Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

If you're not so keen on strenuous moorland hikes, and prefer something a little more gentle, then the Agatha Christie Mile in Torquay might be a walk which is right up your street.

It's reasonably flat (apart from one hill!), contains some fabulous views, and, with a mystery to solve, it's fun as well.

The Queen of Crime was born in Torquay in 1890, and the town has several landmarks which are associated with her.

Princess Gardens

The Agatha Christie Mile takes in 10 landmarks - all dotted around the Torquay harbour and seafront area.

The walk starts at Torquay's tourism information centre on the harbourside, where you can pick up the Agatha Christie Mile leaflet.

That takes you through the landmarks....and at eight of them, there are clues which spell out the name of a character linked with Dame Agatha's books.

The only hill is right at the start, up Beacon Hill to the Imperial Hotel - used as the setting for some of her books - and Beacon Cove, where she bathed as a young woman.

The bronze bust of Agatha Christie in Torquay

The walk also takes in Torquay Musuem, which has an Agatha Christie exhibition; the Agatha Christie bronze bust in Cary Gardens near the harbour; Princess Gardens; the 12th century Torre Abbey opposite Torquay's main beach; and, finally, the Grand Hotel, where the crimewriter spent her honeymoon.

It's a gentle stroll around the harbour and main beach, with plenty of opportunities for a stop for a cup of tea (or something stronger).

You can also imagine what the place must have been like during Dame Agatha's childhood, when Torquay enjoyed its heyday, and learn about the author's life and times.