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Home , Battisborough Cross, Kingswear

The A to Z of Shepherd’s Cottage

Welcome to Shepherd’s Cottage! In this A-Z , we hope to answer the most frequently asked guest questions about restaurants, pubs, walks, keys, shower, hot water, fuse boxes, doctors etc.

Please do leave any comments (whether good or bad, we want them!) on the questionnaire provided.

Finally, here is a list of Dos and Don’ts:

Do please remove any dog mess and small toys from the garden. We try to mow the lawn every week during the summer and exploding dog mess/toys makes mowing an interesting experience! Do please use the cleaning kit which is under the sink and in the bathrooms. Do leave the cottage tidy and clean and with furniture in the same rooms as you found them!

Don’t smoke in the cottage Don’t allow pets upstairs, in the bedrooms or on the furniture. Please don’t leave them unattended in the cottage. Don’t allow dogs to chase sheep or cattle and always keep dogs on a lead when on the farm.

If you have any problems in the evening or at weekends, please call: Sam on 07814 481400

During weekday office hours (9am to 5pm) please call Dawn on 01752 830020 / 07593 439781

If it is an emergency and you can’t get hold of Sam or Dawn then try: Geoff Sayers on 07970 409722 or 01752 830492 Zoe Sayers on 07729 817781

Have a great stay!!

Dawn Farrow IN AN EMERGENCY:

YOU WILL NEED TO GIVE THE EMERGENCY SERVICES THE GRID REFERENCE (O/S LOCATION) OR POSTCODE FOR SHEPHERDS COTTAGE SX578476 (1 Lambside Cottages) Postcode - PL8 1HQ Attractions: please note, some of these attractions may not have reopened post COVID-19 lockdown, or they may have new ways of operating, so we recommend phoning them before travelling.

Car Boot Sales: Car Park, Sundays. on Sundays. , Bowden House on Sundays.

Dartmouth: Home of the Naval College and very picturesque. Take the car ferry to and drive through on the banks of the .

Leisure centre: John Nike Leisuresport Complex, . Dry Ski slope and more. Just past the Marsh Mills roundabout which you will see if you take the A38 to Plymouth.

Ivybridge: Lukesland Gardens, Harford Road, Ivybridge. (1.5 miles north of Ivybridge). Open Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays

Mothecombe: Mothecombe Beach has 150 acres of sand at low tide – spectacular and an absolute must. Also the Mothecombe House Gardens are open during the summer. See the notice board at for details.

Newton Ferrers/ Both are very pretty villages either side of the Yealm Estuary. Noss Mayo:

Pennywell Farm: ; a must for kids. Follow signs off the A38

Pick Your Own: Kitley, near on A379.

Totnes: Visit the castle and the market (Friday). Totnes is a lovely artistic shopping town with plenty of beads and sandals.

Dartmoor: Fantastic views and scenery. Why not try a circular walk followed by lunch in a village pub? is worth a trip for the prison, bleakness and information centre

Salcombe/ All attractive towns, but be prepared for tourists in the first two! Kingsbridge/ Why not catching the ferry from Kingsbridge to and avoid Ashburton: the parking problem?

Plymouth: Plymouth has lots to offer with all normal big town facilities. The National Marine Aquarium is situated on Barbican (a must but go early or late to miss the crowds) and the whole harbour/Barbican area is well worth a visit.

Modbury: A lovely shopping town. It has everything and is easy to get around. The first plastic bag free town in the UK!

Woodlands: A big leisure park at – between Totnes and Dartmouth. Watercoasters, toboggan run, bumperboats, falconry and much more.

National Trust: Saltram, at is a must as is Agatha Christie’s Greenway. Also Cotehele and the gardens at Buckland Monachorum. Bathrooms: The hot water works on demand from the biomass boiler. The bathmats have been left for your use.

BBQ: There is a charcoal BBQ which lives in the log shed in the garden. Please feel free to use it but please put it away in the shed when you’ve finished so it doesn’t get wet. Please also make sure it is clean before you leave the cottage.

