THE SOUTH HAMS

The South Hams is the most southerly part of Devon, and contains some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. The area is full of interesting places to visit, facilities for a wide range of sporting activities, safe beaches, scenic walks and many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing and restful holiday. The exceptionally mild climate, due mainly to the influence of the Gulf Stream, makes this a particularly suitable area for an out of season holiday.

BEACHES

Near to the cottage the coast is varied  and the sea is always accessible. There are safe sandy beaches within easy walking distance. All around the South Devon peninsular can be found beautiful beaches of varying character and accessibility. Some have more facilities than others, but all are characterized by a determined effort to resist commercialism and development found in larger resorts.

THE COUNTRYSIDE

A large part of the South Hams is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Most of the coastline adjacent to the cottage is owned by the National Trust. The Devon Coastal path, which runs in front of the cottage, offers some spectacular views and exquisite scenery. Inland the countryside changes into the rugged beauty of Dartmoor with its mountains, moors, dense woodland and remote villages. The area has a vast variety of plant and animal life with many species rarely seen in other parts of Britain.

KINGSBRIDGE

Kingsbridge is about 12 miles inland from the cottage. This bustling market town stands at the head of the Salcombe estuary. There are a large variety of shops, an excellent folk museum and a newly built sports center. Walks along the estuary are particularly attractive and there are many pubs and restaurants available.

SALCOMBE

This attractive little town is set the western side of a large estuary about 5 miles to the West of Prawle Point. It is a haven for  of world renown. Facilities abound for safe small boat sailing, cruising or fishing for a large variety of fish. The beaches are sandy and sheltered and there are magnificent walks along the rugged coastline or through the gentler countryside inland. The interesting narrow streets contain a number of good restaurants and shops.

SPORT

Salcombe has excellent facilities for sailing, with tuition available and regular races organized. A regatta is held during August. Board sailing, skin diving, and swimming can be enjoyed at many places along the coast.

Golf can be played on the 18 hole courses at Thurlestone and Bigbury, and there is a 9 hole course at Wrangaton. Within about 30 miles there are 5 other 18 hole courses, including the championship complex at St.Mellion. Facilities for tennis can be used at Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Thurlestone Golf Club. There are squash courts at the Kingsbridge Sports Center. Salcombe and Hope Cove are the centers of the local fishing industry and there are plenty of opportunities to go out to sea and fish for many species ranging from flat fish to bream, pollock, bass and mackerel. Sharks and Conger Eel are also caught regularly. For the fresh water fisherman the area has abundant opportunities for both coarse and game fishing in well stocked reservoirs or on river beats.

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