Today it rained virtually the whole day. We still walked most of the route, stopping to make a decision before each section.
We drove through Devon lanes, i.e., hedges close on both sides of the road – close enough to brush the van most of the time. On the moor the wind blew the rain horizontal, over the tops of the hedges and more or less above the van.
We stopped at a crossroad and walked for about minutes with Andrew. We wore our rain suits. Jane lent me a plastic rain bonnet to tie over my peaked cap, to keep out more rain. Actually, the hedges kept us quite sheltered; nevertheless, we were wet. I was really glad to have poked my head out this morning after breakfast, because the reality check made me put on a sweater (plus an undershirt and a shirt.)
Trentishoe church, our first stop, is small, but proud. They have signs and photos showing their history, and a book for signing.
After this, Jane and Barbara drove to Hunters Inn to look at the Heritage Shop. Thats because the path was 1:6 drop, and Barbara has bad knees. Andrew and I
were sheltered the whole way by the beech trees, enough that I took off my plastic hat! It was so green everywhere, and the air was mild.
At Hunters Inn, the coffee was expensive (one pound), but it was strong. After a leisurely coffee, we rode in the van for a while, and then got out to stretch and get some appetite for lunch.
The walk to the cliffs above Woody Bay was through what could have been a temperate rain forest of bracken and trees. We ate at a great pub overlooking a magnificent view – if only we could have seen it!
After lunch, we walked all of our afternoon route, although still piece by piece. The main long walk was through woods, along paths or lanes. Apparently the route was a longer way, to avoid a narrow, wet woodland path. This was a quite level, pleasant walk, with mist more than rain. Now I understand why, in novels, people go into the woods or under a tree to gain shelter.
We ended in a Souwester – heavy wind with the rain that had been there all the time. Lee Abbey, now a retreat for groups,
After this we made the real decision to walk the coastal path to the Valley of the Rocks, and on to Lynmouth. This is a narrow path on the cliff edge above the sea. Before the Ice Age, the Valley of the Rocks used to be the river valley. Now, it pastures gigantic rocks piled in mounts or structures. All the cliffs, hills, moors, and so on were beautiful with brown and green bracken, blooming heather, and yellow flowers. On top of the rocks were wild goats (Bill Goats Gruff).
This took us to Lynmouth, where we had to climb up a few streets to tandem rail car. The heaviness of the top car pulls the bottom one up. Weight is made up of the of the passengers and supplementary water!) Down we went (for the fun of it) and then we shopped a bit.