Beach: The beach is a short walk away, but please be careful crossing the road. Have a look at the map in the Walks section of this A-Z to learn the way. In brief, turn right out of the house and then left back up to the top road. Turn right here and walk about 200 yards until on your left (sea side) you will come upon a gate and a public foot path. Follow the path until you get to the coastal path and turn right, following the path through a gate down towards the sea. Still making towards the sea you will see a gate at the bottom of the lowest field. Go down the steps to Wadham beach through the gate. The beach is a good swimming beach but please take normal precautions.

As previously mentioned, Mothecombe Beach and Meadowsfoot Beach (below the coastguard cottages) have 150 acres of sand at low tide – spectacular and an absolute must. Turn left at the coast path and keep walking for about 3 ½ miles. If preferred, parking is available at a small charge – drive back to Battisborough Cross and turn right. It is signposted.

We also have a private cove near Carswell Farm which you are welcome to use. Turn left when you get to the coast path and walk for just over a mile to St. Anchorite’s Rock. From here, walk the coastal path for about 50 yards, then go through a small gate on your right and head down the steep hill at 45o and head for the middle of the hedge at the bottom of the field. As you get closer you will see a gate hidden in the middle of the hedge, usually padlocked shut. The combination for the lock is either 4321 or 54321 – you will need to remember this! Go through this gate (please close and lock it behind you) and go down the rough path. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL - this path is precipitous and almost a mountaineering exercise as you will need both hands on the rope down. It can also be very slippery and the badgers will dig lots of big holes, so it is definitely not suitable for small children or those not sure of foot. Please use this path at your own risk and with great care… NOTE – THIS IS NOT THE COVE THAT THE BEACH HUT IS SITUATED ON!

Boat Hire: Contact Phil Carter on 872189 in Newton Ferrers.

Alternatively Nick Oatway has several smaller boats for hire, or will take a group out for a day trip fishing on his larger boat. He operates from the (Mothecombe Beach) and can be contacted on 01548 810249.

If you want to go canoeing, Kayaks and Paddles (Tel. 01752 484004) at Mount Batten, are recommended.

Kingsbridge Tourist Board also has information about hiring boats. Tel: 01548 853195.

Boat Trips: You can take great trips up the Tamar from the Barbican in Plymouth, around the Sound, and even to Kingsbridge I believe. Wander past the kiosks on the Barbican to find out details. There is a foot-passenger ferry which runs from the steps at The Pool, Newton Ferrers for local trips to Sellers Beach and to the “other side”.

Bulbs: There are spare bulbs provided in the box below the kitchen sink.

Candles: There are candles provided in the box below the kitchen sink in case of emergencies.

Central Heating: We have a biomass boiler which provides the heating and hot water for Shepherds Cottage. The heating is set on the dial on the upstairs landing. It is usually set to about 21oc during the colder months, but do feel free to change the temperature using the up and down arrows as required. Also each individual radiator has a temperature control knob on it and so can be turned up or down individually as required.

Churches: Holy Cross, Newton Ferrers St Peters, Noss Mayo All Saints,

It is worth walking to the ruined Church of St Peter the Fisherman at Stoke Beach. This was the original church of the Parish.

Cleaning materials: We are lucky to live in such a wonderful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we are trying to do everything we can to keep it this way. We are therefore committed to trying to use cleaning materials that do not harm the environment. The orange power, washroom cleaner, washing up liquid, toilet cleaner, dishwasher tablets and hand soap provided all meet stringent environmental criteria set by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Please do use them as required, and then leave them for the next guests. Thank you.

Damages: Please report any as soon as possible. This allows us to buy replacements or organise repairs before the next visitors arrive.

Departure: Please leave before 9.55am on the day of your departure. This allows us time to clean and prepare properly for the next guests.

Please can you make sure that you leave the cottage clean and tidy, particularly making sure that you have cleaned the fire grate if you have used it and that you have stripped the beds.

