Torrs walk - Ilfracombe

 

Sunday 9th June 2024

It was a beautiful sunny day this morning with clear blue skies with a hint of summer warmth in the air.

So we set off through town towards the Torrs area along the south west coastal path.

It was quite a climb as the path zig zags up the hillside to the viewing area with a trig point. I'm not sure it is actually a trig, but very similar.

It was worth the effort for the amazing views of the rugged coastline.

My research told me to expect the following 

"Look out for fulmars as they glide below you and ravens or peregrines flying high above the cliffs. Spring is a great time for wild flowers with lovely displays of lesser celadines, stitchwort and sea campion"

Sadly all I saw were seagulls and gorse lol.

But it was well worthwhile, the second part of the walk took me through the residential area which has some huge Victorian villas, sadly many of them look past their best and rather neglected now.

This afternoon a nap followed lunch and time was taken to adjust to the sad news of Michael Mosley, such a force for helping people that everyone could relate to, he'll be missed.

The weather has turned cool this evening, no rain, but it feels like it's on its way.

Such a contrast to the last few days.

lfracombe from the viewing point

We made it to the top !

Cow pat for reference, Louis is the white dot in the distance

Ilfracombe

Saturday 8th June 2024

I decided to get up early this morning and head to Ilfracombe.

The reason for leaving early was to try and bag one of only 4 motorhome parking places on the carpark next to the harbour.

I figured being Saturday and the weather fine, it was going to be busy today and getting there early might be the only option for parking in the town.

So I set off a long the A39 towards Lynmouth via Porlock.

The A39 has the reputation of having the steepest gradient of any A road in the UK at 1 in 4 or 25%.

So I admit to being a little apprehensive, but it was fine, Ed made it up and down the inclines without breaking sweat.

I also managed to bag a prized parking place in Ilfracombe motorhome parking area.

One of the other motorhomes here is a Dutch couple, they did the same route as I did and were horrified by the inclines. Coming from Netherlands they're not accostomed to steep gradients, but they had a laugh about it.

We've spent the day exploring pretty Ilfracombe town and harbour, and had a walk along the coastal paths.

The scenery is spectacular with rolling hills meeting the rocky cliffs and shore.

It's a busy place, lots of tourist shops, bars, restaurants and fish and chip shops.

There's been a sailing race on today, setting off from here to Lundy Island and back, about 40 miles each way.

So there are lots of sailor types in town today with the.

We had a walk around the harbour after tea and it was interesting watching the boats returning and getting hauled up the slipway onto trailers.

Ilfracombe Harbour

Ilfracombe from the coastal path

This is PS Waverley, the last sea going paddle steamer in the world build in 1946 and now does tourist trips around the British Isles

I also saw a few weeks ago at Penmon Point in Anglesey 

Ilfracombe town, the two 'cooling towers' is actually a theatre !

This is Verity, standing on legal books she represents truth and justice and is Damien Hursts contribution to culture in Devon. Her skull and abdomen have been cut away to reveal her brain and a developing foetus inside her womb. 

Dunster Castle

Friday 7th June 2024

We slept well by the reservoir last night and woke to a beautiful morning with cloudless skies.

I was fascinated to watch activities on the water, the fish seemed to be jumping quite high and there were lots of birds skimming over the surface.

Unfortunately I couldn't identify either species lol.

So after breakfast we set off for Dunster Castle a few miles away. It's another national trust site and enjoys a spectacular setting high on a hill overlooking the coast.

It has amazing terraced gardens and a tranquil riverside walk. There's also a historic village next to the castle.

So it was a pleasure to spend a few hours wandering around the estate.

Dunster Castle Pixie Well

Dunster Castle Lovers Bridge

Dunster Castle Water Mill

Dunster Castle Chocolate box cottages

 

Our overnight parking is on the nearby seafront at Minehead.

It's adjacent to Butlins.

Surprisingly there were a lot of new arrivals earlier.

Minehead does seem to be living on past reputations as a tourist resort and is looking a little tired now.

I recall in the balmy summer of '76 contemplating a holiday at Butlins Minehead, a first holiday with friends after leaving school.

Unfortunately none of us could get the cash together for such an exotic holiday destination, so we settled on a camping holiday in a tent in Brixham.

Different times . . . . .

It was a memorable holiday though, especially for the long hot summer days.

Minehead seafront and harbour