09 Dec 2014
After the excesses of Christmas a walking break in the West Country could be the answer and Toad Hall Cottages www.toadhallcottages.co.uk make it simple with over 150 properties directly on the South West Coast Path www.southwestcoastpath.com . Voted one of the World's Top 12 Hikes by Lonely Planet magazine, the South West Coast Path follows the West Country coastline for 630 miles from Poole in Dorset to Minehead in North Devon, taking in some of the most diverse coastal landscapes in the world.
A fast walker can complete the entire route in around 30 days but for less intrepid hikers the path can be split into easily manageable chunks as well as some great circular walks to suit all abilities. Families, experienced walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs and dog owners won't be disappointed, and Toad Hall Cottages have a wide selection of properties along the Path's route to use as a base.
5 Victoria Place in the heart of Salcombe, Devon is a newly refurbished 19th century fisherman's cottage right on the waterfront in this popular seaside town (Sleeps 6 from £652 for a 7 night break, dogs welcome). Hop on the ferry across the harbour to East Portlemouth to enjoy a 6km family friendly walk, taking in one of the most beautiful sections of the South West Coast path, a site of Special Scientific Interest supporting a variety of rare flowers and breeding birds. Walk past ruined forts and deserted sandy coves such as Gara Rock, where you can treat yourself to a cream tea at the isolated Gara Rock Hotel.
Bayview, an ex- coastguards cottage perched on the cliffs at Hallsands, South Devon is another ideal choice for walkers (Sleeps 8, 3 nights from £345, dogs welcome). With its front door opening directly onto the South West Coastal path this extremely comfortable cottage has breath-taking sea views and some great walks in either direction. A moderate 5 km walk takes you past the ruins of Old Hallsands, the village which fell into the sea in 1917, or head north to the 2 km long beach at Slapton Sands where troops practiced for the D Day landings and where a memorial stands to the hundreds of troops who died here in a friendly fire accident and at the hands of German E-boats.
Dogs and their owners will enjoy walks along sections of the path in North Devon with wide sandy beaches such as Woolacombe and Croyde. Stay at dog friendly Sunrise Cottage at Berrynarbour (Sleeps 6 from £425 for 7 nights, dogs welcome) a traditional stone cottage with wood-burning stoves, exposed beams and underfloor heating, a lovely cosy place to come back to after a day out walking for dogs and owners alike. As well as the beautiful beaches, nearby walks take you past old silver mines, ancient settlements and coastal heathland all with lovely views of the Bristol Channel and options for all abilities.
For more information on Toad Hall Cottages visit www.toadhallcottages.co.uk
For more information on the South West Coast Path visit www.southwestcoastpath.com
Media enquiries:
Kate Mault / James Norton
Toad Hall Cottages 01548 855820
Note to Editors:
For press trips in association with the South West Coast Path, Toad Hall Cottages can provide accommodation and an experienced guide on the area.
Toad Hall Cottages is supports the National Trust's renovation programme of the South West Coast Path by funding repairs to a section of the path at Soar Mill Cove, Devon.
Toad Hall Cottages www.toadhallcottages.co.uk tel: 0800 6101122 offer more than 520 luxury self-catering holiday cottages in South Devon, North Devon, East Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. Whether you are looking for a luxury cottage break, a romantic getaway for two, a dog friendly self-catering cottage or a family holiday, Toad Hall Cottages offer an unrivalled range of sought after properties.
