Walks Westcountry

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Westcountry Ramblings 2025​

Can’t be many fit enough to walk these trails who remember VE day. But the Westcountry is full of reminders of that dreadful conflict. Trail 22, with its concrete pillbox as you descend toward Branscombe Mouth, looks out on an ocean littered with WWII wrecks and discarded bombs. Prawle Point (trail 15) has its camouflaged radar station humps and, nearby at Slapton sands, the American tank retrieved from the depths of the Atlantic ensures we don’t forget the 749 American servicemen lost during rehearsals for the D-Day landing.

 

Onto Dartmoor (trail 24), those withered wooden posts pointing skyward might confuse a hiker but still deter the ghosts of Hitler's invasion gliders on its remotest parts. The occasional commemorative plaque to warplanes that never quite got home are up there, too. Then there’s the gun still pointing out to sea at Port Isaac (trail 6) and, maybe most curious of all, the outside loo in Membury (trail 19) beneath which was hidden a secret communication hub for those intending to fight on should VE day never have happened (no, I don't know exactly where it is - it's a secret!).

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And for a taste of great ale in VE week, check out the snug of the Bridge Inn at Topsham (pub of the month). I think that might be original VE buntings up there.

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These half-day walking guides contain much more than directions. A bit of history and myth, tales about unusual characters and places, and advice on where to down good ales or scoff a great pasty, fill the spaces between pictures and directions. All in all, it makes each trail good for the mind, heart, gut and soul.  

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But be warned: take and wear appropriate gear. Some walks are in remote areas, weather is unpredictable despite all the science. A good map and compass are sometimes essential - particularly on the moors.