A Day with the Doc, highways, byways and backyards.

Reluctantly we left Dartmoor. Not far into our journey we left the woods for the open moors. Signs about sheep warned us they may lay on the road. They were. We stopped, roamed a while and watched the little ones belt into the mothers' udders, latch on and wiggle their little helicopter tails.

Must away though, and around the corner, highland cows resplendent in their shaggy coats, grazing beside babbling streams. Back in the car and not two metres gone and stop to play with Dartmoor ponies, a whole family, mum, dad and foal.

Employing discipline, we set off again, faithfully following the GPS instructions, down leafy green tunnels, beside stone walls, down impossibly narrow streets and lanes. The villages were amazing, the scenes spectacular, the driving slow and meandering.

Still following GPS lady's imperious commands we followed an ever decreasing lane way and ended up in the backyard of a manor, driving right beside the house and into their front yard. We were guided out by an angel in a plastic doggy apron, just waiting by the gate. Not the least bit affronted, but with genuine concern for pur predicament, the old man with gnarled hands advised in the most polite manner how to extract ourselves from the manor yard and proceed. His directions faultless, we arrived at the home of Doc Martin, Port Isaac.

Long, steep streets wind their way around familiar territory. The houses smaller and less vibrant than on the big screen. The beauty of the Cornish coastline; visible from many vantage points. The gulls are friendly, wanting food.

We see the surgery, the familiar houses, the lanes and hill, the coastline, the restaurant and the little pebbly beach. It is not quite the same as on the screen, but just as exciting and enthralling.

Mevagissey is waiting. Another Cornish town, reputedly one of the top ten most beautiful towns in England. Indeed the first impression was not so wonderful, our little car weaving through impossible roads. We retreat and park and walk to see what we were heading into.

Sea life, birds, fish, pubs, shops, busy bustling little port. It was only when we reached our B&B that we saw the most magnificent coastline and nestled town.

The sun comes out, the scene is perfect. What a place!