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When Coombe Dean teacher Karen Rockey suggested linking up with her school party to walk from Mount Edgcumbe, I thought it would make a delightful addition to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Devon's 25 walks series.

Historically, some of this peninsula was within Devon, so though it's technically now over the border in Cornwall it can claim a local connection.

There was a moment of panic though as Bella my black labrador and I headed towards the Cremyll Ferry in Plymouth, to be greeted by a sea of eager young faces.

Karen was quick to assure me that they weren't all from Coombe Dean as several school parties were catching the boat. Phew!

All aboard the Cremyll Ferry

Bella was an instant hit – and spent the entire day surrounded by adoring young fans.

Having a dog has proved an ice-breaker many times and so it was today, with lots of queries - "is it a boy or a girl", "how old is she", "can I stroke her", "can I hold her". Bella took it all in her stride and lapped up the attention.

The walk starts with a pleasant boat trip across the River Tamar and gets under way properly in the grounds Mount Edgcumbe, following the coast path to Cawsand.

Karen has brought a school party here for several years, it being a favourite family route.

"It goes back to my childhood. My family are from this side of the water. I spent a lot of my childhood here in the park in all seasons exploring, so Kingsand and Cawsand are very special to me.

"I lost my parents a few years ago, but I still come here because it is a lovely place, full of happy memories."

This is one of Karen's favourite walks

The walk itself is spectacular, taking in the parkland and woods with views across Plymouth Sound and along the coastline. Formal gardens, a gun embattlement, a lake and a ruined hilltop folly are just some of the points of interest along the way.

The children were clearly looking forward to their day and set off with gusto.

"For some of the children, this is the first time that they will have done this," said Karen. "So I expect they'll start to say 'are we nearly there', 'it's a bit steep', 'my legs are hurting'."

As it was, we made it up the hills without too many complaints and there was a sense of achievement and cries of "yeah" as Karen told everyone the worst was over, and it was "all down along now".

The route through the estate is clearly marked and easy to follow – the land here is managed by both Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council, reflecting the importance of Mount Edgcumbe as a recreational area for Plymothians.

Feet up time!

The first 2.5 miles are through a mixture of woodland and open scenery. But once the path drops down to a tarmac lane, where you turn briefly right and then left, it's open coastline for the final stretch.

The most popular part of the day seemed to be the lunch break. It was certainly a stunning spot to stop – a wide grassy bank, backed by trees and looking right across Plymouth Sound.

From here it was a short step to Kingsand, where the Halfway House pub marks the old border between Devon and Cornwall.

After the obligatory stop for ice-creams it was on to the beach at Cawsand to wait for the ferry back to the Barbican. From here you can easily make your way back to the start if you need to, around Plymouth Hoe and Millbay Docks.

"The furthest that some of these children walk is to the bus stop for school," said Karen. "So to have achieved a good three-and-a-half miles, they can be quite proud of themselves.

"I think the majority of them have really enjoyed it. I know the greatest attraction has been Bella. She's a superstar."

And I really enjoyed it too – thus disproving the theory, never work with children and animals! Bella was as good as gold and the students of Coombe Dean were a pleasure to meet.