Julie Thorpe pitches up in the gorgeous Devon countryside to sample some locally brewed beers
B … and pausing for refreshments at the South Hams Brewery C State-of-the-art brewing process D Gorgeous views along the shore E Julie enjoys a break in the van F Try the superb selection of ales in the welcoming brewery taproom
ALTHOUGH I’M NOT a big drinker, I like the occasional beer – a tasty, dark stout or porter in the colder months, a fruity IPA in the summer. Since starting caravanning four years ago, I’ve found that these two hobbies sit very well together – of course, not in combination with any driving.
There is a rich history of brewing in the UK, dating back centuries to the days of monks and mead. Today, over 1800 small and microbreweries produce ales, using traditional methods and local ingredients.
Most of our best beer finds have been around Yorkshire and Derbyshire, so with about 1785 more brewers to discover, we decided to spread our wings.
The beautiful south-east Devon coast is a long drive from north Nottinghamshire, but it was worth every mile we travelled – despite the dreadful weather.
Off to the perfect Start
Start Bay is the southernmost of three big bays facing east from the estuary of the River Dart, and Start Point, with its iconic lighthouse, is the southernmost point of the county and of Start Bay itself.
Here, you can explore a stunning 15-mile stretch of craggy coastline and secluded bays, steeped in history, as far as Warren Point, near Dartmouth, in the north.
Start Bay is peppered with the perfect shingle bays of Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands and Strete Gate, and is also home to several coastal villages, including Beesands, Torcross and Stokenham, where we were based at Start Bay CAMC Site.
On arrival, we were surprised to find the site so quiet, considering it was the school holidays. Perhaps others had heeded the severe weather warnings or been put off by the tricky approach to the village? Well, their loss, because we had a fantastic time.
Yes, the approach through Stokenham was narrow in places. It involved a main street only wide enough for one vehicle – and that was probably never intended to be a 7ft-wide caravan! However, the views on the way were just breathtaking – at least for the passengers. Winding lanes with high hedges, steep climbs and brake-testing descents gave way to pretty villages and tantalising glimpses of the sea.
We passed through Kingsbridge
