From the itinerary: Difficulty moderate -easy. This beautiful section of the Coast Path is also part of the Tarka Trail and is known for its wildlife and geographical interest. Views of Lundy Islaand and the Welsh Coast around Baggy Point. Expected mileage: 11 miles. Weather - sunny with scattered showers and wind gusts up to 40mph.
Actual mileage turned out to be a nice surprise of 9.53 miles. Weather was correct; although, there was one time at Baggy Point when the gust was surely higher....
Breakfast was uninspiring - the other half of the pasty, (the pastry was so bad I only had the filling) the rest of the chocolate cookies and tea. I couldn't get out fast enough and was on my way by 8am. I had to get to the Saunton Sands Hotel in time for my facial at 5:30!
The way back to the beach was the same slippery, muddy path, but at least it was downhill. There were some friendly horses grazing along the way.
Most of the town was closed due to winter, so was glad I had something in my stomach.
The sandy path started along Woolacombe Beach, just behind the sand dunes. This section reminded me of Jacksonville Beach - both the ocean and the beach - which made for a very relaxing walk. Was curious to know what sort of WW2 things would be visible!
There were grazing cattle along the way which is still surprising to see for me as it is unusual to see in the States.
Along the way I saw what looked like an Exmoor pony in a field and saw these cute prints in the mud. Not sure what they are from- maybe a mouse or vole....
and continued up to the beginning of Baggy Point where I found "Christine's View"
Baggy Point was the opposite side of the Bay and across from Mortehoe Point and I was concerned I would have issues with the wind as I came to an unprotected area. Up to now there was only a sprinkling of rain and was mostly sunny, but you could see the squalls all around - I felt quite lucky.
The wind gradually increased and the ocean looked quite wild, but the way was still very passable.
At the point itself, there is a coast guard training area. This pole is a replica of the original made to resemble the mast of a ship so the trainees can practice rescuing people from stricken vessels. They fire a rocket towards the pole, fix the wore in place and then attach a breeches buoy so that those in trouble could climb in and be winched to safety. The original pole was there for 80 years until this replaced it in 2016.
The wind was quite strong and the path moved down the side of the point. As I started down I saw a beautiful rainbow that turned into two rainbows. Then I noticed the churning sea and the heavy clouds full of rain behind the rainbow.
As I tried to continue down to the path the wind picked up and blew me over, so I turned around and decided to take the alternate path on the headland over to Saunton. The gusts blew me back up the hill and then the rain and hail came. Thankfully the squall moved through quickly and I was safe moving along the hill top over to pick up the original path towards Croyde.
As I moved into Croyde I saw some old whale bones.
Continuing on the path moved along Croyde Beach you could see the squalls move through. The path continued for about a mile of beach walking - not my favorite
but this time there was a bit of a difference. The wind created interesting patterns on the sand which looked a bit like a different planet.
At the end of the beach I found some rather unusual things that washed up - a Portuguese man-o-war and a Whelk egg case.
More pretty views of the beach and water a as I looked back on Croyde beach and forward, around the bend, to Saunton.
The path continued up into the hills where it became muddy and slippery, so I was glad I had 2 poles.
As I rounded the headland, there was Saunton Beach and the hotel. I was a responsible tourist and put my booties on as I entered.
My room was ready and I felt like I was in heaven after the prior night's experience. It had a lovely view of the beach and the ocean. There was even a welcome glass of Prosecco.
I went immediately for a bite to eat
I had a lovely bath and one of the best facials I'd had in a long time with Prosecco offered afterwards:)
Dinner was lovely - a vege burger which was quite tasty.
What a lovely surprise and I would definitely like to come back here. The price of his hotel was half that of the night before.
Evening accommodation, spa treatment and food are more up my alley. Great photos of your hike today although I could have done without the wind.