On opening the online version of the new updated Plymouth Waterfront Walkway booklet I was blown away! High quality and packed full of historic information. A handy guide to have on all trips along the Plymouth’s historic Waterfront.
Did you know Plymouth held more than 1,500 American prisoners of war during the ‘War of Independence’?
Or that people power helped build the Royal Citadel in the 1660s, with each and every person living here reputed to have carried a stone to the site to help build the fort?
Scores of facts feature in the new updated version of Plymouth’s Waterfront Walkway booklet, produced by the Council to encourage people to take a fresh look at what has been described by Natural England as ‘one of the finest urban coastal footpaths in the country’.
The 10-mile route from Admiral’s Hard in Stonehouse to Jennycliff – known as Plymouth’s Waterfront Walkway – attracts thousands of walkers every year and gives visitors and local people an insight into Plymouth’s heritage, together with dramatic coastal views that other cities rightly envy.
Cabinet Member for Transport Mark Coker said: “The South West Coast Path is incredibly popular with tourists and really well-used by both visitors and people who live here. We wanted to update the booklet to give people a chance to find out more about this gem on their doorsteps and get walking!”
The Waterfront Walkway was created by Plymouth City Council and is part of the South West Coast Path. Along the route is a range of artwork and features giving quirky facts about the city.
+ Elementary clues in the pavement along Durnford Street reveal the identity of the writer who created Sherlock Holmes. The author lived here for a while and his tale, the Hound of the Baskervilles was inspired by the nearby moors.
+ A pile of gold bullion at the entrance to Millbay Docks – where gold bars used to sit, guarded only by a single unarmed police officer before the bullion was sent to Fort Knox.
+ On the wall at the dock entrance are stars of Hollywood names who landed here in the days of the great ocean liners.
+ Forget writing on the walls – we have writing on the rails – a message you can only read by walking from one direction at Millbay.
+ A 10-tonne stone rhino representing fossilised remains discovered in Oreston Cave.
+ A nugget in the pavement detailing a very grisly death of a lighthouse keeper.
+ The Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers left for America.
+ The tale of Aircraftman Shaw at Mount Batten – better known as Lawrence of Arabia.
The revised booklet includes more information about nature as well as historical facts gathered and illustrated by Plymouth historian and artist Chris Robinson.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership’s Chairman, Chris Arscott said: “This is a great way to encourage visitors to explore our entire Waterfront and its fascinating history and begin telling Plymouth’s many stories.
“There are also plenty of amazing distractions as well as pubs and cafes for people to stop in. Connecting Waterfront areas is crucial to supporting businesses, visitors will discover some of the city’s hidden gems and may enjoy bars, cafes and restaurants along the way.”
Chair of Destination Plymouth Duncan Currall added: “This new booklet is a great way of reminding visitors about the breath-taking views we have here in Plymouth and the astonishing stories that have come out of this city.
“Even in not-so great weather, people enjoy walking and getting to know about what they’re seeing. So this is ideal in helping us attracting more short – break visitors here.”
Copies of the booklets are available at the Plymouth Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican, the Council’s Rights of Way officer at the Civic Centre or downloaded from our South West Coast Path page and the Visit Plymouth website.
Source: Plymouth City Council
About Scott Grenney
Scott is the owner & editor of the BarbicanWaterfront.com. He has lived on the Barbican & keeps close ties with the Plymouth Barbican community and is a member of the Association of Barbican Businesses (ABB).
Scott in his free time is developing the BarbicanWaterfront.com to become a hub / portal for all things related to the Barbican area. The aim is to help increase use of the Barbican by locals and tourists alike. Read more about the Plymouth Barbican Waterfront Website...
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