Day 8 Bideford to Westacott

 Despite it being the lumpiest bed I’ve ever slept in, I actually had a good night and woke up quite refreshed. As I paid for it, I was under contract to eat the full English breakfast. I tried to refuse, but you know how difficult it is to wriggle out of these T&C’s 😜

I set off at 9am and crossed the bridge into the West Side.

I’d stayed in the east end last night, but didn’t hear a single dramatic drum roll or “leave it, he’s not wurff it” all evening! 

I followed the coast path along the banks of the River Torridge, before we headed on a more circuitous route, due to access permissions I assume. However, I quite enjoyed this part of the walk, as it took me past some quite nice houses. 

After a while, I reached the outskirts of Appledore. As I approached the Harland & Wolf Shipyard I was quite surprised at how many old boats were just left to rot in the river. In today’s more environmentally conscious times, perhaps it’s time to stop the practice. 

I had a quick coffee stop on the promenade, where they had knitted bunting!

After that I made way way over to Northam Burrows ( the promontory that looks across to Braunton Burrows, where I was on Sunday). By this time, the sun was shining and there were some lovely views across the estuary! 

It was quite a nice walk, with a mixture of dunes, beach and grassy paths. There was even a bit of impromptu art made by some enterprising sole! 

The path then took me to Westward Ho! There’s not a lot to say about the place, that won’t get me into trouble, but suffice it to say, it’s not my cup of tea! There was one pretty street of houses though. 

After that, we got back onto a ‘proper’ coast path, with some undulations! 

I then had a decision to make. I could go to the only available campsite within reasonable walking distance, or carry on and find somewhere to ‘wild camp’. As the forecast is for rain overnight/early and windy, I chickened out of wild camping and opted to go to Westacott Farm Campsite. 

What a lovely setting and some of the poshest loo’s / showers I’ve ever seen on a campsite! I even made a friend! 

I only walked 12 miles of the official coast path today, but I’ve walked over to a pub in Abbotsham  for a meal which is another 1.5 miles each way, so I don’t feel too guilty! I definitely got my Mojo back today and the legs were feeling good ( even though I have got a small blister on my left ball of the foot). Even the pack didn’t feel that heavy. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do to you! 

Tomorrow I will walk to Clovelly. Whereafter, depends on the weather. If it’s truly wet and awful first thing, I will delay leaving the campsite. If it’s not too bad, I will look to maybe get as far as Hartland Point!