Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday pm

After our picnic we returned to the campsite via the 4.5 mile cycle track (uphill most of the way on the way back!!). Paddy managed to find a stream near to the reservoir for a much needed drink and dip to cool off!

Before heading back to the campsite we called into the local pub for a much needed refreshing cider (my reward for walking there and back!!!).

We then had visitors to the campsite that afternoon and we sat outside soaking up the sun, drinking tea and catching up with our friends the Parnells!

After they returned to their campsite near Combe Martin we headed off back down to the pub for our evening meal.

We packed up on Bank Holiday Monday morning and headed home to Bude. We all thoroughly enjoyed this long weekend. Of course the weather makes a break and we were very lucky!

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday pm

After Paddy had cooled off we found a suitable, shaded, seating area for our picnic where we enjoyed fabulous views over Ilfracombe.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday pm



Here's Paddy enjoying cooling off in Ilfracombe!

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday pm

Before finding a suitable picnic spot we headed down to the beach so that Paddy could cool off. It was the hottest day of the year so far and was glorious. He enjoyed messing around in the water, digging up stones in the sand and getting soaked.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday pm

There were numerous boats in the harbour. All shapes and sizes, including the SS Oldenburg - the boat that sails to and from Lundy Island.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday am

On arrival in Ilfracombe we wandered around the gardens and Landmark Theatre area before heading off to find a tea garden for a much needed coffee!

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday am

On our route down into Ilfracombe we passed Slades reservoir, which was calm and peaceful and being enjoyed by many fisherman perched along the banks, and the little village of Slade.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Sunday am

On Sunday morning we awoke to glorious clear blue skies. The views from our pitch of the sea and Lundy Island were fantastic.

As the Tarka Trail and the National Cycle Network (route 27) runs right outside the site we decided to walk into Ilfracombe (4.5 mies from the site) off road.

It was a fantastic walk with glorious views of the coast and pretty inland villages.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Saturday pm

After meeting up with our friends from Dudley and having an extended liquid lunch sat in a secluded sunny beer garden we headed off back to the campsite for the evening......this time following the campsite map and taking the public footpath route back!!! To our delight (but not Paddys!) there was no mud, just very tall, steep stiles for him to negotiate!!!

We spent that evening back at the campsite enjoying fish and chips from the wagon that visits the site twice a week. Highly recommended!!!!

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Saturday am

After our coffee we walked along the headland towards Mortehoe where we found a bench to sit on and watch the beaches getting busier and busier as the morning went on.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Saturday am

We were up and about early on Saturday morning, planning to make the most of the day. It was dry but cloudy but there were glimpses of the sun.

After breakfast we decided to walk into Woolacombe (2.5 miles from the site). The campsite had kindly provided us with a map detailing the walk via public footpaths but had suggested that it may be muddy so we took the route down via the 'main' road. A little dangerous in places (no footpath) but we made it safe and sound into Woolacombe for morning coffee sat outside The Red Barn watching Woolacombe fill up with people!!!

I took a few photos of the views over Woolacombe and the surrounding coast on the way down.

Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend - North Devon - Friday pm

After finishing work earlier than normal we were on the road to North Devon (just a short trip for us) at 3pm. We arrived at our campsite (Willingcott CC site, Woolacombe) and had pitched up by 4:30pm.

We didn't do too much that evening......just wandered down to the 'local' pub (10/15 mins walk from the site) to sample their ales and ciders!!!!

May 2009 - South Cornwall - Day 7 - home!

We headed home on the Friday, thankful that the weather had been kind to us again, and thoroughly worn out from all the walking.

Paddy sums up what a great time we had on this attached video clip!!!!!

We loved the St Ives site so much on our return home we booked a pitch for Christmas!!!

May 2009 - South Cornwall - Day 6 - Porthmeor Beach, St Ives

Our last stop before heading back to the camper was the headland and beach at Porthmeor. Passing both the coastguards lookout point and the little chapel that sits on the headland overlooking the bay. The sea was full of surfers as the sun went down and the waves crashed onto the rocks as we walked by.