Usually, I go to Plymouth via Torpoint Ferry, but chose to go over Tamar Bridge at Saltash for a change. On reaching the town, I remembered how useful the location is from the days when I owned a gifts and art shop and my son went to school there years ago.
It’s a pity that most people travelling between Devon and Cornwall, whether by road or rail bridge, merely look down from their vantage point. Undoubtedly, they admire river views on either side, which are charming, where an array of boats jiggle on the waves.
Unfortunately, most visitors continue on their journey instead of stopping for a break to appreciate the waterfront and the town’s amenities. On Fore Street, there are a variety of shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Even on bad weather days, and when Covid-19 restrictions have eased, there are interesting venues to go to. For instance, the Heritage Centre, and Elliott’s Grocery Store, left the same as when it closed in the 1970s are fascinating. Then there’s Mary Newman’s Cottage and garden, home of a local woman and wife of Sir Francis Drake. For those with children, Longstone Park at the end of town is a great spot for them to stretch their legs, especially after a long journey.
When steering over the Tamar Bridge, it adds to the experience if a train chugs along the Royal Albert Bridge (designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel), at the same time.
The railway station is extremely handy, and although it isn’t finished yet, the station building which was derelict for ages and unsightly is now being refurbished. A very exciting project that I’m looking forward to seeing when it opens to the public.
We were running later than expected after visiting our family, and thinking about the spicy aromas wafting from the Asian restaurant earlier, we planned to stop and buy a takeaway meal on the way home.
We headed back into the county. It was lovely being welcomed by Saltash’s Celtic Cross, a verdigris sculpture rising from Elwell Woods, its metallic crown glinting in the evening sunshine. A striking sight set against the aqua blue sky and a perfect end to the day.
Until next time.
Sue. X