It’s scientifically proven that fresh air and being by a blue space helps your mental and physical wellbeing. Now it’s getting warmer outside and the days are getting longer, take advantage of that extra daylight before or after work to take some time for yourself and enjoy your nearest blue space.
Mount Edgcumbe
Following along the west side of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a favourite location amongst locals. Hop aboard the Edgcumbe Bell Cremyl Ferry, a 5 minute boat ride across the River Tamar, to Mount Edgcumbe and explore 865 acres of open park land.
Mount Batten
If you’re city-based, there’s no reason to stay land-locked. You can catch the Mount Batten ferry from the Landing Station by the Mayflower Steps, Barbican. You’ll be instantly welcomed by the Mount Batten Centre building. Their second-floor café, The Lookout, has received an upgrade to the space and to the menu. The Lookout is a perfect place for a chill-out, refreshments and food.
Back to walking! If you fancy a shorter walk that’s closer to our National Marine Park, head to Mount Batten Breakwater to have a relaxed stroll along the 279-meter-long structure that has seen footsteps upon it since 1881.
Mount Batten doesn’t fall short of panoramic views if you are able to climb the steps up to Mount Batten Tower. Take your time on the way up to fill your lungs with fresh sea air. At the top you’ll be met with a grassy area with benches where you can soak in the oceanic views of Plymouth Sound, whilst enjoying the historic building of the Tower. The Mount Batten team opens up the Tower on set days and is a popular wedding venue. More info here.
Follow the path on the other side to head back down to Mount Batten Beach where you can get even closer to the shore. If you’re a budding marine biologist, why not go for a bit of rock pooling? Just make sure you don’t pick up any nature that you find and always carefully put the rock back that you’ve turned over. No one likes an upside-down home!
Saltram
Saltram is a beautiful National Trust owned Georgian house sat within 500 acres of landscape. It’s the perfect blend of a blue/green space located next to the River Plym Estuary. There are various walkways carved out around the grounds, making it a firm favourite for those with four-legged friends as well as families.
Plymouth Hoe and Barbican waterfront
The footpath from Plymouth Barbican follows the South West costal path along the waterfront up to Plymouth Hoe and onwards towards the west around West Hoe, eventually arriving at the Royal William Yard. The stint between the Barbican and West Hoe covers 1.2 miles taking in panoramic views of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and passes the famous Smeaton’s Tower, iconic Tinside Lido and 17th century Royal Citadel.
Devil’s Point / Firestone Bay
Back on the Plymouth side of the pond, Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay is just around the corner from Royal William Yard. There are plenty of parking areas inside Royal William Yard and at Devil’s Point itself (great for a lunch break!).
Devil’s Point is another popular area for family walks with flat paths, green spaces and rocky shores with step access. If you’re steeled against the cold and have your swimmers on you, join the sea swimming community for a dip! We’d recommend hot drink/food afterwards which you can grab from cafes/restaurants inside the walls of Royal William Yard.
