Parke is owned and run by the National Trust as a 'managed working landscape' but from our point of view it offers a good of variety, on one accessible location.
With a wide variety of trees, from ancient oaks to poplars, we are hopeful that at the time of our visit some should be in their glorious autumnal colours. There are also dense woodlands, trees by the river and single trees, all providing a variety of potential compositions.
Besides the trees the vegetation and wildlife offers different shots for those patient enough to wait for a possible passing deer or insect.
Parke is a historic site with a weir dating back to medieval times, plus granite stone pillars and bridges over the river.
Even though it is NT you do not have to pay to enter but there is a parking fee. I paid £3.10 for 2 hours. Payment is via cash, card or the 'Pay by Phone' app. I did have mobile access whilst in Parke but I did not go into the most dense woods.
Parke is favoured by dog walkers, but dogs were all on leads.
Another reason to choose Parke is because it has a great onsite cafe, even with inside tables if the weather is inclement. Plus adjacent toilets.
We will meet at the cafe at 12.00 and enjoy a drink or lunch before we set out with our cameras.
If you wish you could arrive earlier and enjoy a walk around their walled garden, adjacent to the cafe. You may also decide to stay later than 15.00, but please be aware that the RPS insurance cover is only from 12.00-15.00 so outside those times you are there at your own risk.
The A382 (Monks Way) skirts the west of Bovey Tracey village. At the roundabout junction with the B3387 (signposted to Haytor) take the B3387 and within 100 yards on the right hand side is the entrance to Parke.
Ideally you need walking boots/shoes or very sturdy trainers as the paths are loose gravel. It is also a fairly steep slope to the cafe and beyond down to the walk areas Don't forget that at the end of the day you also have to walk back up !