Day 27: Sunday, 6th October 2013: Dartmoor National Park (Buckfast Abbey, Becky Falls & Canonteign Falls

We set out at around 9.00am for a full day of sightseeing, getting lost (just a little) and driving on lots more very narrow roads! Before leaving we packed a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit and drinks, made sure we had cameras and rain coats – even though it was a very sunny start to the day. In fact, the sun shined all day and it turned out to be a beautiful day for sightseeing! We drove down to Dartmouth, then on to Totnes, then to Buckfast. We had planned to have a look at the Buckfast Abbey, but being a Sunday, there was a service about to start. We were able to get a couple of photos of the outside of the Abbey and wander around a little before moving on. Alison was feeling a little unwell while we were driving so really appreciated the stop.

Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey

After leaving Buckfast, we headed to Becky Falls along more narrow lanes! The falls are within the Dartmoor National Park. When we arrived there, Alison was able to feed some Pigmy Goats, Shetland Ponies, Guinea Pigs & Rabbits, and look at some of the other animals they had there – ferrets, albino chipmunks and rescued owls, before we headed off to see the falls. We didn’t have time to do the whole walk, so decided to take a shortcut. I couldn’t climb over the rocks, so stayed up top while Keith & Alison went off. Alison slipped on the rocks a couple of times, but no real injuries. They got to a spot where they could see the falls, then returned. Back at the café, we enjoyed a scone and drink before setting off again.

A chipmunk at Becky Falls

at Becky Falls

Our next stop was Canonteign Falls. We put the destination into the car’s GPS system and it took us along some very narrow, hedge lined lanes to the wrong place. We were not far from where we needed to be, and found our way to the entrance to the falls. There was a great picnic area near the entrance, so we had our lunch before setting off to see the falls. There are two falls – the lower one called Clampit Falls and the upper one called Lady Exmouth Falls (or Canonteign Falls) – man made falls to get water down to the industries in the valley below. The Canonteign Falls are the highest falls in England. I only walked as far as being able to see the Canonteign Falls as I was coughing so much! Keith & Alison did a circuit walk. It was an enjoyable afternoon, all the same. 

a view from the top of Canonteign falls

Cantonteign falls

Canonteign Falls

After our visit to the falls, we headed for “home” through the centre of Dartmoor National Park. We stopped in a car park half way through the park – near the top of the Moor. Alison was feeling unwell again, so it was an opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the view. There were some black faced sheep grazing all along the sides of the road and at the car park, along with some cattle and horses along the road. On our way home we travelled through lots of little villages, including Yelverton at the edge of the National Park, then to the outskirts of Plymouth, on to Totnes, Dartmouth & Skete. Once back at the lodge, it was time to get dinner ready and settle down to relax.