Devon C2C Part 2
Tim and I set off again from our lunch stop in Okehampton to re-join the former railway, only
like Ilfracombe this was not situated in the town but at the top of a very
steep hill. In fact we later read it’s the worst hill on the entire route…. We
certainly agreed with that! And of course the rain continued to pour down!
After gaining the railway track again we followed the valley
south at high level, at first climbing gradually which was not a lot of fun but thankfully it didn’t take long to level out. Tim made a comment along the lines of “at least
it’s not windy”… of course it was soon after that the wind started to get
stronger and blustery which combined with the crossing of some impressive (and high) viaducts made things “fun”.
Eventually we reached the
turn off to Bridestowe and our second overnight stop. A steep descent
underneath one of the aforementioned viaducts and down a twisty bridleway to
join a minor road and then more descending to the village made a pleasant (if still wet) end to the day.
Despite the foul
weather we agreed that the ride from Okehampton was one of the most enjoyable
parts of the route (from the top of the hill that is)!
After a much need shower and change at the excellent Hunters
Moon B&B there was a quick drive back to Great Torrington to collect the
remaining car.
We then retired to the White Hart pub in Bridestowe for a great
meal.
On the third day the morning dawned dry and warm although a
bit overcast, we eschewed the return to the railway line as this would lead us
onto another main road, instead we took the alternative “hilly route” on minor
roads directly from Bridestowe. After the first couple of miles, Grainne realised she was still not feeling very well and would struggle to complete the day, so decided to turn
back and return to the van before she had gone too far.
And then there were five.....
And then there were five.....
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