Bideford to Westward Ho!

Yesterday (another glorious day) we packed up the motorhome and headed to Bideford where we parked up for a few hours while we finished the walk to Westward Ho!

The tide was on its way out when we arrived so once again the estuary was mostly mudflats. The receeding waters reveal 'boat graveyards' (see photo), there were quite a number of these along the river. 

The path for the first few miles was fiddley and narrow, winding its way up and down through woodland and overgrown vegitation. Once we reached Appledore we were again on roads and paths. The village of Appledore sits at the mouths of the rivers Torridge & Taw. Its a lovely place with fantastic views of the estuary and the wider coast line. In different circumstances it would have been nice to linger and spend some time enjoying the view and 'Jonhs' delicatessens (not a euphemism).

From Appledore we headed out to walk around the headland: shingle and sand dunes, which is now a country park and golf course. As the tide was out we decided to walk along the beach: who new the the UK had such  amazing, glorious beaches (with the sun out you could be mistaken for thinking you were on any of the best beaches in the world). We walked for approximately 3miles with only a few dog walkers to keep us company. 

After a total of 9 miles we arrived at Westward Ho! Sadly not charming, or attractive. However did you know 'Westward Ho!' is named after a Charles Kinglsey novel and always includes the exclamation mark! 

After a quick ice cream, we caught a bus back to Bideford (the bus services in this area are great: cheap (£3 for a 45min journey)) for the drive to Newquay. 

During the journey to Newquay we stopped at the 'Atlantic village': factory outlet, and bought more clothes! Further along the drive we were forced to park up in a layby to wait out the reopening of the road after an earlier fatal accident (the motor home was to big to send down the diversion). Arrived late in Newquay. The directions for walking to the closet fish and chip shop (20 mins) was slightly wrong: 2hrs later we eventually arrived back at the camp without fish and chips (when we did find the shop it was closed), we ended having a pizza express (check out the sunset from the restaurant). By the end of the day: we were both exhausted. 

Colin has officially joined the motorhome club: while driving he is now waving to other motorhomers. 

Fitbit records: 30,842 steps, 13.5 miles, and 78floors. 

The foot is still uncomfortable and stiff although stood up to todays events. 

Here are the photos: