Start Bay directions from St Austell

MaxHeadroom
MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
edited August 2018 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

Hi all,

       Next week we'll be going down to St. Austell from Cheshire for a few days. Half way through the week we'll be heading from St Austell to Start Bay. I see the site have directions for the final approach but they seem to be from the north exiting from the A38. As I'm coming from the south this seems a long way round.

Google Maps suggest leaving the A38 at Ivybridge onto the B3213 then joining the A379 a couple of miles later which takes me through Modbury, Churchstow and Kingsbridge. Is the B3213 suitable for caravans or am I best taking a different route?

Regards,

Andy.

Comments

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited August 2018 #2

    You are right to be cautious - I was diverted all around that area last week and very grateful the caravan was not on the back!  I would call the site if no one else can help? 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #3

    The site directions always seem to be given from the wrong direction, don’t, they?

    Andy, I live near St Austell and often visit the Kingsbridge/Dartmouth area.

    Although the route you suggest is doable, be aware that many lanes in that area are narrow and your reversing skills could be called upon. This applies especially to roads around the Start Bay site. You may also wish to note that a section of the A379 between the site and Dartmouth is unusable due to being washed away during the winter storms.

    Personally, to reach that area from St Austell, I would follow the A38 only as far as the Marsh Mills interchange on the eastern side of Plymouth. From there I would follow the signs for the A379 to Kingsbridge. 

    I fear there is no ideal route.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #4

    I would agree with TW, either join the A379 via Plymouth or, the route we use, come down from the A38  nr Ivybridge, turn onto the A3121 (Ermington) then join the A379 to Modbury, Kingsbridge and Torcross. The route from Kingsbridge is very narrow in places but it's the only way to approach Torcross with a caravan. When leaving you can turn right at Kingsbridge onto the A381 to Totnes and access the A38 via the A384 (Dartington) along the Dart.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #5

    I assumed Andy meant he'd follow the B3213 and then pick up the A3121, Brue. If so that’ll be the route you use. I’d still opt for Marsh Mills from this direction, mind. smile

     

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #6

    My only extra comment would be to avoid B roads in the area, they are usually single track with passing places, so I'd stick to the A roads where possible. smile

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #7

    Don’t forget the bends and high hedges so you can’t see what's coming! 😄

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2018 #8

    I like it there a lot, so I'm quite envious of anyone heading in that direction, take your time Andy and have a lovely holiday. smile

  • MaxHeadroom
    MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
    edited August 2018 #9

    Thanks Brue and everyone else for their contributions. I used to holiday with my parents down in Thurlestone many years ago and know how narrow the roads can get - it was bad enough in a car let alone attempting this journey with a caravan.

    It looks like the Marsh Mills route has probably won the day. The route looks like its gets quite interesting after Kingsbridge but 'nothing ventured etc' I suppose :)

    Thanks all,

    Andy. 

  • MaxHeadroom
    MaxHeadroom Forum Participant Posts: 110
    edited September 2018 #10

    I pleased to report that I've returned from my holiday at Slapton Sands without a hitch (no pun intended!). The route from Plymouth on the A379 is a good one and uneventful until you get past Kingsbridge. There are a number of narrow lanes (including a narrow bridge near Kingsbridge) but taken with care this shouldn't pose a problem to those who are reasonably experienced at towing.

    As always - just take your time, be patient and enjoy the ride.

    I'll definitely be going back laughing

    Thanks again for your advice,

    Andy.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #11

    Glad it went well, Andy. It’s definitely the route I’d use from down here except, if I wasn’t towing, I’d cut through Plympton and pick up the A379 at Elburton.

  • RangeRoverMan
    RangeRoverMan Forum Participant Posts: 125
    edited September 2018 #12

    This a great site and the first club site I ever stayed at. That was in 1974 so I suppose it's about time I went back.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,647 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #13

    It would have been a lot different then from now with so much less traffic in 1974. Also you've no doubt got a much larger unit nowadays than you had when you last visited. Care will certainly be required on those narrow busy roads should you go back.

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