Post by Dave on Jul 15, 2018 14:52:52 GMT
Occombe Valley Woods Walk 15th July 2018
After having to do yet another six day week due to staff shortages, I really had to go out for a few hours today and do something. But it is still so hot and I did not fancy spending too much time out in the blazing sunshine.
I find it amazing that there are still places here in Paignton I have not been to before and the place I went and walked today was just perfect as it was mostly in the shade.
Occombe Valley Woods has been there since the 1600’s and is one of the oldest surviving Oak woods in the country. It was only a short drive from my home to the Paignton end of Sandringham Drive where I parked my car. I then walked out onto the main road and down a wide grass path to my right.
I went through a gate and turned right and headed into the open meadow which has wonderful views over the town. On the way back I sat on a bench at the top of the meadow and while I could see all of Paignton, I could not hear a thing or any sign of life. You can’t even see a car but I did spot one train for a few seconds and could just make out a few figures on the beach.
As you enter the wood you are on a high path with a sizable drop down to the valley below on your left hand side. Much further along there are other pathways you can take and one does go along the bottom of the valley.
It is a very easy walk with just a few short sections where it climbs a bit and while a rather pleasant walk, there are no real stand out features. I would imagine in Autumn in looks wonderful when the leaves fall to the ground and so a return then is on the cards.
