Dittisham to Dartmouth Run, visit to Ferry Boat Inn
This is something a little more challenging, to run off the mince pies. 13.6K with several steep climbs rewarded by some of the best views in the South Hams. OS Map OL 20. A Google Earth Map opens in a separate window. There are two guaranteed rests on ferries across the Dart and a visit to one of Devon's most famous pubs, the Ferry Boat Inn.
Start at the higher car park, OS grid ref 864548 and head up the hill before turning sharp left. Look out for the marker posts for the start of the Dart Valley Trail on your right. This section of the trail is well marked and takes you up a steep hill to a country lane where you continue left up to the top of Fire Beacon Hill. Keep to the lane through Bosomzeale then I follow the Dart Valley Trail marker posts on the right. After a short flat section, the trail then drops down to Old Mill Creek before the inevitable steep hike back uphill to Townstal. Cross the A379 and either continue on the Dart Valley trail or take a loop through the lovely Saxon churchyard before rejoining trail which will eventually take you down the beautiful Brown's Hill Steps and into Foss Street. Head for the river and then turn left towards the higher ferry. After a short rest with fabulous views of Dartmouth and Kingswear, head left after crossing the railway line and then turn sharply right uphill just past the public conveniences. After a steep climb enjoy a beautiful gently undulating woodland run above the Dart. It doesn't last; there are more climbs and drops but stick to the trail and at higher Greenway follow the path to Greenway and then the final coast downhill to the ferry. Ring the bell and catch the ferry across to the Ferryboat Inn for the best seafood linguine you'll ever taste. Dogs very welcome, even if they do, apparently, taste like chicken.