Please leave the keys on the kitchen table and pull the front door to. Dishwasher: You should have enough eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for the dishwasher, which are kept under the sink. Please remember to take off the wrapper from the tablets and we recommend you do not use the Eco Wash programme as it is not hot enough to effectively clean your dishes.

Doctor: Contact the Yealmpton Health Centre on 01752 880567

Dogs: Please feel your dog is very welcome but please remember four things:

- Please make sure your dog does not go upstairs or on the furniture AT ANY TIME - Please don’t leave them unattended in the cottage. - Please remove any dog mess from the lawn daily. - Please do not let your dog chase sheep or cattle. Eggs: We often have eggs from our free range organic chickens available for sale at the end of the farm drive. They are £1.50 for a ½ dozen. Just help yourself from the box and leave the correct money in the jar.

Fairtrade: We try to buy Fairtrade products wherever possible and put Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar in the cottages for your use.

Farmers Markets (mornings only): Kingsbridge (Town Square) - 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month. Plymouth (City Centre) and Dartmouth (The Old Market Square) are on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Totnes is on the last Saturday of the month.

Fuse box: This can be found in the cupboard in the kitchen where the fridge is. Spare fuses are in the cutlery drawer.

Golf: is a beautiful course. Call 01548 810480/055/557 to check that there is no competition on when you want to play. Also nearby courses at Thurleston, Wrangaton, Dartmouth and St Mellion (Cornwall).

Heating: See ‘Central Heating’.

Horse Riding: Newton Ferrers Equestrian Centre, Newton Downs. Call 01752 872807 Moorland Rides: Try Cholwell Farm Riding Stables at Mavy Tavy, . Tel: 01822 810526 OR try Dartmoor & South Hams Equestrian Centre, . Tel. 01364 73266

Hot Water: The hot water is provided by a biomass boiler. The boiler will fill the large hot water storage tank whenever required and so you should have a constant supply of hot water at all times. In case of EMERGENCY ONLY there is an immersion heater and the switch is on the wall in the downstairs toilet above the washing machine. Internet Access: Please note that Wi Fi internet access is available free of charge to guests on the condition that it is not used to view or download from sites that have illegal content or images. The router is sited on the living room lamp table. The network is carswellcottages and the password is carswellcottages Keys: You should have two sets of keys – one in the key safe and one on the kitchen table when you arrive. Please do leave them both behind when you leave!

Leisure Centres: Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and Plymouth.

Logs: During the winter/spring/autumn there will be some logs in the garden shed. Do help yourselves as required and there is also an axe which you are welcome to use to split the larger logs or to make kindling. Please carefully follow the instructions for lighting the woodburner, and make sure you keep the doors shut.

Mice: We do our best to keep the mice away, but this is a rural area. If you spot any signs, please let us know!

National Trust Properties: Saltram, at Plympton is a must as is Agatha Christie’s Greenway – get the ferry from Dittisham or Dartmouth. Also Cotehele and the gardens at Buckland Monachorum.

Organic Produce Ben’s Farm shop sells a large range of organic and local fruit, vegetables, bread, pies, wines and other produce. There is also a café. You can find the shop on the main A379 at Kitley, near Yealmpton.

Parking: Please park in the designated space in the lane. Additional cars can park behind, but please park close to the hedge to allow enough room for the tractors to get by. Please DO NOT park in the garage.

Petrol: The nearest garage is Barwicks at Yealmpton. The petrol here is usually very reasonably priced.

Play Area & Wildflower Meadow: Please do enjoy our new play area and wildflower meadow – just access through the gate. The tractor is a rescued Allis Charmers and we have therefore called her Alice! We want everyone to enjoy this magical area, so please do make sure that children are supervised at all times and play safely. Please also be aware that, while we have taken all precautions to make this area safe, you use this area at your own risk and that other guests have access to the play area too, so please wipe down any equipment after you use it and before you leave the play area and observe social distancing measures. You are very welcome to walk your dogs in the meadow but please be considerate of other guests, especially children, and make sure your dog is always under control. Please DO NOT allow your dog to foul in the meadow and, if an accident does happen, please make sure that you clear up thoroughly.

