A great car-free day out around Dunster, taking in the village and the surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ Dunster Castle ¨ The Yarn Market ¨ Gallox Bridge ¨ Dunster Dolls Museum ¨ Dunster Working Water Mill ¨ Dunster church and Dovecot ¨ Scenic walks overlooking Dunster ¨ Steam train ride to Washford or Minehead and walk back ¨ Bus ride to Timberscombe and walk back ¨ Bus ride to Wheddon Cross or Dulverton and bus back Walk around Dunster Enjoy the morning discovering the medieval village of Dunster with its wonderful collection of old buildings. Go to the Yarn Market in the High Street and find the cannon ball hole in the roof beam. See the Dunster Dolls Museum on the right towards the castle. Visit the Castle and its sub-tropical gardens (Castle closed on Thursdays). Then go across to the Priory Church and the Dovecot, next to the Tithe Barn, now restored to serve as an impressive meeting hall. With the Dovecot behind you, go to your right along Priory Green to the end by the school. Turn left along St George’s Street to the end and turn right along the main road, West Street. Soon turn left down Mill Lane, soon following the mill leat to the end of the lane to the working Water Mill. Return along Mill Lane, shortly turning left along Mill Gardens, a footpath between bungalows, to the end and bear left along the road to reach Gallox Bridge, an ancient pack horse bridge. Either return the way you came, or cross the bridge and take the permissive footpath to the left beside the river, taking the next bridge over the river to then pass through the deer park and the grounds of the castle back to Dunster car park and village. Bus outings Take the 398 from Dunster High Street bus stop (near traffic lights). We recommend you check bus times at the National Park Centre or at Traveline, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Go to Timberscombe for a 6.5 mile, 3 ¾ hour walk back to Dunster Go to Wheddon Cross for a pub lunch Go to Dulverton to visit the charming village on the river Barle and plenty of delightful shops. Visit the Dulverton Guildhall Heritage Centre. West Somerset Railway Steam Train outings From the National Park Centre in Dunster, walk away from the village to use the subway under the main road. Bear left as you exit the subway and shortly bear right along the road through Marsh Street. Soon bear right again towards Dunster Station. At the station buy a ticket to either Washford or Minehead. Trains approximately every 2 hours in each direction. Attractions: Or visit Cleeve Abbey, a half mile, 15 minutes’ walk from the station to the 13th century monastic site. Then walk on to Torre Cider (free) another 15 minutes walk further along Abbey Road. Enjoy the animals and cream tea before returning to the station. Check return train times before leaving the station. At Minehead Walks: follow the coast path for 3 mile, 1 ¾ hour walk back to Dunster. Attractions: Walk along the seafront to Minehead Golf Course or Butlins. There are amusement arcades and places to eat in Minehead. Other Car-Free Days Out in this series ¨ Dulverton ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Combe Martin ¨ Porlock ¨ Exford ¨ Minehead Tourist Information Dunster National Park Centre, Dunster Steep, Dunster, 01643 821835 Minehead Tourist Information Centre, Warren Road, Minehead, 01643 702624 You will find plenty of local walk leaflets at these TIC’s. Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.

