The round robin with a train, a boat and a bus - all in one ticket!

A trip on the Dartmouth round robin that takes you along the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, where you catch a ferry to Dartmouth. From Dartmouth, there's a river cruise to Totnes, before a final leg up over the hill back into Paignton by bus.
I'd recently done a different round robin in North/Mid Devon, so I thought it would be fun to come down to South Devon and do another. And it WAS fun!
Whilst it is billed as the "Steam Railway", if you're very lucky, the steam loco will break down and they'll give you a ride behind their wonderful Class 37 diesel.
Departure: Paignton, England, UK
Destination: Kingswear, England, UK
Cost: Round Robin adult ticket: £38.00 / €44,20 (inc booking fee)
Date of Travel: September 2023
Operator: Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
Motive power: Class 37 diesel locomotive. Built: English Electric, Newton-le-Willows (1965)
also river boat and open top bus.
Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

What a lovely round robin journey, lots to see on this circuit. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was my pleasure. Thank you for watching 👍

[@christinehodge3608]

Enjoyed this video, plenty to see, thank you for sharing

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

No problem. It was a pleasure making it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

The Tractors Hellfire

[@Julian-ck6lf]

Great video another one for the list! Looks really nice cheers for this!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. It is great fun on a nice day. Thanks for watching 👍

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Johnny

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Nice of you to say. It was a lot of fun to make! Thanks for watching 👍

[@vidkopf10]

Mr. Hoover, I think I'm becoming addicted to your channel!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

hopefully there's no cure! I promise to keep feeding your habit... Thank you so much for the kinds words. Makes me very happy 👍

[@Trond_travels]

What a lovely journey it must be. I did almost the same journey in 2016, but we left Totnes out. We stayed in Torquay for our holiday. Bus to Paignton, steamtrain to Kingswear, the ferry to Darthmoor, then a sightseeing boat out the fortress, back up to Greenway and back to Dartmouth. Same way back to Paignton, but we stopped at Greenway House to visit the home of Agatha Christie, me being a fan. That open bus ride back looks just fantastic. Regards again from Trond (from Norway).

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I was not really aware just how big a draw Agatha Christie was until I saw just how many people were in the area specifically to visit her old home. Open top buses really are a treat. I'll be riding a lot more come next summer!

[@graemewiltshire312]

My favourite part of the UK. Stay at different parts of the coast every year, love it. Dartmouth side I mean.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it is very beautiful. Thank you for watching 👍

[@jimcrawford5039]

Much enjoyed! Shame about the first beer! Cheers from Oz.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Never mind it didn't dampen the fun. That Brewdog can was very refreshing. 👍

[@bryanarchibald2856]

Fantastic video, great to see the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle sailing and you cannot beat the thrash of a class 37. Looking forward to the next video. All the best

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Very nice of you to say so. I agree the 37 and a few views of the Kingswear Castle were great. Thanks for watching 👍

[@garymills8839]

Been down that way for a few years now every summer and love it. Been to kingsmere and must say if not up here then I would definitely move there. The places down there take your breath away as you feel the history coming down the streets and out the walls. I would recommend it anytime during the summer

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks and yes, I'm very pleased to be able to live in Devon and enjoy all this stuff on my doorstep. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@walterfillingham]

What fascinating places, never knew places like Dartmouth even existed in the UK. Absolutely gorgeous. Yes I prefer the class 37 :) we lucky as we seen them regularly in Inverness usually for Network Rail line Test Train :) heading North. Even the open bus journey drove through stunning countryside

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it was a great day. There's lots of beautiful places all over the UK. Thanks for watching this one 👍

[@gregepps4710]

I've not lived in the UK for over 28 years but now that I've retired, you're giving us a lot of ideas when we do eventually get back there.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

My pleasure. Enjoy your retirement 👍

[@kevinellis8869]