Pubs: The Ship: Noss Mayo - www.nossmayo.com Tel. 01752 872387. Very nice food. More formal restaurant upstairs. Dogs allowed downstairs. Big terrace outside on the creekside. Child friendly. The Swan: Noss Mayo. Lovely sitting out area by the creek. The Dolphin: Newton Ferrers. Mildmay Colours: Holbeton. Nice old fashioned local pub. White Hart: – Fore Street. Friendly pub atmosphere and good food. The Ship: - www.shipinnugborough.com Tel: 01752 892565 Church House Inn: - www.thechurchhouseinn.co.uk Tel: 01364 642220 Rose & Crown: Yealmpton. Good food all day

Recycling: The Council have a recycling collection system. Please see ‘Rubbish Collection’ below for more information on how to separate your rubbish.

We have provided a recycling bin for glass in the wooden storage bin - on the corner of the lane by Corner Cottage. Please help us to reduce landfill by putting your glass bottles and jars in here and we will take them regularly to the recycling centre.

Reflexology: Julia Taylor is our local reflexologist (also does back massages) but she can get quite busy so book early to avoid disappointment! Tel: 01364 73984.

Restaurants: Oyster Shack: Bigbury on Sea 01548 810876 Fantastic local fish restaurant – a must! Booking essential. Positanos Plymouth 01752 661290 Excellent and good value Italian cuisine Willow Vegetarian Café Totnes 01803 862605 Delicious vegetarian food – but not just for veggies! Plantation House Ermington 01548 831100 A lovely small country house hotel and restaurant

Many more restaurants in Plymouth, particularly on the Barbican, and Kingsbridge.

Rubbish Collection - TUESDAYS: The Council have introduced a new waste collection system and we ask that you read the following instructions carefully.

Collection day is TUESDAY, with the GREY wheelie bin collected one week and the then the BROWN wheelie bin collected the following week. Please see the Collection Calendar on the noticeboard to see which type of rubbish is being collected during your stay. PLEASE can you make sure that the relevant wheelie bin is put on the boundary of the property on Monday evening. If the correct rubbish is not put out at the boundary then the Council will not collect it and it will be a MONTH before that rubbish is collected – yuk!

Please see the Collection Calendar on the cottage noticeboard to see what can be put in each bin, but in summary:

BROWN wheelie bin: Please place all your kitchen and food waste (raw and cooked) in this bin. Please use the kitchen caddy provided in the kitchen to carry out your waste to the brown bin. To help keep it clean and contain the smell, we have provided compostable liners for the kitchen caddy. Spare kitchen caddy compostable bin liners are under the sink. Please only use them for the caddy, not for any other other bins, as they are expensive.

BLUE sacks: Please put all your paper and cardboard in this sack (including tetrapacks). Don’t worry about putting these sacks out to be collected – we will sort it out on changeover day.

CLEAR sacks: Plastic bottles ONLY (no lids), food cans, aluminium foil and aerosol cans. NO OTHER PLASTIC CAN BE TAKEN. Don’t worry about putting these sacks out to be collected – we will sort it out on changeover day.

GREY wheelie bin: Please place everything that can’t be recycled or composted in any of the bins or sacks above. Everything put in this bin will be buried in landfill.

GLASS BOTTLES & JARS: We have provided a collection point for these in the wooden ‘store’ on the corner of the lane by Corner Cottage. Please place them in here and we will take them regularly to the glass recycling centre.

Thank you for help – I know it is complicated, but if it helps cut down on landfill then it’s worth doing!

Sailing: Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth. Call 01752 404567.

Shooting: During the winter we have the odd pheasant shoot on the farm, so don’t be alarmed if you hear gunfire!! This is usually on a Saturday in daylight hours so you shouldn’t be disturbed. We also control rabbits in this way, just two or three times a year and this is done at night - so do not be alarmed if you hear some gunfire after dark.