A great car-free day out around Minehead, taking in the town and surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route. Highlights ¨ Sandy beach ¨ Old harbour and the Life Boat Station ¨ Scenic walks from Minehead ¨ Steam train ride to Dunster and walk back ¨ Bus ride to Allerford and walk back ¨ Bus ride to Dunster, Wheddon Cross or Dulverton and bus back Walk around Minehead Minehead is at the eastern end of Exmoor with a large sandy beach, an attractive harbour with the Life Boat Station and the start of the longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path. A large sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map marks this important start point. It is also home to Butlins and a golf course following the back of the beach towards Dunster. It is also the terminus for the West Somerset Railway that runs steam trains to Bishops Lydeard most days. North Hill overlooks the town and provides challenging walks along the coast on to Selworthy Beacon where panoramic views across the Channel and into Exmoor are your reward. The town itself has a bustling centre with a wide range of shops, pubs and cafes. It is well-known for its floral displays making the town and seaside promenade most attractive. Blenheim Gardens on Blenheim Road between the shops and seafront give an opportunity to relax and enjoy the flowers and peace. Bus outings Take the 39 or 300 from the railway station or The Avenue. The 300 is an open-top double-decker bus that follows the coast road to Lynmouth and back. The 39 goes to Porlock Weir and back. Take the 398 from the railway station to Dunster or on to Dulverton for a day out. We recommend you check bus times at the National Park Centre or at Traveline SW, https://www.travelinesw.com/ Go to Allerford on the 39 or 300 bus for a 6.8-mile, 4 hour walk back to Minehead along the South West Coast Path. Attractions West Somerset Railway Steam Train outings. From Minehead railway station, steam and diesel-hauled trains run regularly. Take the train to Washford to visit Cleeve Abbey, a half mile, 15 minutes’ walk from the station to the 13th century monastic site. Then walk on to Torre Cider (free) another 15 minutes walk further along Abbey Road. Enjoy the animals and cream tea before returning to the station. Check return train times before leaving the station. Walk along the seafront to Minehead Golf Course or Butlins. There are amusement arcades and places to eat in Minehead. Dunster. Take the 398 bus for a short ride to Dunster to visit Dunster Castle, the Yarn market, Dunster Working Water Mill, the Dovecot and church. Other CarFree Days Out in this series ¨ Dulverton ¨ Lynmouth ¨ Combe Martin ¨ Porlock ¨ Exford Tourist Information Minehead Tourist Information Centre, Warren Road, Minehead, 01643 702624 Public Transport For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/ Disclaimer Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.

Growing up in the Midlands I rarely got to see the sea, day trips to Blackpool and Southend always started with excited cries of ‘I can see the sea’. Now in my fifties I am lucky enough to see the sea every day in the beautiful bay of the village where I live, Combe Martin. No matter what time of the year it is it always brings me pleasure, the changing colours, the calm of the gentler days and the crashing of the windblown waves. Sometimes I just drive past and glance at it and other times I’ll stop, breathe in the freshness that the sea air brings and listen to the music it makes. As beautiful as I think the sea is, I was a land observer for many years, proclaiming I had seen Jaws too many times as a kiddie to contemplate going out there on a kayak! Bobbing around on a small piece of plastic somehow didn’t appeal but to many of my friends it did and one of them offered me theirs to try. Not wanting to appear foolish with a fear that was purely based on a rather poorly filmed 1970’s movie I manned up and accepted their offer. So, in my hired wet suit, borrowed life jacket and paddle in hand I followed them down to the beach hoping my bravado wouldn’t be my undoing. Well, what a fool I had been, waiting all those years to try something that was so relaxing and refreshing. Being on the water feels like being in a world of my own, don’t get me wrong, I never go out on my own but once you’re past the weir post that marks the entrance to the bay, you can really feel like you are. Seeing Combe Martin from out to sea gave me a whole new perspective of its beauty with its lush green hills rolling up and away from the bay creating a magnificent back drop to the centre of the village. Once you’re out of the sheltered area of Combe Martin Bay you get to witness the wildlife that make the impressive cliffs and deeper waters their home. Porpoise and dolphins can often be seen warily observing these humans who choose to sit on the waves rather than splash through them. Birds swoop and dive overhead letting out warning cries to their friends if a kayaker gets to close to the cliffs. Either side of Combe Martin, just a short paddle away are two beautiful beaches that are both best accessed from the water. Broadsands to the left, which was listed in Britain’s top 10 beaches in the country in 2020 and Wild Pear to the right, which can only be accessed by a rope from land. But you don’t have to stop there, carry on a little further and you can explore caves and indents of the coastline that you would never get to experience without venturing out on a kayak. A favourite trip for me is along the coastline to Ilfracombe, paddling past Watermouth Cove and Hele Bay, around the headland where you get your first glimpse of Verity and then into the harbour navigating around the bigger boats that are moored there. Once there we always feel obliged to sample the fish and chips on offer, rude not too, and then it’s back on the water to head home to the welcoming sight of Combe Martin Bay. Since that first brave day I have ventured out many times, purchasing my own boat and kit and even becoming secretary of the local kayak club. I have spent many a summers eve on gentle undulating waves watching a glorious sunset and been battered and beaten by relentless waves on New Year’s Day, but every time on the water has brought me joy. Whether it be a relaxing calm paddle or an exhilarating battle I am always glad I overcame my fear of the star of that classic movie.

