Exeter Gay Men Meetup

Join us for a seven mile beautiful walk along the famous South West Coast Path to Berry Head. We'll start from the main entrance to Paignton train station and follow a scenic route of countryside and coastline. We’ll stop for a coffee and lunch break at Broadsands Beach, where those who wish to can visit the Venus cafe (link below).

https://www.lovingthebeach.co.uk

Following lunch we’ll pass through the fishing port of Brixham and head out to Berry Head, one of the South Coast’s most stunning locations, with panoramic views of the South Devon Coastline. There we’ll stop for refreshments at the lovely Guardhouse Cafe (link below).

https://www.guardhousecafe.com

Finally there is the drop back into Brixham where our walk ends, and from where it is easy to take a bus back to Paignton.

Please bring a packed lunch (or buy something from the cafe) and make sure you bring water and snacks.

Terrain

There are a few moderate climbs up and down steps but most of the route is largely level. As it’s November please wear appropriate footwear for some potentially muddy paths. We will take the walk at a leisurely pace so we can enjoy the views.
Getting to and from the walk:
We will meet at the entrance to Paignton Train Station at 11am. There is a train from Exeter that arrives at this time. There is also plenty of parking available in the station car park.

Meet at Michaelcombe Lane Parking, by the side of the beautiful Venford Reservoir, on the Road from Holne on Dartmoor. There should be ample space but if it is full, there is another parking lot 5 minutes walk away the offer side of Venford Reservoir Dam.

Please message the group if you need a lift. I'm sure people may be coming from Plymouth and Exeter direction.

We will set off at 10am promptly.

The walk will afford lovely views of the reservoir, autumnal colours. We will go a gentle climb up to views of the valley below, and to a few tors such as Bench Tor, and along the River Dart. We shall walk to hopefully see a nice waterfall along Venford Brook too

There may be wet bracken around and surface water, so please wear boots and bring waterproof layers or a change of clothes to leave in the car.

It is a new route I have invented, having had a lovely walk there last week.

As it will be a bit cold, after the walk I intend for us to go on to a nice pub or cafe to warm up and get some food and drink into us. Once I know the numbers I will try and reserve us somewhere within a few miles of the walk.

Brush off the festive season cobwebs and overindulgence, with a walk in Exmoor.

I'll be honest I've not done this walk before but it is a well renowned route, crossing the famous Tarr steps, following the river valley to Withypool, where we will stop to warm up and get refreshments. (Royal Oak Pub and Tea Rooms)

After the walk we may drive for a further drink in a nearby pub.

Meet at the NT Tarr Steps car park ready for a 10am prompt departure

Please sign up and ask for a lift if you don't drive. I could pick people up at Tiverton Parkway station, and hopefully others will be coming from Exeter, an hour's drive away

This path has had a closure along it for some months but is due to reopen next month. If still closed, we will do an alternative walk/route nearby.

This route definitely gets muddy so bring appropriate boots and outdoor gear, and perhaps even a change of clothing for after.

It's 7 miles and about 4 hours with relaxed pace and stop for refreshments. Here is a link to a website describing it:

https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/walk-tarr-steps-exmoor-national-park