Smoke Alarms: The battery smoke alarms also detect flickering lights so they may go off if you use a torch at night.

Shopping: Ben’s Farm Shop is just a few miles away in Kitley, Yealmpton (on A379 towards Plymouth) and has an excellent range of organic and local fruit, vegetables, meat, bread and other groceries. There is also a fresh fish counter and a lovely café there. Modbury is a wonderful market town – very pretty and fun to explore. There is a butcher, post office/newsagent, deli, hardware store, Co-op store, gift shops, cafés etc. It also has many pubs, an Indian restaurant and a Chinese takeaway. It is a plastic bag free town, so please do use our eco-shopping bag (hanging on the back of the kitchen door) when you go.

Newton Ferrers has a Co-op, village shop, butcher, Post Office and chemist.

Holbeton has a village shop/Post Office for basics plus newspapers.

Kingsbridge is the South Hams’ market town and is very pretty with some interesting independent shops. Yealmpton has a few shops. There is a good coffee shop there too for snacks and fresh sandwiches.

Ivybridge is not the prettiest place, but you can get most things there and the major banks are represented. It is also the ‘Gateway to the Moors’ – so a good place to visit before setting off for a Moorland walk!

For delicious fresh fish go to Moby Nicks at the Plymouth Fish Market, next to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. The address is Unit 11 Fish Quay, Sutton Harbour Fisheries, PL4 0LH and the number is 01752 266610. They are open 7am - 4pm Monday to Friday.

Supermarkets: are further away (and not so much fun!). Morrisons is just before Laira bridge as you go into Plymouth from here on the A379. Tesco is at Kingsbridge or Lee Mill (off A38 towards Plymouth) and Sainsburys is at Marsh Mills on A38 at Plymouth.

Swimming: If you don’t fancy the sea, there are public pools at Ivybridge, Plymouth and Kingsbridge.

Table in the kitchen: The kitchen table is extendable if you want more space – simply undo the clips under the table and slide out the extension.

Taxis: Local taxi (Pat) - 6 and 16 seater taxis. 01752 338557 or 07810 124195 – you MUST book in advance Village Cars – 0800 1934000 or 07410 700591

Taxi firms in Ivybridge: Ivycabs - 01752 895555 Woodland Cabs - 01752 895656

Telephone: The telephone is sited on the living room coffee table and the number is 01752 872846. You are able to receive incoming calls and make 999 emergency calls. You should be able to get a mobile phone signal if you walk up the lane a little. The nearest public telephone is in Battisborough Cross or Holbeton village.

Tennis: There are public courts in Noss Mayo. Call 01752 872479 to book.

Walks: There are many good walks in the area, the coastal path for linear ones or Dartmoor for circular. Washing Machine/Dryer: There are instructions at the back of this folder but it is very straightforward to use. In line with our environmental policy, we have put two laundry ‘aqua balls’ for you to use to wash your clothes. These use no detergents, and so are not only better for your skin but are better for the environment. They are easy to use; simply place the two Aqua Balls in the machine drum on top of the washing, select chosen programme and start wash.

There is a clothes line outside and some pegs, or the airing rack which is in the downstairs bathroom.

To help us with our environmental aims, please try to dry washing naturally and not use the tumble dryer.

Water: In case of an emergency, the stop cock for the water supply is in the field just the other side of the garden wall.

Wi Fi Access: Please see ‘Internet Access’.

Woodburner: The wood burner is easy to use but you need to follow these instructions carefully.

You won’t need fire lighters, just a good bundle of newspaper and plenty of kindling. First make sure that the flue is open at the back of the burner. The handle should lie parallel with the flue. Lay the fire inside the burner, light it and then close the doors tight. Open the little slits at the front of the doors so that the fire can draw properly inside. To close down the fire at night, close the slits in the doors and the fire will burn more slowly.

Zoos: There is one at .