This morning I decide to accomplish yesterday’s mission. I will climb to the top of Holdstone Hill. At 349 metres, it is the highest point around. And so I ask my husband to drop me off at the car park giving the nearest access to the summit.
The path is well-worn. There is a cairn and a trig point at the top.
There is a concrete path running around the side of the bay at Combe Martin, and further along I can see a flight of steps leading upwards. I decide the steps must join the South West Coast Path, knowing it is somewhere on the slope above, and I set off.
On the way I pass a young boy who has been fishing in a rock pool. He has caught a large crab. He tells me it is only one of many – but the rest escaped.
I climb the steep steps but find, to my surprise, Continue reading
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
Back in Ilfracombe, I cross the small beach and begin heading up to Capstone Point. Looking back, I can see the way I walked yesterday – the tourist office set in the base of one of the strange kiln-like buildings and, beyond, the sunlit green slopes of Torrs Park.
I am heading east today, into the rising sun. 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
The tide is in, covering much of Saunton Sands and the beach is relatively crowded compared to yesterday. I take a few photographs and then head up the slope.
The South West Coast Path runs above the road. And the road runs above the hotel. All I have to do is climb up to it. 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
After lunch, I head out along the north bank of the River Taw, leaving Barnstaple behind. This is still the Tarka Trail, and part of the official South West Coast Path route. It’s both a cycling route and a walking route.
I pass a block of new flats, and look back to take a photograph of the Long Bridge.
I cross over a small river – the River Yeo – via a modern swing bridge – and then walk along beside an industrial estate. This part of the cycle-way is busy Continue reading
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Incident No: 1319Date: 14.08.26Site: 51.6221725, -2.5476959 Near Thornbury, South Gloucestershire1 cow, 1 walker, no dogDescription: “I was going to walk across the field, it was open with no warning signs. A cow was staring at me, I didn’t think much about it and just kept my distance. It took a few steps towards me so […]
ncident No: 1318Date: 13.10.26Site: Timberscombe Common, Timberscombe near Minehead, Somerset1 horse, 1 pony and rider. Group of cows. Sophie’s Report : “I was hacking my horse back along the bridleway across the centre of the common towards the village, when the cows saw me and charged at me. My horse and the pony I was […]
Report Number: 1315Date: 29/09/26Location: South Mundham at the bottom of Fisher Lane, West SussexGroup of black and white cattle, single walker with dog on lead Alice’s Report: “As I was walking on the path towards the exit of the field the cows were a fair distance from me. I have walked this route many times […]
