Christmas Place Lower Contour Rd Kingswear TQ6OAL:
South Devon, home to the South Hams district, is an area of exceptional beauty and contrast with river estuaries, rolling hills and thatched cottages surrounding the lovely old towns of Dartmouth, Kingswear, Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Modbury and Ivybridge.
The area enjoys one of the mildest climates in the whole of Britain. Indeed, the name 'Hamme' is an old English word meaning enclosed or sheltered place. With Spring arriving early, long summers, warm autumns and mild winters, you can safely choose to visit at any time of year.
With sixty miles of spectacular coastline and beaches, a rural landscape that has hardly changed in centuries and the majestic granite slopes of Dartmoor, the South Hams is a unique area worthy of its national status as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway:
The journey from Churston to Kingswear takes in some glorious South Devon scenery, through woodland and rolling green hills and through a small tunnel. Just before Kingswear the journey moves through delightful Greenway Woods. Hotspots in Dartmouth on the Agatha Christie trail include the historic Royal Castle Hotel, feated in 'Ordeal by Innocence' as the 'Royal George'. The film of the book featured the Royal Castle Hotel. Visit Christie's home, Greenway House high on the hillside above Dartmouth. Watch out for the Greenway boathouse - this was Nasse House in 'Dead Man's Folly' where the body of Marlene Tucker was found!
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, Dart Valley Railway plc, Queen?s Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6AF. Tel: (01803) 555872. For Greenway gardens and Greenway House, and more on Agatha Christie's time there, check the National Trust website.
Dart Valley Trail:
The Dart Valley Trail is some 16 miles long and takes in both sides of the River Dart in South Devon. The Greenway to Kinsgwear section is 4.5 miles long and goes through ancient woodland alongside the river. It's a lovely walk, with some stunning views...and lots of wildlife. Ancient woodland, a steam railway line, and one of the most beautiful rivers to be found anywhere - what more could you ask for?
The Kingswear to Greenway (or Greenway to Kingswear, if you prefer) section of the Dart Valley Trail offers them all. This part of the trail is four-and-a-half miles each way, but there are two other sections you could try as well.
The Dartmouth to Dittisham part is around three miles long, and the the Dittisham to Totnes section is about eight-and-a-half miles. You could cross the River Dart by ferry and do the entire walk if you're feeling energetic!
