is an old civil War fort, apparently the best preserved of its type in the country.


National Trust Loop


Once you are at the top, the fairly open old fort is a fantastic place to play and explore with trees to climb and bushes to hide behind for the children as well as far reaching views up the river and out to sea for the adults. It is idyllic, quiet and right on our doorstep. Drive up towards the castle, taking the right fork, rather than going straight on to the paid car park, then park on the roadside and look for the signs into the woods up to the right. there is an information board on the way down to Sugary Green that tells you all about the area and more information on the National trust website, including a four mile circular walk to download and follow.


Whilst this circular walk is far too long for my family,


there is another section of the National Trust loop (at Little Dartmouth) that is very accessible for young children. Drive to the National trust car park at Little Dartmouth and head down the road towards the farm and cottages. When you get to the farm (after about five minutes walk from the car park), go through the gate and walk straight on to the track. Keep walking down there for about 15 minutes until you get to a gate and the amazing view opens out in front of you. For us that is far enough. Have a snack and a drink there looking at the view and then turn round and head back. this is a favourite walk for us because it is quite flat and the kids can manage with their bikes along this stretch. I used to do this walk a lot with a pushchair but be warned, it gets very muddy in the winter.


It is a good


walk to remember for autumn days, when it is still fairly dry from the summer.


Another amazing opportunity on our doorstep are the two National trust Properties nearby: Greenway and Coleton Fishacre. As a family we had never been members of the National trust before but since we started parking a lot at south milton beach (National trust) and with wanting to visit the two closest properties, as well as Overbeck’s in salcombe, we decided to join up – such a good decision. We have now been to Coleton Fishacre three times, once for a dog walk, once for a special pond- dipping day and once to go round the house. Fantastic. the house


Coleton Fishacre


is smaller than I was expecting, which means it is great for small children to walk around. upstairs there is a dressing-up room, full of cool hats, scarves and jackets etc from the 1920s, which we all loved! When you walk into the house the guides give the children a clipboard and a pencil and they have to do a treasure hunt. tom really loved this and was completely engrossed. Greenway was another wonderful afternoon out. With no parking available at Greenway, we had to take the boat from the town pontoon (other ways to get there are detailed on the National trust website). From Greenway Quay it was about a 15 minute uphill walk to the house. the children loved the house because they were given a treasure hunt again and were allowed to ring the gong when it was time for the guides to swap rooms. Again, the house is quite small, which meant everyone remained interested. the gardens are beautiful and we had a good walk around and down to the boathouse on the water’s edge. We also sat on the deck chairs in front of the house watching the boats on the river. the café was lovely and the staff were so friendly with crayons on the table for colouring. A bit further away is the most stunning National trust


property of Overbeck’s in salcombe. I really was amazed by the position of this house, high up on the top


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