By: Blonde Two
Although the Blonde expedition season is well and truly underway, we had a weekend off youngsters this weekend. Mr Blonde Two and I decided to celebrate the amazing weather by doing a bit of walking on the South West Coast Path and paying our respects to a construction that to me epitomises simple elegance. The Kingswear Daymark was built in 1864 by the Dartmouth Harbour Commissioners to safely guide boats into the harbour mouth. Visible for miles out to sea, it has done its job well for a long time and, for me, is one of the Devon South West Coast Path highlights.
I love the Daymark, it stands alone in a sweeping field of green just back from the South West Coast path. In the summer in looks just as magnificent surrounded by waving golden crops.
As you walk down the (well surfaced) lane from Brownstone Car Park (National Trust), the Daymark offers an ever increasingly satisfying view. Because of its arches, each step you take gives slightly different view through, it is impossible to take enough photographs to capture the whole experience.
A closer inspection (there is a marked path from the lane) does not disappoint. You can stand in the centre of the Daymark and admire the sky through its limestone arches (24 metres) and the hole in the top. At night you can admire the stars in the same way.
I have very happy memories of visits to the Daymark during the days that I was a Scout leader. We used to take our Scouts there to make their promise. It even features in our book ‘Dart the River’; can you spot it?
If you are ever walking along the Brixham to Kingswear section of the South West Coast Path, I promise you that the Daymark is well worth the short detour.
Copyright Ordnance Survey 2016
We Blondes have walked a fair few sections of the South West Coast Path in both Devon and Cornwall. Take a look at some of our SW coast path walking experiences below:
Time for the Tide: St Michael’s Mount and the South West Coast Path
South West Coast Path : The Sidmouth Coastline – Some of these steps are cliffs!
The South West Coast Path: National Coastwatch – Froward Point
I love Victorian architecture – here is a good example:
The dam on Lake Vyrnwy which I crossed on my Boston/Barmouth walk last year:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wmfikpsxis554pj/P1020190%20copy.jpg?dl=0
I hope to take a look at your Daymark. I have committed myself to a b and b in Penzance for 6th July so I will be coming your way as far as Exmouth where I left off the SWCP last time coming from the other direction.
Just past the door (well nearly) do let us know when you are near. I apologise for the steps and concrete on the Torbay section in advance but Kingswear to Brixham is just lovely.
I haven’t done that section of the SWCP yet – must get around to it when I have wheels again. Definitely one jump nearer today – I can get the hand brake on!
Hand brakes are very important! That is very good news indeed, you will like the section although it has some steep bits, it is very beautiful.