Our journey along the southwest coast of the UK has taken us to small, quaint villages and small to medium-sized towns. The first city along the way is Plymouth, and after such a relaxing, pastoral experience in the countryside, we weren’t quite sure whether we’d enjoy being in a busier area. It turns out we shouldn’t have worried.
Built along a natural bay formed by the outlets of the Rivers Plym and Tamar, Plymouth has long been a key port for the Royal Navy. To further protect the harbor, a nearly mile-long breakwater was built across the entrance to afford shelter for the fleet against winter’s strong southerly storms.
As might be expected of a large naval facility, the city was repeatedly bombed during the second world war. So, only a small section of the original stone buildings remain. But for visiting sailors, the pleasure of Plymouth lies in the waters around town.
There are numerous well-protected anchorages in Plymouth’s wide bay, just in front of the city itself, and up the Tamar and Lynher rivers. Depending on wind direction and strength, it’s possible to bounce between them, enjoying city life just a short dinghy ride away one night before relaxing in the rolling green hills up a small deserted river the next.
And bounce Madrone did – we spent over a week exploring the town, taking long walks along both the east and west coasts of Plymouth Harbour, and slaking our thirst with well-earned pints of ale.
