The Pursuit of Real

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Adventurous and authentic experiences that create distinctive memories are the real drivers of happiness when it comes to family travel.

Some of you will know how much I value exploring our local rivers in my wooden sailing boat, Bounty. I’ve discovered that there is a growing appetite for slow travel, where nature and cultural heritage, combined with an opportunity to learn new things provides us with a deeper connection with the places we visit. 

Over the last few months, I've been thinking about the opportunities for transformative travel. How to develop an authentic tourism product that brings nature, cultural heritage and wellbeing all into the mix.

I live on the edge of Plymouth, in the South Hams, with easy access to some of the best waterways in England. My local patch is Plymouth Sound, one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, protected by Plymouth Breakwater and an absolute haven for small sailing boats.

It was during the pandemic, when I first explored Devon's rivers in Bounty. We made a series of short films exploring the history of each river and at the time, I thought these journeys would make a transformative sailing experience for friends with young families. A chance to explore these rivers, learn news skills and visit some of the best cultural places in your own time at your own pace.

So over the next few weeks, I thought I'd share a few of my favourites, starting with the Tamar Valley. All of these experiences can be booked online, with our season running from April to September.

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Discover Plymouth and the Tamar Valley

Plymouth is a City that needs to be seen from the sea. Many of its heritage landmarks are near the water, with good access by boat. The centre piece is Royal William Yard, the Royal Navy's former victualling yard that was built between 1824-1835. A unique series of Grade 1 listed buildings, encapsulating a wonderful harbour, each building with its own story to tell.

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It's the perfect venue to start your transformative experience. 

Turn immediately to port and head towards Mount Edgecumbe Country Park and Barn Pool, the original deep water anchorage for Captain James Cook and Robert FitzRoy's Beagle Voyage. From here all of the wonders of Plymouth Sound are immediately visible. All within easy reach of Royal William Yard.

Here's a simple itinerary to spark some ideas:

Discover Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

• Breakfast at Royal William Yard
• Barn Pool for a morning swim
• Cawsand Bay, quick run ashore for a pub lunch in this delightful smugglers village
• Historical Barbican for ice cream or cream tea
• Sail back to Royal William Yard for an early rum sundowner

If the tide is inbound, then a turn to starboard takes you up through the Hamoaze, with Devonport Royal Dockyard immediately coming into view. From here, passing under the Albert and Tamar Bridges, where the River widens and Devon's rolling hills fill every vantage.Explore the Tamar ValleySome of the prettiest Rivers to explore in Devon (ok, I'm a little biased). The Lynher and the Tamar are rich with history, wildlife and incredible viaducts; I've sailed under all five! If the tide allows we can explore the tidal limit of the River Lynher, or continue up the River Tamar to Calstock.

‍Explore the River Lynher

• Breakfast at Royal William Yard
• Dandy Hole for a morning swim
• Port Eliot House and Gardens (tidal limit)
• Mount Edgecumbe Country Park for afternoon tea
• Royal William Yard for a rum sundowner

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‍Booking a Transformative Experience

• Our season runs from April-September
• All of our sailing experiences are designed for families and friends.
• Our vessel, Bounty, is licensed for up to 8 people and you are welcome to bring everything you need for a fantastic day out, including the dog.
• We are flexible with timings and will design your experience based on your itinerary.

To get some ideas, visit our website or drop me a message, indicating your preferred dates and I will come back with some suggestions.