Bertie (black/white) and Jack, Andrew's Springers, look forward to welcoming both 2 and 4 legged visitors!

Pictures above taken during Winter 2007/8

Introducing Jack (Born August 2005).

Bertie's half-brother Jack is full of mischief..... hanging off Bertie's ears and licking him madly.  I am pleased to say that Bertie is just about putting up with all the attention!  Needless to say, Jack is looking forward to his first season at Leadstone in 2006.

NOTE: Dogs are welcome on the beach but you  need to follow the guidelines - see the leaflet at the Teignbridge Disctrict Council website here

Great walks for 2 and 4 legs!!

Nearby there are some great walks for all ages and abilities, Bertie has added his comments too!
(You can download a "pdf" leaflet of these walks here: Walks).

Bertie enjoys a walk just like any other dog (and most people!) The following is a section of walks that he particularly likes. There is a brief description and a link to a map – click the link then use “Zoom” at the top of the map to get your bearings – the red circle is the starting point.

OBELISK WALK
About 10 minutes drive inland from Leadstone. A good car park and level, gravelled pathways (wheelchair friendly). If you stay in the main wood on the pathway it takes about 20 minutes to do the circular walk. Absolutely fantastic panoramic view from near the “Obelisk” looking toward the sea.

Bert’s comments: Lots of undergrowth to forage through but not really challenging enough for me – too level!

Map here

TURF WALK
About 10 minutes drive along the river Exe from Leadstone – I have cycled there as it is level all the way! Park by the church at Powderham (just around corner) and walk back to the railway line. There is a short walk to the level crossing then a 20 minute stroll up the riverpath to a brilliant pub – The Turf. It is situated at the end of the Exeter Canal and on the bank of the River Exe. Only reached by boat, cycle or foot – so great for an environmentally friendly pint! You can walk on up the canal path to Exeter if you want…. Or it is a return trip the way you came.

Bert’s comments: This is a favourite walk of mine as I can spend ages in the meadows on the lower side of the path and if I am crafty, can jump over the wall into the river if the tide is in – I went in the mud when I was a pup and Andrew gave me a “roasting” – I won’t do that again…. (I stank of river mud long after it was washed off.!)

Map here

TEIGNGRACE WALK
Depending on traffic it could take half an hour to get here – but well worth it. It is over at Kingsteignton, near Newton Abbot take the road to Teignmouth and follow the signs. Park in the “official” car park just over the smaller hump back bridge which crosses the river Teign. Cross the road and enter the field – you should see a “natural” footpath which basically follows the river bank. You can stay by the river or follow the “Templar Way” – an old route from Dartmoor to the Teign. You could take a picnic and settle by the river – great on a summer’s day with the coolness of the river to keep your temperature down – safe to swim in (dogs and people!)

Bert’s comments: I go here at least once a week when the camp is shut. Tthere are always new smells – I’ve even flushed the odd pheasant, that’s what I do best!!! I could stay here all day dipping in and out of the river then dash around the meadows and hedgerows.

Map here

PARKE WALK
Again this may take some time to reach – depending on traffic it could be 45 minutes. It is at Bovey Tracey, on the edge of Dartmoor (other side of Newton Abbot) and Parke is actually the Headquarters of the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Great car parking facilites, toilets and safe walks. You can meander down to the old railway line and walk all the way to Lustleigh if you want – using some lanes though. There is a small river to keep the air cool on hot days. There is a great circular walk which rises up and down through the woods, can be soft under foot if wet – the map gives you a good indication – no need to go onto the highway at all. The circular route can take about 50 minutes if you push on.

Bert’s comments: My favourite walk! A real mixture of raw countryside, steep banks to climb (off the paths), undergrowth, riverbank, water – just what I like. I always sleep well after we’ve been here for the morning. The walk on to Lustleigh can be boring in part because I have to go on the lead on the lanes!

Map here