Marpai two

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Walked from Marldon to Paignton, this walk is through scenic woodland and through different residential areas into Paignton. The route isn’t accurately plotted in the woodland but an easy work around. I parked in Marldon along Vicarage Hill but there is a free car park by the church.

Heading out along Five Lanes Road isn’t pleasant especially when we met a lorry. Although this route is direct I would walk along Belfield Ave instead (housing estate with pavement) and turn right down a small passage way that comes out at Five Lanes Roundabout. 
I was worried about crossing Preston Down Roundabout but there is an underpass! 

You can cross over the road, to Occombe Farm, where they have toilets, a Farm Shop and Cafe.

Heading down a signposted footpath which is uneven, gravelly, there are loose stones and a tiny flow of water along the left side.
At the bottom you reach a gate and go through it, there is a gap next to it you can walk through.

Walking through Round Down Wood, we stuck to the path but there are other routes through the beautiful woodland. A popular spot for dog walkers.

In Round Down Wood on the map the route takes you past the bridge and staying along the right hand side of the river, at the next “fork” it wants you to take the path on the left. The left path, which would be downhill, has been closed off. There was no obvious way down so we continued on the same path which goes round to the right and eventually leads you back to where the left path would have taken you. This path snakes around and over a small bridge, it is narrow before the bridge but only for a short distance. Across the bridge the path goes over the river and to the left there are steps, and the path is uneven.

Once back on the route, it will then direct you to a pointless scramble up a steep hill to get to the path. I didn’t fancy it. If you follow the path you’re on and go to the right, you end up where you’re meant to be and carry on the route as normal.
I will add the photos which will hopefully make it clear. Speaking to a local we found out some of the paths in the woodland have been closed off.
(We walked back on the other side of the river and that was fine but there are a couple of steps and uneven ground with roots sticking out.)

Coming out of the woodland you follow a narrow path between houses that leads you to a housing estate which you walk through. Along Shorton Road near Sleepy Lane the road curves to the left. There is a path through Shorton Wood, either are fine to take.

At the bottom you begin to walk through more housing estates, this is a hilly section of the route.
Careful where Shorton Road and Southfield Road meet as cars whizz around the corner.

Now on the flat you walk along pavements and quiet roads. To cross over to the park it is easiest to cross at the lights and wait for a gap. Look out for the Milk Bottle.

Through Victoria Park there is a pond and chance of seeing swans. You come out at Paignton Town Centre and you’re at the Station.

A very simple and easy walk! The highlight is the lovely Round Down wood, which I did get deliciously lost in... but quite easy to pick up the trail again.

4 stars as it is a safe, easy and direct route.

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