Ilfracombe Distance from Combe Martin: 6 miles I would like to take you around the beauty spots of the main harbour town on the north coast of Devon. I lived in Ilfracombe for 12 years, running a 9-bedroomed hotel overlooking the harbour. We specialised in walking and cycling holidays. I got to know North Devon and Exmoor really well as I took our guests around. Here are some highlights that a visit to Ilfracombe would not be complete without seeing them. Verity and the harbour A visit to Ilfracombe would not be complete without going to the picturesque harbour. Here you will find Verity, the amazing 66-foot-high bronze sculpture standing at the entrance to the harbour. This sculpture was created by Damien Hirst and loaned to Ilfracombe for 20 years in 2012. She is very controversial, with everyone having their own opinion. While at the harbour a short walk up Lantern Hill is worth the effort to visit St Nicholas Chapel. St Nicholas Chapel This 14th century chapel has stood sentinel over the harbour and is said to have the country’s oldest working lighthouse. The views from here across the harbour and along the coastline are most impressive. In the mid-19th century, the lighthouse keeper called John Davey with his wife and fourteen children lived in this tiny building. Entry is free, but donations are welcome with the funds going to charity. Coming back down to the car park you pass the Lundy Island booking office (open during sailings and in season) to reach Ilfracombe Aquarium. Ilfracombe Aquarium This unique aquarium explores the specific journey from the source of an Exmoor stream, downriver passing through a lake and pond, to the river estuary with its rock pools, through the harbour to reach the coast. It then goes across the sea to Lundy Island with its marine nature reserve. This award-winning attraction is housed in the old lifeboat station. It has many displays, a café and gift shop. To discover more please visit their website at https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/. Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station, RNLI The original lifeboat house was on the harbour, where the aquarium is now housed. It was built in 1893. Because of its location, the lifeboat had to be hauled through the streets around the inner harbour to reach the slipway. This sometimes caused problems with badly parked cars getting in its way. In 1996 a new and much larger lifeboat house was built at the top of the harbour, directly opposite the slipway, reducing launch times considerably. It houses two lifeboats, the larger all-weather Shannon class and the smaller inshore D class. The station is open from 10am-4pm, Monday to Thursday. The shop is open every day, off season from 11am-3pm and in-season from 10.30am-4.30pm. To find out more, visit their website at https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/ilfracombe-lifeboat-station. Coastal trips While at the harbour you can find kiosks for boat trips that take you along our stunning coastline. They offer trips along the coast as far as Lynmouth to the east and Woolacombe to the west. If you are looking for an exhilarating and fun ride, then Ilfracombe Sea Safaris www.ilfracombeseasafari.co.uk take you on a fast (up to 20 knots) ride in their RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). For a more sedate trip along the coast with commentary on the local wildlife, then the Ilfracombe Princess catamaran www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk has 100 seats on two decks for you to get a closer look at the wildlife and coastal scenery. They offer three different trips, from a 1-hour trip, 1.5-hour trip and 2-hour trip. Hillsborough Nature Reserve Overlooking Ilfracombe harbour is the local nature reserve and headland. Park in the car park next to the swimming baths. From here various paths over Hillsborough, offering excellent views over the harbour and along the coast to Bull Point to the east and Combe Martin with Great Hangman to the west. On the inland side, near the top are the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. On the western edge of the hill is Hele Bay, a sheltered bay popular for a day on the beach with a good-sized car park. It is dog-friendly all year. On the eastern edge of the hill is Rapparee Cove, which was a popular beach in Victorian times. It is directly opposite the harbour and is visible from there with its old stone-built shelter. Tunnels Beach These unique bathing beaches date back to Victorian times when these beaches were made accessible by Welsh miners tunnelling through the shale rocks to reach them. There are two beaches, back then, one for men and one for women. That is not the case now! One beach has a tidal pool which