A great day, being a little older I can forgive your love of diesels. The 37s do sound great.......just not at silly o'clock past my bungalow when they're coming out of Derby RTC or Nottingham Eastcroft. They rattle the windows the most apart from the loaded oil tanks, but it's still a great place to live, just wish we had more steam going past :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well I think they probably would increase the value of the property with their presence 😉 Thanks for watching 👍

[@Sim0nTrains]

Would love to go back to the Dartmouth Steam Railway at one point but it's a shame that Goodrington Sands and Chruston Stations are closed. Great video and enjoyed the Thrash of the Class 37

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. Be nice if those intermediate stations were open, and you could get an all day ranger so you could visit them all. Gotta love a 37! Thanks for watching another 👍

[@steamfandan9682]

​@@JohnnyHooverTravelswould be nice although I did the trip before the COVID days when the intermediate stops at Goodrington sands and Churston were served but the problem is Goodrington sands has a more regular local bus service from Paignton and Churston hasn't got much except local bus connection to Brixham

[@garymcgregor7048]

Wow, done this trip many times but never behind a class 37. So jealous lol. And never a round Robin either so where down for 2 weeks in June and we will do the round Robin 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha hopefully you might get the 37. Enjoy your holiday and trip 👍

[@mrbigbadtrev]

Really good and interesting video - I shall do it. Oh can I please just say it is not a steam train at the front but a steam locomotive!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks very much. And did i say steam train? You are so right, it should be locomotive. Here's one that bothers my pedantic brain... if a diesel locomotive is called that because the fuel is diesel, then why aren't steam locomotives called coal locomotives? We have diesel-electrics, so why don't we have coal-steam locos etc 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching 👍

[@mrbigbadtrev]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Good point🙂. Taking my previous point one step further then an individual loco is referred to as a 'train' when it is on the running line i.e. under signal control even if it has no train of wagons or carriages. How about today's TRAIN station instead of the correct RAILWAY station🤨. We holiday in Devon and have of course 'done' the railways but never the round robins although aware of them. YouaTube has flashed up another of your videos that I will watch this evening and we shall be trying them out in future holidays there - thanks for highlighting them.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@mrbigbadtrev thanks again. Have a lovely time when you are back in Devon. Lots to choose from on the channel 😉

[@horsehollerer]

That thrash at 5:50 🔥 Great round robin trip, cheers!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yeah. Great! 👍 Thank for watching!

[@kevinoates1910]

Great video and what a bonus to get the class 37. This is my local heritage line. I worked in Paignton for 10yrs and used to pop there at lunchtime. And when my lad played rugby for Torquay we loved the games against Paignton next to the station with a steam train in view of the game

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great bonus indeed! Thank you for the kind words and for the memories too. 👍

[@janer2709]

Great video Johnny. Beautifully filmed.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That is so nice of you to say so. I really appreciate the kind words. Best wishes to you 👍

[@grahamallison2990]

Enjoyable to watch, added Gronk and growler. Something to consider for a day out. 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks! 👍

[@Timstravels01]

What a fabulous day out. It was a joy to come along.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim 😀 Much appreciated 👍

[@eam1955]

love watching your vids.. really entertaining and informative

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. You are very kind. It is much appreciated 👍

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video!! Hope all is well, hope you have a great weekend, take care

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. Lovely of you to say so. Best wishes to you too. 👍

[@Battismore-Blue]

I do love the blue and yellow of the old BR locomotives

[@garybroadhurst3548]

I would have been jumping up and down (in my head - I'm 54!) when the doors opened revealing the tractor. What a bonus the kettle failed! I haven't been to Paignton since the Class 50s finished. It somehow doesn't seem right. I thought you were just a rail fan in general - maybe not interested in locos, like many vloggers. Could that possibly be where the Hoover part of your name comes from?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

The Tractor was fab! As I think my face conveys. Yes, it was a real winner when they dumped the "smartie box on wheels" 😂 Can't hide my 70s trainspotting roots when 37s are about. Good guess on the Hoover name, but it actually comes from me being in a punk band where all our band surnames were white goods manufacturers. 🤷‍♂️

[@stephensullivan9345]

I was on that train with you

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha! I hope you enjoyed the 37 as much as I did! People like me often say something like "thanks for coming along on the ride" into the camera, but in this case, you actually did!

