Susan, June, David and Stephen at Welcombe Mouth
The weekend started with a “famous” five of Susan, David, June, Viv and myself on the Thursday. We camped at the Hartland Caravan and Camping Park where it was quickly ascertained that our designated pitch was some distance (some two hundred yards) away from the site’s toilet and shower block. That evening, we drove to the Wreckers Retreat restaurant at Hartland Quay where I had a fish supper. The next morning, the skies were still grey the next morning as we walked along the South West coastal path to Welcombe Mouth near the Cornish border where we headed inland to Darracott Village with its’ fine thatched pub (The Old Smithy Inn) and a stylish pottery. Looping back, we enjoyed a necessary and fortifying cream tea stop at the wonderful Docton Mill. After this bracing fifteen-mile hike organised by David we were glad that a local establishment, the Kings Arms, had been selected for our evening meal. By that time Dave, Geanna, Clive, Karen, Judith and George had arrived and fish was again a popular choice …! Back at the camp site, we enjoyed a spectacular dusk as the sun slowly set over the Bristol Channel.
Sunset over the Bristol Channel
Next day, the weather had improved markedly and Judith led a twelve mile “figure of eight” walk which included a 4 mile “voluntary” loop starting at Crackington Haven. This stretch is described as “challenging” on the South West Coastal Path website and included the Scrade valley one of the deepest and the steepest valleys in the Cornish section of the Path. The Path here zig zagged down through banks of bright purple heather to a gushing stream and waterfall followed by an equally steep ascent. Whilst the rest of us rested-up Judith and Clive gamely undertook the additional loop south. Providing further revenue for the local economy, all eleven of us had our evening meal at the Anchor in Hartland.
George, with Karen, Clive and Judith, rejoined the Path the next day and, after al fresco coffee at a delightful cabin-cum-cafe overlooking Hartland Point, we struck a dramatic stretch of the coastline, all rearing cliffs and plunging headlands, with fingers of rock stretching like rows of sharp teeth out to sea. Eventually we turned inland, following a wooded riverbank to Hartland Abbey, a ‘Gothick mansion with a free-spirited Victorian interior’ (Simon Jenkins). Judith took advantage of her Art Fund card to look around the house, then joined the others in the sunny courtyard for (yes, you guessed it!) a cream tea. From there it was a short stroll back to Hartland, where we were lured into the Anchor by groupies of Bell and the Boys, a cover band who had our feet tapping in no time to their rollicking renditions of old favourites. Back in the Anchor for dinner, we were able to judge the progress of the football by the alternate cheers and groans from the bar, hoping for that final triumphal whoop. It was not to be.
Thanks to Viv for organising a thoroughly enjoyable weekend…!
Susan and David at Hartland Quay
Hartland Point
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