大象传媒

The South Devon coast between Strete Gate and Start Point features not only fabulous views, but nationally important habitats and places of historic interest.

So it's no wonder that the Open University (OU) has chosen this six-mile stretch of coast to pilot a coastal walk podcast.

The podcast enables walkers to download 18 pieces of audio, which they can then listen to at locations during the walk. Or the entire narration of 58 minutes can be downloaded in one file, if preferred.

The walk and audio content has been devised by Phil Bradfield, an associate lecturer at the OU.

Phil Bradfield loves this part of Devon

It was inspired by the 大象传媒's Coast series, which had audio downloads for people to use on coastal walks. The OU was also involved in that project.

Phil knows this bit of the South West Coast Path like the back of his hand. He often brings his biology students to the Slapton Ley Field Centre, and the area is a favourite spot for family trips.

"It's got everything," said Phil. "It's got views, it's got a National Nature Reserve at Slapton Ley, it's got World War II history with Operation Tiger at Slapton, it's interesting geologically, it's got the lost village at Hallsands, and there's the Start Point lighthouse at the end.

"At the start of the walk, at Strete Gate, there used to be a fishing village to the left, called Strete Undercliff. But it died with the fishing industry.

Slapton Ley has rare habitats and species

"So there are things of interest right from the start. From Strete Gate to Torcross village, you walk along this long shingle ridge which separates the sea from the freshwater lake at Slapton Ley.

"There's a similar shingle ridge at Beesands, but it's not so big.

"Then you've got the memorial at Torcross to locals from six villages who had to evacuate their homes during the war so that the Americans could prepare for the Normandy landings.

"And there is the American Sherman tank memorial, which was lifted from the sea off Slapton where it had been since the disastrous rehearsal for the Normandy Landings.

"Around 750 US servicemen died during the rehearsal, Operation Tiger, when they were attacked by German boats."

Local fish is landed at Beesands

The walk takes you through Beesands, where you can buy locally landed fish, and then onto the eerie remains of Hallsands, the fishing village which fell into the sea in 1917.

Phil narrates the walk in 18 chunks. The OU website also has text about the walk and accompanying photos: "The day we came down to do the walk, the weather was glorious," said Phil. "So the photos came out great.

"One of the nice things about the walk is that you can see the end point - the Start Point lighthouse - all the way from the start.

"And there are lovely views midway through the walk where you can look one way to the start and the other way to the end.

The end of the walk at Start Point

"We wanted to do a podcast walk where people could stop at regular intervals to look at things of interest, and also to listen to the story behind them.

"So this walk fits the bill perfectly."

The walk is easy for part of the way but with some demanding uphill stretches. You'll need sturdy shoes and plenty of water.

There are places at Torcross and Beesands where you can stop for a drink and a bite to eat. It's best to have a car at each end.

The project has been undertaken by the OU's BLAST (Broadcast-Linked Activities in Science and Techology) team, which has created webpages where people can download all the information and audio they need - see the link on this page.

If this walk is a success with the public, the team hopes to do more podcast walks around the UK.