[@hoof2001]

I don’t use the ferry from the station. Just nip out the side exit and walk into the lower ferry. Way more fun and no waiting

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Great idea. I will definitely do that next time I'm at Kingswear. Thanks for watching 👍

[@john07973]

Good tip

[@hoof2001]

The added benefit of taking the lower ferry? The best ice cream shop in Devon is directly opposite the slip on the Dartmouth side: not to be missed 😋

[@kr46428]

👍The 08 bears a strong resemblance to a certain oily character in a beloved series of children's books does it not? I hope to make that same loop next year and it looks lovely!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed i think you are spot on there with the comparison. It's a great ride, you'll have a lovely time. Thanks for watching 👍

[@steamisbest]

Great video, i've done that line many times over the years but have never done the round robin, boats and buses don't do it for me, however after watching this I could be persuaded. Steam would always be number 1 for me but if there had to be a substitute a class 37 will do nicely.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was a fun round robin, but I can appreciate train fans that would rather have two rides on the train. Thank you for the kind words 👍

[@Kulla1berg]

Seems that you had a lovely day down in the south

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I did indeed 😁

[@barrywood2806]

I only recently discovered your channel, and I'm glad I did. We've been to many of the same places - Southend, Henley On Thames, and on this heritage railway. I suggest that not too many would join you in preferring a noisy and smelly diesel over steam, but I do understand your enthusiasm. Are you aware that there is a delightful 2015 and 6 BBC series called The Coroner, set in Dartmouth?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind words. And no, I had no idea about that TV series. 👍 As for the steam/diesel discussion. I'd have been happy to have 4555, but because of my age group, the 37 was so much more evocative!

[@craiglogistics2092]

Another one for the 'Bucket List' when I have more time on my hands, I think a good trip would be Skegness to Cleethorpes via Nottingham and Sheffield with a nice diesel loco and carriages

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Skeggy to Cleggy. That's an idea! 👍

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Thanks

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. That is so very kind of you 👍

[@ampersand.]

We enjoyed your obvious delight at the prospect of the diesel engine - all that noise was actually rather good fun! Is that a Deltic? And the shots of the child seagull pestering its parent were highly amusing. Your filmography is always lovely. Thanks Mr. Hoover :)

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you as ever for the kind words and observations. The 37s are made by the same company as the Deltics, but are a less powerful version They do look quite similar.

[@garrytuohy9267]

That Class 37 looks like it came directly from a Model Railway I once had. But the river Dart looks like a great place for a bit of kayaking.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Actually I DID have a Hornby Class 37 too! And yes, the Dart looked ideal for kayaking. Thanks for watching 👍

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, gig rowing and of course, sailing under canvas: there's _loads_ to do on the Dart.

[@skiddmarks]

Enjoyed this vid and subbed. Take it you got the 1's back home?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks. Yes, I was on 1s for the rest of the week!

[@skiddmarks]

​@@JohnnyHooverTravelsI commented on the wrong video (enjoyed this vid too, love a bit of thrash) my comment was meant for the journey north on the 2's vid (autoplay took me to this vid while I was still typing!!) Great channel!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@skiddmarks yes, I guessed that - but I didn't mind 😃

[@SionsTrainVideos]

ive done that line paignton to kingwear its lovely and the 37 sounded beautiful so thrashy i would have much preferred that to a steam, when i went we had this USA steam loco the whistle sounded cool lol

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah yes. As you could tell I was well happy to get the 37. Although tbh it would also be a great run behind a steam locomotive 👍

[@SionsTrainVideos]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels yeah i saw 47593 with Braunton the 47 sounded amazing its uploaded

