Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK)

It is hot and sunny July day. I walk along the track leading out of Ilfracombe and find a shady park with views over towards Ilfracombe’s pier. I can’t resist taking a final photograph of Verity, standing pregnant and proud at the entrance to the harbour.

Here an information plaque gives some information about the great sculpture and this is where I first learn that she was created by Damien Hirst. It explains she is “an allegory for truth and justice”, but doesn’t explain why she is partially dissected. Continue reading →

What is wrong with the British weather? It’s Easter Monday and the sun is shining! Lee Bay looks even better on a sunny day and with the tide high.

I plan a short hike this morning. My aim is to walk along the South West Coast Path from Lee to Ilfracombe, where I will meet up with my hubby and his mother, before we set off on our long drive home. Continue reading →

I set off along the road that runs from Woolacombe towards Mortehoe, and take a last look along the wonderful Woolacombe sands. It is a dull day, but people are already on the beach, determined to make the most of this Easter Sunday.

I walk along the top of the cliffs. Continue reading →

I look back along the route I’ve just walked, back up the sandy banks of the  River Taw, where a lone man is walking his dog. In the distance, around the bend of the river, is Barnstaple.

And then I look ahead to the curving beach and decide to take a short cut across the flat, wet sand. This turns out to be a mistake. Continue reading →

What a difference the sunshine makes. I resume my walk at the roundabout outside the Chivenor Barracks. The Tarka Trail continues ahead.

The first mile is pretty monotonous along a track runs between hedges, through fields and, in the distance, more industrial buildings. Continue reading →

The walk from Appledore to Bideford continues along a minor road that winds through an industrial area. Through gateways, I see wastelands of wharves, containers, shacks, cabins, skips. Sometimes I even get a glimpse of the water beyond.

I keep checking my map. Surely I must have missed the South West Coast Path. Am I really supposed to walk on this boring road through this industrial area? Continue reading →