The temptation to sink a few extra beers in the hotel was resisted with the prospect of a long day in store today. More rain overnight and still getting wetter this morning. Fearless I set off on the Two Moors Way to climb back up onto Exmoor, although an easier road option may have been wiser. I had a map misread blip after less than one mile and wasted about 15 minutes choosing the right route, disturbing 2 wild campers in the process! The moor was bleak, windy and wet (not quite Pennine Way but pretty tough). In the mist I managed to disturb a group of bullocks and had to dodge around them fairly briskly. Next I had to navigate with no paths to Exe Head where another group of cows were guarding the way. Almost by chance I stumbled back onto the right track and had to negotiate some slightly boggy terrain to reach Pinkery Pond before turning south to say goodbye to the moor.
By now I was soaked to the skin and needed to make up time and get dry so I chose minor roads and country lanes to get all the way to Barnstaple via Challacombe, Bratton Fleming (watched a bit of village cricket) and a nice viaduct at Chelfham.
By the time I got to Barnstaple the sun had come out and although getting tired I was feeling good about finally reaching the coast.
Another 3 miles to the chosen campsite at Great Knightacott Farm in the North Devon Hills to discover that Cath had got lost and had to negotiate some very narrow lanes – Betty had the scratches to prove it! She was aided by a 92 year old lady at a nearby farm and arrived some later, pretty stressed. Meanwhile I had a nice relaxing chat with the resident llamas!!
SW Coastal path beckons!