The Lentil: North Devon in late Autumn

Friday, November 26, 2021

North Devon in late Autumn

This post is a bit late. Truth be told, I though I'd done this, and it was only when posting my Cowbridge, Aberthin and Stalling Down post yesterday I realised I hadn't done so.

Anyway, we (my wife's side of the family) have a family tradition of a week away in last autumn. For years we went to the Peak District but last time we managed this in 2019 we went to North Devon near Ilfracombe. This year we'd decided to revisit there. Predominantly it's a week away with my wife's sisters, their better halves, some of our children and their children, just to chill, but with a healthy dose of walking, cake and alcohol thrown in for good measure.

We had hired a house - a fantastic place near Watermouth that had a room enough for all - 4 double en-suite bedrooms, but enough extra room to sleep 12 in all. It also had a pool table and a table tennis table. Comfy, warm, fantastically furnished, making a great base.

Ages ranged from 10 to 72 so outdoor activities were planned to accommodate everyone, often with 2 groups - those doing shorter walks/coffee only, and those walking a bit further.

The weather at this time of year is obviously hit and miss, and despite a week of glorious autumn weather then week before we went, the forecast for our week was pretty mixed (ie mostly rain). In the end, we really only had one really wet day, and whilst there were plenty of showers there was also enough sun and dry periods to ensure we all had a fantastic time.

We'd stopped at Knightshayes National Trust near Tiverton on the way down to meet up - well worth a visit, and then over the week we for walks to Saunton, Croyde and Baggy Point, Lynton & Lynmouth, and more locally near Watermouth. A great week with plenty of laughs, and general relaxing. Oh, and a few beers.....