12, Newton Abbot to Brixham

It's known as the "English Riviera" and this is a great bus journey that cuts through the heart of this magical, seaside setting - of hotel bars with quaint verandas and of chic shops, restaurants and houses, overlooking the atmospheric Torbay coast. It's a journey that leaves the shopping hustle and market town fun of Newton Abbot behind, passing the Alexandra Cinema which looks like an historic church before traversing a serene country setting, then glimpses of the more often tranquil coastline, marked by rhythmic waves. Whereas the sea seems to crash hard against the promenades and cliff-front in Dawlish and Teignmouth, further east, this route has a more Mediterranean flavour, particularly as it winds itself through Torquay, round the bay, with its palm trees and flash boats and with the pretty Royal Terrace Gardens on the approach. Then it's onwards to Paignton, where the scenery is charming but more convivial, traditional seaside - of cockles and mussels stands on the seafront, quirky shops, pretty parks and gardens and the picturesque level crossing on the entry to the railway station, which is also the home of the Dartmouth Steam Railway. It's fields, trees and hills either side of the bus as the adventure continues to Brixham, where the bus passes some idyllic classic Devon cottages and also the expertly manicured fairways and greens of the Churston Golf Club on the left. The approach to Brixham is fascinating with its harbour setting, the perfect denouement for a perfect journey!