In the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers Back to News

In August 1620 two ships set sail from the port of Southampton laden with passengers looking for a better life in the New World, free from religious persecution. After two stops for emergency repairs, one ship set out alone from England in September, making landfall at Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA – this vessel was the Mayflower, and the passengers later became known as the Pilgrim Fathers.

More than 400 years after this historic voyage, the final destination of On Foot Holidays’ self-guided walk in Devon is the delightful maritime town of Dartmouth. Here the Mayflower and Speedwell anchored in Bayard’s Cove for repairs before their second attempt to leave England, and many buildings in this part of the town remain little-changed in the past four centuries.

As you explore the town and Bayard’s Cove Fort, walk in the footsteps of the Mayflower’s crew and passengers along the colourful waterfront. Drop into the Dartmouth Museum to see its exhibition about the Mayflower, or follow the town’s specially-created heritage trail.

It’s a fitting end to your week of glorious hiking over wild Dartmoor and down the estuary of the River Dart!

Find more about walking in Devon here

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