I discovered the Cobbly Way while out in the beautiful South Hams of Devon. It is an ancient cobble track beside the River Avon near South Brent. It is so bumpy that cycling it requires much care, especially when wet. The river flows fast between deep pools while mature trees span over it. I peered into its pools and imagined giant salmon just waiting to be caught. Hanging from a branch was a rope obviously used by children in the summer to swing into these pools.
South Hams is rich farmland south of Dartmoor spanning to the sea. The fields are filled with dairy cattle known for producing high quality milk and clotted cream. Field boundaries have high banks with wild hedges and trees. Several rivers run fast off Dartmoor and cross this landscape on their way to the sea. As a consequence wildlife and food production seem to be in harmony. I followed a figure of eight loop to the sea and back on little lanes and on route discovered a few hidden gems. My next was a pub which required only a short detour at Slapton and well worth checking for a longer visit at another time.
Just two miles further on, I arrive at Slapton Lea, well known to local people and easier to find for visitors. This freshwater lake just a stone's throw from the sea is a magnificent nature reserve where hoards of birds, many of which are unusual happily feed from crumbs thrown to them by children.
East Prawle is the Devon's most southerly village. I pedal here then follow a loop back to my home.