holds back seawater when the tide goes out. This is available 3 hours either side of low tide. High tides cover and refill it with fresh seawater. The beaches are not sandy, but rocky and dramatic. There is an entry fee as it is a private business and attraction. It is now also a wedding venue. For more information visit their website at www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk. Ilfracombe Museum Ilfracombe Museum was originally built as the grand Ilfracombe Hotel’s laundry. The hotel was demolished in 1976 and the Landmark Theatre now sits on the same site. The museum houses fascinating, and varied collections gathered over many years. You can spend hours looking through cabinets of drawers containing a myriad of oddities and wondering at their displays. Well worth a visit. It is close to the Landmark Theatre. To find out more go to their website at https://www.ilfracombemuseum.co.uk/. The Landmark Theatre This is the newest theatre in North Devon with a most unusual design. Nicknamed ‘Madonna’s Bra’ because of its two round cone-shaped, white-bricked towers. One tower houses the theatre, a horseshoe shaped 479 seated auditoria. The other the Pavilion, an open-spaced area enabling a wide variety of events to take place. Between the two towers is the Quarterdeck Café which is open throughout the day. A good selection of shows and events are put on throughout the year. You can find out what is on at their website https://northdevontheatres.org.uk/landmark.php.

Lynton and Lynmouth Distance from Combe Martin: 13 miles There is so much to do on visiting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynton is at the top of a 500-foot cliff and Lynmouth is at sea level with a small harbour. Let’s start in Lynton and then take the cliff railway down to Lynmouth. Lynton Cliff Railway The funicular cliff railway runs between the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynton is at the top of the 500-foot hill overlooking Lynmouth. The railway was opened in 1890 and is the highest and steepest totally water-powered railway in the world. It is the safest and easiest way to visit both towns and a unique experience, not to be missed. The views from the carriages are wonderful. Both carriages are linked by twin cables (for safety). The carriage that is at the top of the incline in Lynton diverts a local river into its tank until the driver can feel that it is just holding the weight of the lower carriage down in Lynmouth. Then with a signal system of bells, the lower carriage carefully empties some of its water out until the top carriage is just heavier, thus pulling the lower carriage up the incline while it descends. The carriages pass at a widened section of the tracks, halfway along. For current running times and fares please visit their website at https://www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk/. Lyn Valley Arts Centre If you love local arts and crafts, this is the place for you. Based in the old Methodist church on the main road through Lynton, the artisans are all local to this area. Exmoor, like other National Parks, inspire its residents to be creative, offering a wide range of superbly crafted items for sale. The artisans run the shop, so you may be talking to the person that made the items you are enjoying. An excellent place to get unique gifts for yourself and friends. To get an idea of what you might see, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lynvalleyartandcraft. Lynton Cinema This wonderful, intimate cinema seats just 68 people in comfy seats with plenty of legroom. It is located in the lower part of the old Methodist church, under the Lyn Valley Arts Centre, next to the impressive Town Hall. For such a small town to have its own cinema is most unusual. It shows all the current films doing the circuit. It has Dolby SR sound, is air-conditioned in summer and fully centrally heated in winter, running all year. To find out what is showing now and coming soon, visit their website at http://lyntoncinema.co.uk/lynton/now/. Lynton Old Town The old part of Lynton is worth discovering. It is tucked away with winding streets, just off the main road, opposite the church. Part of it is traffic-free with cafes with outside seating, in peace and quiet, also with artisan shops to explore. Just around the corner you will find the Lyn and Exmoor Museum with local, railway and maritime displays. Lynton Town Hall Lynton Town Hall is a Grade II listed building, very grand for such a small town. This is down to the town having Sir George Newnes, 1st Baronet, a well-known publisher and editor living there. He had it built by local builders and gifted it to the village with a grand opening on 15th August 1900. His wishes were that