Detail on a map at Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.
Another day-trip to the water’s edge; this time (11th. August 2015) to the naval town of Dartmouth – to where the great river Dart flows out to sea, appropriately flanked by two imposing castles. Travelling to Dartmouth by car, train, steam-train and ferry – we enjoyed a lovely afternoon walking around the colourful streets overhung by medieval-style architecture, and browsing around the bustling shops. However, first on my agenda and my sister’s (on holiday from her home in Vienna – with her son Tobias) – was to find quiet escape from the queues and hubbub of the journey, in the peaceful church of St. Saviour’s – just a short walk from disembarkment…
Our Journey began by car to Umberleigh, then by train to Exeter St. David’s – from Exeter to Paignton along the scenic coastal line that includes the restored stretch at Dawlish Warren – then it was all aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway (toot toot!) to Kingswear, where finally we caught the ferry across the teal-coloured water to Dartmouth. Between catching our various modes of transport – we participated in the tourist shuffle; queuing is definitely part of the experience especially in August – all good British fun!!! Although I must admit – my mind often turned to thoughts of striding out over the wild, open moor where the Dart rises and the skylark sings…anyway…
Here’s a collection of photos that capture the sights, sounds and smells of a lovely day in South Devon…
Ferry across the Dart. Kingswear to Dartmouth…
Just watching the wake…
Five women in a boat…
Rigging singing on the sea breeze…
Eye-catching posters at Paignton Railway Station…
Heading South. Weather-vane above the Paignton ticket office…we spent a long time admiring this!
The tourist shuffle! My sister’s foot just edging over the threshold of the ticket office!
Sun breaking through the clouds over St. Saviour’s tower – heralding our arrival by ferry at ten to two!
Escutcheon to St. Saviour’s; clearly always open from the outside in…
A beautiful etched welcome to St. Saviour’s Church, Dartmouth.
Captain Birdseye! Taking a stroll along the harbour with this handsome, characterful seafarer.
Fantastic houses…
and colourful houses.
Getting up steam on the homeward journey…
The heart of a steam engine on the Paignton to Dartmouth Steam Railway…simply awesome.
Lookie-likies. Goliaths of the Dartmouth Steam Railway…
Devon Belle. My Mum who came too. (My sister jokingly commented she looked like the Fat Controller in her navy, red and white outfit! She ‘borrowed’ the engine driver’s cap from the souvenir shop!!!)
Mother like son…
Tom – the boy who also loves the wind in his hair…
And our travelling companion Chris – who kept us all on time and planned the day. (Thank you from Sallie, Melanie, Rosie, Tobias and Tom for a really lovely day.)
Entering the Greenway Tunnel; disappearing into the blackness… another day, another adventure…