old mining ruins to keep the more inquisitive child amused. Rafa chose instead to sleep the whole way. A bit like he slept through the Minack theatre and the whole of the Lost Gardens of Heligan on our recent trip to Cornwall. But at least I have the photos to prove that I did ply him with culture in his early months, even if he opted to remain in blissful ignorance. You arrive at the dam and the vast reservoir that it
supports, legs energised, kids worn out but thrilled by the enormous wall of water that greets them (when the dam is spilling over as it was, unsurprisingly, on the day of our visit, mid deluge) and wanting to learn about the engineering that underpins it. About which I can tell you absolutely nothing … but there’s no harm in making something up. I do it with nursery rhymes so why not here. Anyway, as noted, Rafa was asleep so no need on this particular occasion. Goal achieved, obligatory photos taken, the walk back to the car is ordinarily a pleasurable downhill stroll. unless, like us, you find yourselves walking forehead to the gale, which you had blissfully overlooked on the ascent. We arrived back at the car windswept, drenched, but definitely refreshed. the road that would have taken us back to the A38
After the walk: I recommend lunch at the Cott Inn in Dartington – beautiful thatched pub with garden ideal for kids if the weather is nice and super friendly landlord (oh and the food’s good too).
We arrived back at the car windswept, drenched, but definitely refreshed.
Outing #2 -Dartington to Totnes Station If you need another excuse to go to the Cott Inn (I have a few) then my second buggy friendly walk is perfect; the 1.9 mile long path that runs from the Cider Press Centre at Dartington to Totnes Station. It’s also a child-friendly cycle route; so if your kids are old enough, take the bikes. Park in the Cider Press centre (an hour’s
parking is £1 and you get it back if you spend over £10 in the shops at the centre – any excuse for a browse). Head for the top car park because it’s closest to the quickest route onto the path for buggies and also the least busy. the path crosses the Dartington Hall
estate and then turns away from the road to follow the River. I did the walk with my friend Catherine
from the car park was flooded when we visited and so we took the alternative route through Didworthy and the village of Aish, which follows the left bank of the river as you look at the map. not a drive for those afraid of a winding Devon lane – or those weighing more than 17 tonnes according to the road signs (cue hilarious command from the husband for me plus baby weight to get out of the car) – but extremely beautiful and worth the diversion, even if the main route is open.
and her boy Will. We both took buggies and were able to walk side by side for the most part – dodging the occasional cyclist – Rafa asleep (again; sensing a theme here?). We chatted about how healthy we were and how we were determined to start a mummies and babies work out session in our local village hall. Having reached the station – the final section of the walk is the prettiest and we spotted a heron fishing on the weir – we returned to Cranks cafe at Dartington and ate cheese scones, covered in lashings of butter (these really are a must). We vowed to find our personal trainer the following week.
After the walk: Congratulate yourselves on two walks well achieved and if still hungry head to The Almond Thief Bakery (truly amazing sour Dough) on the nearby Dartington industrial estate, check opening times, and – if you’re lucky and they haven’t sold out – buy their flourless chocolate cookies. Heaven on a plate and a well kept secret. In fact, why am I even telling you this? Ignore what I just said; just have an ice cream at Dartington. Baby awake; that’s it for this issue folks, but I’m keen
to hear from any fellow mummies (we’re all in this together) who have good ideas for this column, which will return! Please email
philippajhutton@gmail.com• oh - if anyone’s a personal trainer, I’m still looking.
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