it would be “a source of instruction and recreative pleasure, not only to the present inhabitants but to future generations”. His wished have been honoured ever since, with the building still being very original. Valley of Rocks While visiting Lynton, a must-see is the unusual Valley of Rocks, about ¾ mile to the west of Lynton. It is now a dry U-shaped valley with impressive rock-outlets and high cliffs. These rocks have wonderful names, such as Castle Rock, the Devil’s Cheesewring and Mother Meldrum’s Cave. Rather strangely it runs parallel to the coast. There are various theories about this. The one I like goes back to the Ice Age when the ice bumped up against the high cliffs of Exmoor and blocked the exit to the sea for the East and West Lyn rivers. Their route was diverted to cut this valley, reaching the sea a bit further west. When the ice receded, the river could return to its original course exiting to the sea at Lynmouth. This valley then dried up and over time erosion has silted up and become U-shaped. The valley is also well-known for its feral goats that freely roam the valley. You will see them in the most precarious positions on the rocks, making you wonder how on earth they cling on with their simple hooves. The valley is also home to the most picturesque setting for a cricket field. It also is home to Mother Meldrum’s Tearooms, in a shelter position, ideal for a break. Further along the valley you will see Lee Abbey, founded in 1946, is an ecumenical Christian community and retreat. Just below Lee Abbey is Lee Bay, a rocky bay with sand at low tide. This may well be where the rivers found their way back to the sea during the Ice Age. There are two good-sized pay-and-display car parks and public toilets. Hollerday Hill and the coast path Hollerday Hill overlooks the Valley of Rocks, and provides a marvellous viewpoint across the valley and along the rugged coastline towards Woody Bay. There is a fairly easy walk from Lynton to this viewpoint. Take the small road to the right of the Town Hall and follow it uphill. Follow it round the hairpin bend and on reaching where several paths divide off, either way will get you there. If you turn hard right, this path opens up to wide views over the sea and along the coast. Going straight ahead here brings you to the summit slightly quicker. Once at the top you will see why it was worth the walk! You have several options now. If you take the fairly steep path to the left, it brings you down into the Valley of Rocks. From here you can decide to walk through the valley to the tea rooms and then onwards to the roundabout in the road. From here you can pick up the coast path back to Lynton along the tarmacked footpath. If you suffer from vertigo, it might be wise not to take this path unless you have someone to walk next to you to give you confidence. It is worth it if you can cope. Otherwise return to Lynton along the road. Lynmouth Distance from Combe Martin: 13 miles Exmoor National Park Centre The National Park Centre is well-worth a visit to find out ideas about what you can do in Exmoor. It is in The Esplanade overlooking the sea. The friendly staff can give you knowledgeable advice specifically fitting your needs. The centre itself is crammed with information in leaflets, books, film shows, interactive displays and much more. You can ask to see various films in their small theatre. Upstairs (also via a lift) is the restaurant with a good choice of food to enjoy and excellent views across to Wales and the cliff railway. You will also find the public toilets there. Cliff Railway The funicular cliff railway runs between the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynton is at the top of the 500-foot hill overlooking Lynmouth. The railway was opened in 1890 and is the highest and steepest totally water-powered railway in the world. It is the safest and easiest way to visit both towns and a unique experience, not to be missed. The views from the carriages are wonderful. Both carriages are linked by twin cables (for safety). The carriage that is at the top of the incline in Lynton diverts a local river into its tank until the driver can feel that it is just holding the weight of the lower carriage down in Lynmouth. Then with a signal system of bells, the lower carriage carefully empties some of its water out until the top carriage is just heavier, thus pulling the lower carriage up the incline while it descends. The carriages pass at a widened section of the tracks, halfway along. For current running times and fares please visit their website at https://www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk/. Rhenish Tower While in Lynmouth you cannot miss the Rhenish Tower overlooking the harbour. Rebuilt after