Location: 

Torcross, Slapton Sands, Devon

Operator

Absolutours, Viv Robinson Blue Badge Guide, MITG

Julia Morris MITG- A Taste of England Tours

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Join your Blue Badge Guide to walk in wonderful natural landscapes that have extra special history.

We visit Torcross, a small South Devon village which has struggled against the ravages of the sea for many centuries and find an American Sherman Tank, rescued from the sea, memorial to a major disaster that caused many American troops to lose their lives when ‘Operation Tiger’, an exercise carried out in preparation for the D-Day landings, was intercepted by the enemy. Hundreds of US military are commemorated on plaques nearby.

When scrunching along the shingle beach at Slapton Sands, similar to Utah Beach, Normandy where the Americans were to land in June 1944, we enjoy the salty air and take in extensive views across Lyme Bay. Locals evacuated from the area in 1943, so military exercises could proceed with upmost secrecy, are acknowledged on an impressive monument seen in the Memorial Park where we share poignant stories.

Continuing to the tranquil Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, part of the Wild Planet Trust, surrounding the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England, we see wildfowl and birds that frequent the reedbeds and marshes. When returning along the South West Coast Path to Torcross we look out for rare and important flowers and stop on the shore at the far end of Slapton Ley, near the C14th Start Bay Inn, known for local fish ‘n’ chips and seafood. 

If peckish it is here you can relax, savour a local ice cream, drink or even fish ‘n’ chips at the pub or one of the small cafes!

The Highlights:  

• A 2 ½ hour guided walk led by a qualified Blue Badge Guide
• Walk along the beach at Slapton Sands to the Memorial Park where locals evacuated from their homes in wartime are acknowledged on an impressive monument.
• View the Sherman Tank, memorial to US soldiers who lost their lives during ‘Operation Tiger’.
• Walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve.
• Visit Torcross village challenged by its location next to a changing coast.
• Use of personal radio receiver connected to Tour Guide wireless audio transmission system for improved audibility and social distancing on walk. 
• Optional Extra - Fish ‘n chips at C14th Inn known for its local fish and seafood recipes.
• Accompanied by Blue Badge Guide with Covid safe measures in place.

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Price

 From £15 - based on group of 15 including commissions.

Group Size

Min. 2 Max 20.

Contact

Viv Robinson Blue Badge Guide, MITG

www.absolutours.co.uk
+44 (0) 7775 774083
bluebadge@absolutours.co.uk

Julia Morris MITG- A Taste of England Tours

www.atasteofenglandtours.com     
07817 364981   
julia@atasteofenglandtours.com