South-West Coast Path 5: Ilfracombe
We strike lucky again!! Nine of us plus Becky duly arrived at the Ocean Backpackers hostel in the centre of Ilfacombe with the prospect of good weather for the weekend, and we were not to be disappointed.
Clear blue skies and calm seas greeted us as we started our Saturday walk from Trentishoe Down along undulating grassy tracks past Holdstone Down, down into Sherrycombe and then up the first steep climb of the day to Great Hangman and an ideal spot for coffee.
Clear blue skies and calm seas greeted us as we started our Saturday walk from Trentishoe Down along undulating grassy tracks past Holdstone Down, down into Sherrycombe and then up the first steep climb of the day to Great Hangman and an ideal spot for coffee.
Next came Little Hangman before we descended to the beach at Combe Martin where we decided to have an early lunch, visit a recommended deli/coffee shop and snooze in the sun.
As the tide was out we were able to avoid some of the main road by going across the beach and rocks before joining various lanes and tracks which took us to the pretty inlet and harbour of Watermouth. Here we came across the unusual sight of a bride, groom and bridesmaid walking over the fields in their wellie boots on their way to the reception at the local sailing club!
As the tide was out we were able to avoid some of the main road by going across the beach and rocks before joining various lanes and tracks which took us to the pretty inlet and harbour of Watermouth. Here we came across the unusual sight of a bride, groom and bridesmaid walking over the fields in their wellie boots on their way to the reception at the local sailing club!
Again thanks to low tide we were able to walk along the foreshore before climbing steps into the woods on the western side of the harbour to reach Widmouth Head. A convenient bench made a good observation point to watch two groups of youngsters ‘coasteering’ and some open Canadian canoes battling against a strong incoming tide.
After reaching Hele Bay more steps took us to the top of Hillsborough and a final descent into Ilfracombe.
After reaching Hele Bay more steps took us to the top of Hillsborough and a final descent into Ilfracombe.
Sunday again proved a lovely morning as the minibus took us to Woolacombe and dropped us off part way along Marine Drive so we started the walk by heading through the dunes and along this beautiful beach.
The scenery around Morte Point towards Bull Point lighthouse was stunning, with jagged slate rocks glistening almost white against what had become a steely grey sky.
The scenery around Morte Point towards Bull Point lighthouse was stunning, with jagged slate rocks glistening almost white against what had become a steely grey sky.
Several seals could be seen on the rocks below which gave us a good excuse for an extended coffee break. After this the path crossed another two steep valleys before descending into Lee where we had lunch. A small detour inland to the Grampus Inn provided welcome liquid refreshment.
After several more ups and downs and the inevitable steps we returned to Ilfracombe through back lanes and steeply sloping municipal gardens. On Monday morning when driving home I couldn't help feeling a bit smug when it started to rain. Meg
After several more ups and downs and the inevitable steps we returned to Ilfracombe through back lanes and steeply sloping municipal gardens. On Monday morning when driving home I couldn't help feeling a bit smug when it started to rain. Meg