the flood disaster, it was originally built in the 1830’s. East and West Lyn Rivers These two rivers flow off Exmoor and meet at Lynmouth. Their catchment encompasses a large area of moorland. On the evening and night of the 15th August 1952 over 9-inches of rain fell in that catchment, which was already saturated from earlier rainfall. These rivers and their many tributaries are short and steep, losing some 500 metres in their narrow combes (valleys). The power of the water ripped out old bridges, trees and rocks before reaching the town. It then devastated the town, demolishing a small hamlet and several buildings in the town, sweeping away the roads and cars. The Exmoor Visitor Centre has a film and books on this disaster. Also, the Flood Memorial Hall is near the harbour with many displays and photos of the disaster. Watersmeet Watersmeet is on the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water. A former fishing lodge is here which is now an information centre, with tea rooms and a National Trust shop. You will find several picnic tables in the garden overlooking the river and a few undercover in the lodge’s veranda. This is open from Easter to the end of the season. You can check opening times here (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/watersmeet#place-opening-times). You can drive to Watersmeet along the A39, about 2 miles above Lynmouth. A fairly steep zig-zag path goes down to Watersmeet from the pay-and-display car park layby. You can also take a delightful and fairly easy 2 mile walk from Lynmouth along the East Lyn River. There are many well-kept footpaths for you to discover to create longer circular walks. South West Coast Path The South West Coast Path starts in Minehead, Somerset and follows the coastline through North Devon and Cornwall, rounding Land’s End to reach South Devon and Dorset, finishing at Poole, some 630 miles further on. If you start walking the South West Coast Path at Minehead, you pass through Porlock for your first nights stop-over. Then on to Lynmouth some 23 miles from the start. On reaching Lynmouth, opposite the Visitor Centre you will find ‘The Walker’ statue erected in 2017 and unveiled by John Craven. Here is an opportunity to ‘shake hands with the walker’ and then share it on social media! This statue represents the meeting point of four National Trails. · South West Coast Path, https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/ · Coleridge Way, https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Coleridge+Way · Two Moors Way, https://twomoorsway.org/ · Tarka Trail, https://tarkatrail.org.uk/ The next overnight stop is at Combe Martin, another 12 miles further on. That is the beginning of an amazing adventure to walk the whole path, with one of the hilliest sections of the path behind you.

Woolacombe Distance from Combe Martin: 11 miles Woolacombe’s beaches are renowned their pristine sands, with 2 miles of wide sandy beaches from Woolacombe village up to Putsborough. Then three more intimate beaches an be enjoyed at Barricane, Combesgate and Grunta beaches. The sea is safe for surfing and SUP’s, watched over by RNLI life-guards in season. Please take plenty of sun protection as it is so easy to get badly sunburnt without realising it, in the salty breeze. Beaches Woolacombe beach This west-facing award-winning beach is nearly three miles long with clean water quality and golden sands from high to low tide. The surf is usually good for surfing and bodyboarding. The RNLI Lifeguards are on patrol every day from Easter to October. Beach huts are available from May to early September. Toilets are near the entrance to the beach. Dogs are not allowed to the north of the stream from 1st April to 30th September. To the south of the stream, as far as the rocky outcrop called Mill Rock, dogs must be on leads from 1st May to 30th September. From Mill Rock towards Putsborough beach there are no dog restrictions. There are many car parks to choose from, extra ones opening during the high season. Marine Drive car park goes along the top of the dunes, giving lovely views across the bay and better for those with dogs. Putsborough Sands Putsborough Sands are at the southern end of Woolacombe beach. It can be a more sheltered beach tucked in below Baggy Point headland. This beach is accessed by small country lanes to reach a large car park above the beach. In season a beach shop, café and surf hire open, and toilets. This beach is dog-friendly all year except the far-left area of the beach. Barricane beach This beach is a smaller beach protected by rocky outcrops to the north of the main beach. It has rock pools and lots of tiny shells to discover, washed in by the tides. This inlet is just below The