Vire Island

"Accessible from the road bridge heading east out of the town centre, this quiet, green oasis of calm from the busy narrow streets...named after a twin town in Normandy, a footpath goes right around the island with seating and great views of the Steamer Quay and the river Dart with its boats and greenery. Frequented by dog walkers, picnickers etc. just be aware that there are no fences or railings to prevent smaller children falling into the river.
Just a five min walk from the town and central bus stops."

Glen Allen

"Tranquil location easy access down ramp the has loads of love symbol padlocks attached. Lest to go a little wild longer grass has plenty resin benched along with some picnic tables. Beautiful large mature trea of different varieties. Small play area. No toilets or parking"

Kenneth Davidson

"Whilst visiting the area, we decided to spend a morning at the picturesque town of Totnes. We navigated our trusty car around the hilly and winding roads as we approached the town centre. I almost missed the blue parking signs, because I was so enthralled to have already spotted a sign towards Steamer Quay. My wife and I do enjoy a stroll alongside a quay, and with the morning sun threatening to treat us to a delightful blue sky day I was already allowing myself to get carried away with the joys of holidaying. Noticing my excitement, my wife laid a calming hand upon my lap, and it was just enough for me to take in a much needed deep breath, gather myself and focus on the task at hand; finding a carpark.

As if luck hadn’t already being generous towards us, there was a plentiful amount of car parking, and we fortunately found one that was not only reasonably priced (in modern day terms that is) but also gave us a starting point that meant we were just a few downhill strolls away from finding ourselves at Steamer Quay.

We held hands and smiled lovingly at each other as we ambled our way towards the quay. As fixed as our mindset was to make a beeline there, we couldn’t help but become seduced by the overall charm of Totnes. Independent boutique shops and cafes were peppered all across the winding streets, with the high street itself, holding an array of charming buildings of varying styles which all seemed to be steeped in history. Why is it almost exclusively history that things get ‘steeped’ in? It a funny word like that I guess. I think it just means soaked. Anyway, I digress. As we approached our way to the quay, we found that the day hadn’t finished blessing us, and as made our way over the beautifully proud bridge, we spotted some steps down towards Vire Island. Not really an island as such, but more of a leg of land, jostling out between each side of the quay, creating a lovely tranquil park where you can meander down to some nice benches. Don’t go eating the plants there though. The place is steeped in Hemlock Water Dropwort. That stuff will make you squirt death out of every hole. Nice trees though."

Jamie Bradshaw