Totbri two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Totbri here.

If I give this route six stars I would!
Granted, it was a beautiful winter’s day - sunny, blue sky & frost-crunchy ground - and I had some magical animal encounters, but this is a great walk through stunning landscapes. It has a bit of everything really.

It is not accessible for all, with some steps, stiles, a foot passenger ferry and steep gradients. The carriage drive between Totnes and Sharpham (a parallel alternative to this route) is suitable for wheels, however, as are the lanes (metalled and unmetalled) from there all the way to Dittisham.

I walked from Brixham to Totnes, both of which have good public transport links and refreshment opportunities. There are a number of pubs en route too.

It is worth wandering down to the historic harbour at Brixham, where you can see the Golden Hind museum ship.

Leaving Brixham the route follows pavement alongside the A3022 for a short way. It is a little uninspiring, but safe. You do need to cross a few times as the pavement stops on one side or another, but visibility was good.

From Churston Ferrers though, the route follows the John Musgrave Heritage Trail (JMHT)and follows minor roads and paths. As an alternative you could in fact follow the JMHT from the start, through Brixham (marked on OS maps), but it would be a less direct, longer route.

Turning off the A3022 the route becomes very quiet and peaceful, largely following unmetalled roads, public and permissive paths to Greenway NT property. There were cattle in one field adjacent to and fenced off from the path (friendly and said hello over fence) and signs of cattle but not the animals themselves on other paths. At Greenway the ferry is signposted through the grounds, which is an alternative when the estate is open to the public, although the official route follows the road.

The ferry to Dittisham operates all year round except some public holidays. It is hailed by ringing a bell on the quay. I had the absolute treat of seeing seals hauled out onto floating pontoons on my crossing! Made my day!

From Dittisham the route continues along minor lanes, absolutely cracking unmetalled lanes, and paths. It really is an area of outstanding natural beauty!

At Bow the official route follows the road, but for a shortcut you could take the stepping stones signed for the Dart Valley Trail although I feared they might be icy and stuck with the road.

The route continues on the JMHT to Totnes, which partly coincides with NCN28. You could stay on the NCN28 for a more level, accessible route, but I liked the variation with the footpath which dropped down into the River Dart valley, and through woods. There is a slight definitive map anomaly in the woods but follow the waymarked route. Similarly, at Baltic Wharf the footpath has recently been diverted so follow the waymarks.

This was such a feel-good walk. I had a smile on my face the whole way, and even skipped at times (when no one was looking)!.

Great route of out Brixham along the John Musgrove Way. You have to cross a main rod twice (Christon Ferrers village) and at the top of the old Alston Lane (A259). But I've hardly ever had to wait long.
Then across fields and tracks down to the Dittisham Ferry. You have to be fairly nimble to hop in, but the ferryman will lend you a hand. Once in Dittisham the path mainly follows roads until you get to Sharpham Estate, but they are quiet. And it goes up and down (a lot!). From Sharpham you can follow an old tram way (higher route) into Totnes, or take the footpath and meander up and down mainly alongside the Dart. Good pubs for food and drink in Cornworthy, Dittisham and Ashprington.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.