Vacation Rental Description
Mallard Cottage and Wharf Corner are part of an old stone warehouse, probably dating from about 1800 and converted 30 years ago into substantial apartments. Situated on the banks of Bow Creek, a tidal tributary of the River Dart, they are named after the friendly mallards that frequent the area and the creek side wharf that Quay Place used to serve.
The view is constantly changing and with it the types of birds that visit - at high tide we have cormorants, at low tide egrets and herons, and at mid-tide kingfishers. There is no better way to explore the river than by kayak - there is one provided, but you can bring your own form of river transport.
Fishing is permitted. Within walking distance there are good local facilities for eating out. Throughout the year the Maltsters Arms hosts musical and other events indoors which can only be heard by attending them. In the summer months these activities (sometimes accompanied by quayside BBQs) move outdoors, always shutting down by 10.00pm.
Notes on accommodation
Heating is by night storage heaters.
For many people, a creek side holiday is ideal: as well as the ever-changing scenery and wildlife, there are water-born activities with compulsory breaks (when the tide is out).
Small children enjoy feeding the ducks and crabbing, but should be supervised. Larger children can be taken out onto the creek on the two seater kayak. (Two buoyancy aids are provided).
Accessibility
Mallard Cottage and Wharf Corner are on the ground floor, with no internal steps. In both cases, entrance from outside is via a couple of steps from the patio area which is at the same level as the gravel drive. The quayside is crazy paved, but level. On-site parking is available for two cars in the case of Mallard Cottage and one car for Wharf Corner.
Outside
Mallard Cottage's patio is enclosed, whilst Wharf Corner's is open. Mallard Cottage has tables and seating for 6, Wharf Corner for 5. On the quay there is seating for 8, and space in the summer house for 4 adults. On a windy day you can be almost on the water, but very cosy!
Coast/Beach
Blackpool Sands is a beautiful beach and is 8 miles or 20 mins by car, Paignton is slightly further and Torquay is about 30 mins away. There is a host of places to explore within an hours drive - Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Burgh Island, Bigbury and more...
Travel
Totnes is on the main line from Paddington, but once here bicycles or a car would be essential as local transport is scarce. Aiports are at Exeter and Plymouth, both about 45 mins away by car.
Distances
Totnes is 3.5 miles by road, but you can walk to it along the river, about an hours very pleasant walk via Ashprington and Sharpham. Post office and village store at Harbertonford, about 3 miles away.
Further details
Dartmoor can be accessed from many directions, but Holne is 30 mins away by car, 15 miles. The North Devon coast is less that 2 hours away, and the Cornish border about 1 hour.
Activities
Accompanied trips down Bow Creek and the Dart are run by "Canoe Adventures" from a beach ~100m away. River Link runs passenger trips from Totnes to Dartmouth. There are excursion round the coast and into Brixham and Torquay. Sea fishing is possible from Dartmouth. Small motor cruisers can be hired in Dartmouth. Bikes can be rented in Totnes (although Devon is remarkably hilly).
If you need a change, a short car trip gets you to either the sea or the moor (19 miles to Widecombe in the Moor). It is 4 miles to Totnes and 8 miles (or ~20 minutes) to Dartmouth or Blackpool Sands (the nearest beach). Within 30-45 mins are, to the east: Brixham, Paignton and Torquay and to the south: Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Burgh Island, Bigbury.
