Many people think that Salcombe is situated by an estuary, but there is no river. The correct term is a ria: a river valley drowned when sea levels have risen. The town of Kingsbridge is situated at the far end of the ria and is reachable in a boat, with a low draft, at high tide. Today we checked the tides and decided to visit Kingsbridge that afternoon in our dingy. There was very little wind and it was very pleasant to see the young trainee sailors, from the Island Cruising Club base on Egremont (a converted Mersey Ferry) moored on the ria, wafting past and wishing for more wind. For about 45 minutes we followed the red stakes, which show the channel, until we reached Kingsbridge and tied up at the visitors pontoon provided. We had a pleasant walk around the town, which resulted in the purchase of some new sandles and the inevitable ice cream. The journey back, with the tide, was quicker and enabled us to get back in time for an excellent but inexpensive meal at the Victoria Inn in Salcombe.
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