Before I ventured on to the Isle Of Man, I needed to test out some new camping equipment, so found myself an excuse to enjoy a few days in Devon. The makers of my reliable old Wynnster Curlew 6 did not ever make an awning/porch, so I took a punt on using a Hi-Gear Kalahari model, knowing it wouldn’t quite be right. Sam and I had experienced bad weather earlier in the year at the Silverstone Classic event, so I decided then to get a bit more living space.
I’d heard that the so-called “Tarka Line” train from Exmouth to Barnstaple was a delight to the eye, so I hatched a plan that included some driving, a rail journey (of course !), a tram ride, some bike pedal pushing, possibly a bit of walking as well. Finally (on the way home) a surprise motor museum visit.
So Exmouth selected itself as base, staying at the St. Johns Farm Campsite. Nice and quite, as the schools had gone back !
Travelled down in the morning (Wednesday), so had time to mooch round Exmouth afternoon/evening. Also had to check out the bike-on-train situation, as it seemed there might be competition for the 2 allocated spaces on the train. Couldn’t book a space but was told to turn up early……. Also caught a great sunset – again !
Thursday morning started dull, with a forecast of rain. I’d already bought my ticket (off peak, advanced booking, non-refundable – you know the drill), so off to Barnstaple. train turned out OK, as I’d picked the first non-commuter one, people just off shopping in Exeter, it seemed. It rained, so not as beautiful as I had hoped, but very scenic never the less. My plan was to cycle along the Tarka Trail southwards on National Cycle Route 3 ( an old railway line), toward Bideford, as far as Great Torrington. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing straight up the Taw Estuary, which made it very wet and hard work as well. I had other waterproof stuff with me, but it would have acted as a sail and sent me back to Barnstaple. Never mind – quicker on the return journey. It’s only water after all. I stayed wet……..
Rode back to Barnstaple for a sensible train home to Exmouth. Fortunately, the weather had relented a bit, so I got almost dry by the time Barnstaple Station came into view.
Naturally enough, the next day (Friday) was sunny and warm – typical !
So its off to explore along the Jurassic Coast, via Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and on to the tramway at Seaton. I used to stay at B + B’s down this way many, many years ago, when participating in the hillclimb meetings at nearby Wiscombe Park.
Just outside Budleigh, I diverted to the pretty village of Otterton ( complete with mill) and walked a few miles of the South West Coast Path along the River Otter. Very nice.
Next was Sidmouth. I like Sidmouth. It was bustling busy. Had a grand time meandering round, a stroll along the promenade and the obligatory ice cream. AND THE SUN WAS OUT !!!!
So on now in the Seaton direction to the Seaton Tramway. I’d decided to do things in reverse order, ie go from Colyton to Seaton, rather than the more normal Seaton to Colyton – parking seemed much easier ! And so it proved.The tramway goes down the River Axe valley, with plenty of birdlife around. Also there is a Roman port at Axmouth itself.
Then I headed back to Exmouth, via Beer, Branscombe and its beach. By now the weather was brilliantly sunny, so after a walk round Beer I decided to have a short snooze on the beach – most pleasant, could have stayed there the rest of the day.
Onward (eventually) to Branscombe. This could only mean one thing – a visit to the Masons Arms ( not been there for more than 40 years…….) for a swift bevvie and a look around. I’m sure I’ve stayed there in one of the cottages behind the pub at one time or another – probably whilst involved in the hillclimbing scene many years ago.
Saturday was basically pack up and drive back home day. However, looking at the map, I spotted that I would be going past the Haynes International Motor Museum at Sparkford on my cross-country route – I did not go past without stopping there…….. Some great stuff to look at, see slideshow below.