[@SionsTrainVideos]

@JohnnyHooverTravels thanks for watching and likeing my video 47 was my favourite too

[@charleskd09]

Good morning, Thank you for your feedback on our award winning Round Robin excursion. As you have clearly shared with everyone here on KZbin, on the steam train, river boat and bus the views are very picturesque making this an enjoyable experience for all. Although there was a fault on 4555 that morning, I'm glad you still thoroughly enjoyed our diesel unit. I would like to politely remind you that on the train, you shouldn't poke your head out of the window for health and safety reasons. Regards, Charles Paignton Station Master

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for providing me with such a lovely day out and a chance to make this video. Please pass on my thanks to all the staff at the company that together made it so good. Best wishes 👍

[@charleskd09]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Good evening Mr Hoover, I certainly will. I really do hope we’ll see you can again soon. Feel free, to in the future to pop into the station masters officer, we love to welcome back returning customers. NB Sometimes due to staff shortages, we do have to go out and work on the train though. Regards, Night Manager Charles Paignton Station Master

[@churchward82c]

As a Hazy Jane fan? What else can I say?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Drink up! Thanks for watching 👍

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Hull had a railway station with no railway. You could buy train tickets plus pay for the ferry across the one mile wide Humber Estuary to were the railway was on a long pier. Building the Humber bridge meant the ferries weren't viable anymore.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh yes. The Corporation Pier. And I lived in Hull too and forgot that one! Thanks for that reminder and for watching the video... oh and also special thank you for the "super-thanks", which I'll put towards another ticket (or another beer) 👍

[@john07973]

A great video 👍 Shame you had a rubbish pint, I've visited Totnes a couple of times and find it pretentious and overpriced.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well you get the odd dud now and again 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for enjoying the video and thanks for watching in the first place! 👍

[@colinriley123]

Excellent video. I enjoyed the confessional aspect. You are out of the closet now! What a pity about the the Signal Box cafe ; I am a regular there. It’s a proper cafe and always gives a warm welcome.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Pleased the closure at the Signal Box was a one time thing. Next time I'm passing I will try again. Trying to work out what I confessed to. Diesels are better than Smartie boxes on wheels? Johnny will drink beer from cans? Thanks, as always for the kind words and encouragement, which I need today. As I type this I'm waiting in foul weather for an hour because Northern just cancelled my train!

[@colinriley123]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels No hope with Northern. I was thinking of your predilection for Diesels; was reminded of Michael Palins confessions of a train spotter, to which you have also owned. Good luck for today.

[@msjacksshipsadventures8382]

I think the dartmouth railway should save one of the class 43s

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

That'd be an idea. They are so important to British railway history that hopefully there will be a working set at the National Railway Museum Thanks for watching another! 👍

[@steamfandan9682]

Though an idea of a shortened HST set including some MK3s given a single class 43 power car can't haul vacuum fitted stock

[@BIGV710]

what no fish n chips

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Nope. 🤷‍♂️

[@hatstand2838]

Buses. _shudder_ I'd have gotten the train home from Totnes!

[@hatstand2838]

Ok ok I didn't realise it was an open topper... But still

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. Well yes. I must say that doing this KZbin thing has made me a little less negative about buses tbh. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewlong6438]

Let’s not get snobby about buses. What with the excellent £2 single bus journey offer there has never been a better time to give the bus a try!

[@hatstand2838]

@@andrewlong6438 I used to use buses all the time at uni in Bradford, after 9 they were 50p whatever you did, even over to Halifax (so not dissimilar to the current £2 offer) but they were crazy frequent so rarely rammed and you never waited long. Years later I had to use the bus in Reading and it was utter misery, and rural buses are another kind of beast altogether. So I appreciate my original comment was a bit flippant but my "prejudice" for want of a better word is not... 😉 I would love for buses to not be terrible but you need a "government" that is willing to invest.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andrewlong6438 that is indeed true! 👍