Esplanade (the road to Mortehoe). Toilets are at the main beach and above Combesgate beach. Dogs must be on leads from 1st May to 30th September. Combesgate beach This is another beautiful beach north of Barricane beach with clean golden sands and rock pools. It is a quieter secluded beach as it is only accessible by steep steps at the far end of The Esplanade. Toilets are on the road opposite the beach. No dogs are allowed in summer. Parking is on the road or the main car parks in Woolacombe, a 10-minute walk away. Surfing With its reef break which produces some very good waves. Woolacombe’s long shallow beach can be surfed on all tides and is perfect for learners and advanced surfers. Not surprisingly, there are about six surf shops and schools at Woolacombe, and one at Putsborough. Mortehoe Mortehoe is a small village at the top of the cliff at the far northern end of Woolacombe. Many good paths start from here, with the South West Coast Path passing close by. Walks out to Morte Point give spectacular views over Woolacombe Bay to Baggy Point and along the coast towards Bull Point lighthouse. The 13th Century church is worth a visit with its rare barrel-roof. You will find plenty of places to eat and drink. Morte Point is so called because of the long spit of rocks that continue under the sea for quite a distance. These rocks have caused many shipwrecks, morte in French meaning death. When standing on the rocks at Morte Point you will see a marker buoy far out to sea, which marks where shipping must not come landward of. At certain states of tide, it is fascinating to see the currents criss-crossing themselves, caused by the rocks just below the surface. Mortehoe Museum This fascinating museum has exhibits on the shipwrecks along this dangerous coastline, and agricultural and wartime displays, and much more. In summertime they run tractor and trailer safaris out to Morte Point and Bull Point, which are great fun. There is a car park, picnic and play area next to the museum. For more information please visit their website at https://www.mortehoemuseum.org.uk/.

Barnstaple Distance from Combe Martin: 12 miles Barnstaple is the municipal centre for North Devon, on the River Taw. It is home to all the major shopping outlets. Here are some things you can do in the town: Queen’s Theatre This theatre and the Landmark in Ilfracombe are the two main theatres in North Devon. The Queen’s is a traditional 655 seat theatre in the centre of the town. It puts on a wide variety of shows, including pantomimes, musicals, plays, concerts, comedy and dance performances. To find out what is showing now, please visit their website at https://www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/. Pannier Market This historic marketplace dates back some 150 years. It is a large indoor market which offers a wide range of different stalls, such as fresh local produce, local crafts and flowers, fashion and much more. It is in the centre of town next to the Queen’s Theatre and alongside Butcher’s Row, a collection of artisan food shops and cafes. These were once a row of thirty-three small butchers’ shops. Green Lanes Green Lanes (https://www.greenlanes.co.uk/) is an indoor shopping arcade with a wide selection of shops, in the centre of town. These include cafes, fashion shops, jewellers, health and beauty shops, charity shops, and more. Tarka Trail The Tarka Trail (https://tarkatrail.org.uk/) is a 180-mile figure-of-eight walk and cycle trail, centred on Barnstaple. It includes a section of the Tarka Railway line from Barnstaple Station to Eggesford Station. It also includes a 30-mile section of cycleway from Braunton to Meeth. Barnstaple is on this cycleway section, and you can hire bikes at Barnstaple Station to cycle a section of the old railway line. You could cycle to Bideford or on to Great Torrington stations, or in the other direction to Braunton. Fremington Station is the first stop when going towards Bideford, which has a café and toilets. Continuing on you reach Instow with its sandy beach before getting to Bideford Station beside the River Torridge. If you carry on further you pass through a tunnel before reaching Great Torrington Station where the relatively new Tarka Valley Railway (https://www.tarkavalleyrailway.org/) is now based, with the Puffing Billy café. Barnstaple Museum Barnstaple Museum (https://barnstaplemuseum.org.uk/) offers a wide range of exhibitions, which change regularly. They also have an eclectic range of collections from local Brannams Pottery to the local arts and crafts furniture by Shapland and Petter, that the town is famous for. They have a café called Bromleys and a shop for gifts. You will find the museum on The Square next to the old Barnstaple Long Bridge.