Hassle Free Hiking

21/04/2024

I had thought about adding some atmospheric music to this video, but decided no.

Here's the Coast Path approaching Dartmouth, pure and unadulterated.

15/03/2024

It's a 14.5 km hike on the coast path from the Yealm Estuary to Mothecombe Beach, and the second half of the walk is quite hard work!

So what I like to do at the end of the walk is take my boots and socks off, let my feet breathe and feel the cool sand between my toes.

Simple pleasures...

If the water was warmer I'd go for a paddle (or even a dip), but it's too cold for me in March!

13/02/2024

Much better weather yesterday meant a chance to get back out on the trails, benefit from some exercise, hear some birdsong and enjoy stunning views of the Dart.

07/02/2024

The Price of Fun

Spotify prompts me with concerts it thinks I should see, and recently it’s suggested Bruce Springsteen in Cardiff (tickets c.£250), Elvis Costello and Squeeze both in Bristol (c.£130). They are legends and according to Spotify I’m a fan…but is this good value – especially when you factor in round trip from South Devon?

By comparison a good seat at Exeter Chiefs is £65, at Somerset T20 Cricket it’s £60 for a ticket & takeaway, a decent show at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal is anywhere from £30-£70.

So is this the price of fun? What would you expect to pay for a day out?

It makes a day walking on Dartmoor, along the coastal path, or one of the river valley trails seem like good value.

Find out more here https://www.hasslefreehiking.co.uk/

31/01/2024

Looking for a wonderful walking holiday? Then look no further than South Devon.

There’s the magnificent South West Coast Path running from Plymouth along stunning coastline via Salcombe, Dartmouth to Torbay and on to East Devon’s Jurassic Coast.

There are beautiful riverside walks along the Tamar, Erme and Dart Valleys.

And then there’s Dartmoor…with awesome expansive views from its southern slopes.

In South Devon you can truly immerse yourself in fascinating local histories and stunning natural surroundings.

We hope this video, produced by our friends at BlinkBack, will whet your appetite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h5n3O9-Ah8&t=2s

08/02/2023

Senses working overtime

Early morning on the coast path near Portlemouth Down. It’s cold and crisp with a clear low light reflecting off the ocean.

A crunch of ground frost, a light cold breeze and the gentle sound of waves below the cliffs.

And I’m feeling good. Looking forward to the hike around Devon’s most southerly headlands.

When I’m on the coast path - as the song says -“I can see, hear, feel, touch, taste”.

Do you have a place where your senses are working overtime?

03/02/2023

2023 marks the 50th year of protecting and championing the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest National Trail - something to celebrate if you enjoy or care about this world class trail.

Despite living near the path for decades I only started appreciating it back in 2016 following a chat with a neighbour who’d worked for the SWCPA for many years.

It really is a wonderful asset. Not only for tourism, but also for physical and mental well-being of users, so it’s important to maintain and extend access for those yet to discover its benefits.

During 2023 the association is organizing a number of events including the Trailblazer Walk – an epic relay of walks along the 630-mile South West Coast Path!

Check out the link below to see when it’s in your area.

https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/newsapp/article/379/

22/11/2022

More maritime history can be discovered on the South Devon Coast Path - this time at Slapton Sands.

Having provided an overview and some detail on Plymouth in recent blogs, we’ll now look at the fascinating history of Start Bay, Torcross and Slapton Sands. In the Torcross car park, you can’t miss a large Sherman tank. It’s there to honour the memory of servicemen who perished in one of the m...

14/11/2022

Any one walking South Devon's Coast Path should visit Plymouth - with its wealth of maritime history. Find out more about what you can discover by reading on...

https://www.hasslefreehiking.co.uk/post/south-devon-coast-path-and-coastal-defences-part-2

07/09/2022

The South Devon section of the Coast Path from Plymouth to Brixham offers exhilarating walking with awesome coastal views, beautiful beaches, enchanting estuaries and pretty seaside villages. But it’s also peppered with evidence of past conflicts and their intriguing maritime histories. Many early...

22/04/2022

On a walking holiday, you may know how far you’re planning to hike each day, but how long will it take? See more here https://www.hasslefreehiking.co.uk/post/template-how-to-write-a-tips-blog-post

On a walking holiday, you may know how far you’re planning to hike each day, but how long will it take? This is a good question to ask when planning your walking route, as you’ll want to enjoy the experience and to avoid exhaustion and a late arrival at your destination. How long - this will dep...

10/04/2022

How has the South Devon Coast Path survived the winter?

By its very nature the coast path is exposed to all the winter weather. And following some of the storms earlier in the year, we've been out to check the walking conditions.

The news - at time of writing - is "so far so good".

See more here https://www.hasslefreehiking.co.uk/post/how-has-the-south-devon-coast-path-survived-the-winter

03/03/2022

Beautiful views at Westcombe Beach and towards Ayrmer and Burgh Island, from earlier this week.

10/02/2022

Fancy walking the Coast Path between Plymouth to Dartmouth? Or the Dartmoor Way? We can help plan your itinerary, book accommodation, arrange luggage transfers and more.

Our aim is to provide advice and share local knowledge, so you can enjoy a hassle free hike!

10/02/2022

10/02/2022

10/02/2022