Day 7 Braunton to Bideford

 I had another poor night’s sleep. I went out like a light, but woke up at 1am hot and thirsty and just couldn’t go back to sleep. I tossed and turned for ages, sat up and read for a bit but struggled to go to sleep and stay asleep! I got up at 6 totally un-refreshed! 

I did the three esses ( if you know, you know) then packed away my tent etc. 

I caught a bus at 8am from outside the campsite to Velator, where I left off yesterday. This wonderful display of wild flowers on the verge, was worth photographing.


This part of the path is shared with the Tarka Trail, which runs on an old railway line and is shared with a cycleway. This means that the whole path is tarmac, which although nice and flat, I find quite tough going on my feet. 

The route itself, is rather boring as far as I am concerned. No doubt, it appeals to some, but I just found it dull and uninspiring. 

There were very few views, which was not helped by being overcast and with the tide being out. 

After a couple of hours, I reached Barnstaple, where I had a coffee and cake at a cafe. I also posted some more kit I am jettisoning, to lower my pack weight. 

I then crossed the old stone bridge to the other side of the River Taw.

I then began the return leg, which was even more dull than other side! There were very few views due to hedges on both sides. Here is a picture of the river at Fremington.
I was originally planning on stopping at a campsite at Yelland. However, it was only 1:30pm when I reached there and because the path was so dull, I decided to plough on and get as much as this stage done as possible. 

I did consider not bringing headphones with me on this hike, but I’m so glad I did. To relieve the boredom I listened to some tunes and on more than one occasion was caught singing at the top of my voice by passing cyclists who snuck up on me! Apologies if that was you😂

I reached Instow, where I was forced at gunpoint to have a pint of Doombar in the The Quay Public House 😜

I continued on to Bideford where I have decided to celebrate being on the path for a week, by treating myself to a night in a hotel. I’ve had a long hot soak in a bath, which was pure bliss! 

So, as I say, a week has gone by. Some statistics for you:-

Official Miles: 81

Actual Miles: 90

Footsteps taken: 233,196 

Elevation Climbed 12,788ft

Tomorrow, I will walk to Westward Ho! and decide then how much further I will go. 

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