Stadbury
Part of the original farmhouse at Stadbury, the cottage has its own front garden and a patio at the rear. The playroom in the granary is shared with the owners and is accessed via glass doors at the front. The walls of the house date from circa 1200 and most of the beams from 1490 whilst the games room barn was built in 1780 when many farms were boosted by supplying the fleet in Plymouth during the Napoleonic war.
The farm land is not part of our property, being owned by Mr.& Mrs Stokes, who live in the old converted barn and threshing floor behind us.
Footpaths
A public footpath runs alongside Higher Stadbury property, which gives access to Stiddicombe Creek and the Avon Estuary as well as providing a beautiful 2.5 mile walk to Bantham at the estuary mouth. Sands and surf make this an attractive resort. The walk can also be made over sand at Spring low tide when the river is low by walking along the North side of Stiddicombe to the lime kiln and then going 100 metres upstream to the widest point. At this point the river can be waded in wellingtons at really low water. Walk downstream on the sands to Bantham, again wading the river just below the old oyster beds on the East shore. At the yacht club walk up the hill and follow the green track on the bend or go into the village and above the inn the public path goes left eventually returning through the wood on the South side of Stiddiscombe. The Sloop Inn is worth visiting.
The same footpath runs in the opposite direction to Aveton Gifford 1.5 miles. There is a Post Office and shop, a largely rebuilt 13th.Century Anglican Church, which was bombed in the last war and a public house –The Fisherman’s Rest.
Some Ideas:
The tidal road from Aveton Gifford to Bigbury is worth exploring and provides good boat launching at Aveton Gifford for those wishing to use the estuary. The tide leaves the estuary virtually dry so care is needed to time trips to return on the next flood. Additional yacht club facilities can be found at Bantham. The estuary entrance should only be attempted by those experienced with conditions of wind and tide as the race can reach 6-8 knots. This tidal road is the shortest access to the golf club at Bigbury and it passes the Oyster Shack – good seafood lunches but expensive. Alternatively the golf links at Thurlestone are only 4 miles away. Dartmouth Golf Club is a very good course.
For all children,'Woodlands’ near Dartmouth is 20 minutes away. Fantastic all weather family fun in 90 action packed acres! 16 family rides, 10 playzones for all ages, 100,000 sq.ft. undercover play with rides & slides so ideal even on a wet day. Zoo, Farm & Falconry Centre with flying displays.
North Sands and South sands at Salcombe are good fun areas for younger children. The best route is not through Salcombe but via Combe. There is a ferry into the town from South Sands. Crossing the ferry to Mill Bay at East Portlemouth is worthwhile for all the family. Walkers will find the coast path to the East from Mill Bay particularly attractive. (See notes on East Prawle below) The Kingsbridge/ Salcombe ferry is a worthwhile trip as is tea in the boat chandlers in the middle of Salcombe For boat hire try Whitesands Boat Hire near the central car park in Salcombe. Remember to try a Salcombe ice cream.
Those wishing to be less arduous can visit the National Trust Gardens at Sharpitor called Overbecks and walk from there on to the top of Bolt Head and make a round walk of 3 miles to return for tea and cakes at Sharpitor (closes at 4.30p.m.).
Further afield a super return trip can be made up the Dart to Totnes from Dartmouth. For rail enthusiasts the steam trains from Kingswear to Paignton (do not miss the zoo) or Totnes to Buckfastleigh are worth trying. The latter can be combined with the return ticket on the ferry from Dartmouth.
Don't miss the views on the Kingsbridge/Dartmouth road via Torcross, Slapton Ley, (a freshwater lake) and Strete.
The coast at Prawle point is particularly attractive and there is a NT car park there. Locals try a field on the last rt.angle bend before dropping down the final straight to this car park, but it is a poor track access unless you know it. Our favourite cove is Maceley to the East of Prawle Point but it involves a 2 mile walk and steep cliff path down to the sand. Whilst at East Prawle the Pigs Trough tea shop is good for simple food. The Inn in East Prawle is called the Pigs Nose after a rock to be seen on the upper footpath from East Prawle village to Maceley Cove.
Pennywell Farm is a special visit for young children which also has good food. See our link page.
Sail boards and tuition can be found in Salcombe. Wet suits can be obtained at South Sands but also try Thurlestone Rock via South Milton where boards and suits can be hired at the NT car park on the beach during high season.
For local food try the carvery in Churchstow. Frozen menus can be obtained from Red Deli in Churchstow – good but expensive. In Salcombe for simple good value meals with children try Captain Morgan's in Whitestrand. When near Totnes then try the Durant Arms in Ashprington or the Inn at the head of Bow Creek. Good fish meals can be found at the Oyster Shack between Aveton Gifford and Bigbury or their new branch in Salcombe. The Start Bay Inn in at Torcross also has a good reputation and for fish and is cheaper! The Fisherman’s Rest in Aveton Gifford is improving. For local hotels we recommend the Thurlestone Hotel and the Soar Mill Hotel.
Bigbury-on-Sea further on from Bigbury and at the entrance to the Avon gives access at low water to Burgh Island ( made famous by Agatha Christie) via a sand causeway. A sea tractor provides the transport at times of high tide. The Venus Cafe’ on the Bigbury strand is good for snacks and also has a webcam to inform surfers of the weather.
On the way to Dartmoor try a visit to the Dartington craft centre between Totnes and Buckfastleigh and the fish and chips in Buckfastleigh are good after a walk on the moor. The road on to the Moor from Buckfastleigh via Holne is less crowded and the bridge at Hexworthy is picturesque and provides more peaceful acquaintance with the moor than the spectacular but crowded Hay Tor. Incidentally, if you do go there, don't miss Hay Tor Quarry and the remnants of the stone tracked railway. Try finding Jordan Manor at Jordan to the North of Ponsworthy if you are near Widdicombe for a real Dartmoor feel.
For a good but reasonable meal we recommend the Church House Inn at Holne above Buckfastleigh or the other Church house Inn at Rattery, both are convenient if you have been on Dartmoor. The Soar Mill Hotel is good but expensive. Burton Farm at Galmpton is liked by locals as well as the Cottage Hotel at Hope Cove. We enjoy toasted sandwiches at the coffee shop at Avon Mill garden centre.
For fish try Salcombe Smokers fish shop in Kingsbridge. It is a bit variable but provides fish close to hand. There is another fish shop in Salcombe.
For more information and direct access to some of the websites in the area please see our links page.