34 By the Dart • Things to Do 8 9


South Devon Railway Running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, this picturesque seven-mile long line gently rolls


through the stunning River Dart valley. The train pauses at Staverton, a country station harking back to quieter and slower days, and from where passengers can enjoy riverside walks to the pretty village with the Sea Trout Inn and 13th century church. Passengers at Totnes can take a detour to the award-winning Totnes Rare Breeds Farm on the station’s doorstep. The Buckfastleigh station houses a museum with historic steam and diesel locomotives plus rolling stock, a play area, gardens, a maze, riverside walks, a picnic area, cafe and model and gift shop complete with a new model railway. See www. southdevonrailway.co.uk for prices and tickets.


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Practice crabbing for regatta Grab a spot along The Embankment and have a go at the top Dartmouth pastime of crabbing. All you need is a bucket, a crab line, a net and some


bait – crabs love a bit of bacon or squid. To get started, half fill your bucket with river water and put some bacon in it for the crabs you will catch. Attach your bait to the string and lower the line into the water until it reaches the bottom. Now wait patiently. Bring your line up slowly and have your net ready to scoop up your crabs into the bucket. If you want to pick up the crabs, handle them carefully and pick them up from the back so you don’t get nipped by their pincers. Always return the crabs to the river before you leave.


Breakfast at Blackpool Sands Be an early bird and enjoy breakfast at the stunning beachside location of Blackpool Sands.


The award-winning Venus Café, overlooking the pebbly beach, offers a menu stuffed with organic and local dish- es in an all-weather dining area where you can soak up the fantastic views and sounds. The café is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. To work off that hearty breakfast you could sign up for some watersports at Blackpool Sands. Boards and kayaks are available to hire, or try a spot of windsurfing with a lesson.


Totnes Orange Day In memory of Sir Francis Drake’s accident with a basket of oranges on Fore Street the town of


Totnes kicks and throws fruit down the hill one day every year. These races need to be seen to be believed, and can be quite competitive and awesome to watch. Races are arranged by age group, with trophies for winners and run- ners-up. The youngest children race on the flat and end at the market and the older competitors begin at the market and race all the way down the hill to the Seven Stars Hotel. entrants must register between 10am and 11am on the day and the races end around 12.30pm. This year the date is set for Tuesday August 16.


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