Residential Visit to Hope Cove, Devon

28th September – 2nd October 2010

Tilley Smith and Alison Broadbridge had visited Hope Cove with the Henley and Goring Ramblers last year, and as they are both members of OFS, they offered to arrange this walking holiday. Tilley led the walks very ably and Alison looked after the administration and the social side of things.

On a bright sunny day at the end of September twenty four of us arrived at the Cottage Hotel. This large hotel sits just above the shoreline at Inner Hope Cove. Hope Cove consists of two coves divided by a small promontory: the one on the left, a pretty small sandy harbour and the cove to the right dramatic with wonderful rock formations. Steep steps led directly onto cliff top walks. Tilley and Alison introduced themselves and after a very good cream tea we met outside the hotel and set off on our first walk. This was inland to Galmpton Church across fields, returning cross country to Hope Cove and the beaches.

There was one walk each day, but cleverly arranged so there were alternatives taking into account all abilities. On our first full day we met in full waterproof gear to walk the eight miles to Salcombe, via Bolt Head and Soar Mill Cove: a challenging and scenic cliff top walk. At lunchtime and a couple of miles from Salcombe we had three choices: to visit the Nation Trust property Overbecks, to take the sea tractor to take the small ferry to Salcombe or to continue the walk into Salcombe. At about one o'clock the sun had come out and we soon divested of our rain gear. By 3pm we had all arrived in Salcombe and most of us could be found soaking up the sunshine in one of the many picturesque hostelries before returning by taxi to our hotel.

Every evening we gathered in a private room where Tilley explained what was in store for our next day's walk and to hear what social activity was available that night. This included quizzes, excellent local entertainment and beetle drives. We proceeded to the bar and onwards to the dining room, where we enjoyed a magnificent five course meal with much chat and hilarity.

Day two found us car sharing the short distance to Bigbury on Sea where there was an opportunity to visit and explore Burgh Island, of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward fame, either by walking across the causeway or by taking the unique sea tractor.

View to Burgh Island View to Burgh Island Photo: Liz Adams

This way we would not get our feet wet! After lunch most people took a six mile walk, largely inland through woods and charming South Devon thatched villages. However a few of us did our own thing. Brenda and I spent three hours in wonderful warm sunshine, walking along the picturesque beach to the estuary. Others visited the Start Point Lighthouse. Before our evening meal five of us actually swam in the sea!

On Burgh Island On Burgh Island Photo: Liz Adams

On day three we took the easy walking coastal path via Bantham Beach. This provided us with outstanding sea views of flora and fauna. Unfortunately it rained heavily all day but we were not deterred. At lunchtime we had the option of returning to the hotel via the village of Thurleston, going across country and the coastal path, led by Sue Crisp. Others decided to return the way they had come, but the 'hardy' few went on the challenge with Tilley and Alison. We certainly all appreciated the hot baths, showers and good food on arriving back at the hotel.

All too soon it was our last walk to Inner Hope Cove thatched village via Bolberry Down, returning on the coastal path round Bolt Tail. I think everyone will agree that this was a wonderful varied walking holiday with excellent company. Thank you Tilley, Alison and Sue for making it all possible. We do appreciate all the hard work and planning that goes into making these holidays so successful.

Sheila Carmichael