Who needs New England in the Fall when Old England has such stunning scenery on offer…even if some of it is seen at speed!
After a rainy arrival in Taunton on Friday evening , which saw us almost swimming on the short trip across from Holiday Inn Express to the Harvester for our dinner, we were delighted to see the sun appear, albeit briefly, as we prepared to set out on Saturday morning.
By this time our initially smallish group had swelled in numbers and a cavalcade of us set forth to tackle the revamped route from last year. This time we manage to all stay together and as we headed out of Taunton and up towards Raleigh Cross we were all able to enjoy the glorious Autumnal colours.
Running down from Wheddon Cross through Dunster, we headed over to Porlock where the sunshine appeared in time for us to park our cars up for a photo opp.
The Bottom Ship Inn, having been primed beforehand about our arrival, were able to provide us with some much needed caffeine.
Then we set off up the scenic toll road which was stunningly beautiful although a little treacherous due to the wet leaves on the road.
Heading over towards Lynmouth, we drove down the famous Countisbury Hill and up the other side, although some of our number decided to go off piste and explore the Valley of the Rocks.
Never mind, we all made it to Swimbridge for our lunch stop at the Jack Russell. I don’t think any of us realised when we were pre-ordering, just how huge the sandwiches were going to be!
Well fed, we resumed our journey, although the lead car (whose passenger will remain nameless) overshot the necessary turning and this led to all kinds of chaos, with everyone scattered in various directions. Luckily they all seemed to regain the route.Meanwhile, Sarah and Andrew and Gill Yemm were following the correct route!
We all managed to meet up outside Okehampton for a quick pitstop.Then some headed directly to the hotel as the cream teas were beckoning!
Others headed up to Princetown which gave us a great photo opportunity looking down over picturesque and dramatic views of Dartmoor.
On to the hotel, where we all dropped off our luggage with alacrity as we headed for our cream teas. Hardly necessary after our huge lunch but completely irresistible and utterly delicious! Jam first, then cream, in true Devon fashion, of course!
A short rest later, we reconvened for pre-dinner drinks. Sharon and Lawrence made an impressive appearance not only dressed up but also with Hawaii 5-O music and dance. Great start to our themed evening. Lots of bright colours on show!
Dinner was great and then we had the prize giving. Sharon was surprisingly good natured about her Porsche tea towel (maybe the accompanying box of chocolates helped) and Dave was pleased with his local Dartmoor Jail Ale and his less local Porsche flag.
We were all delighted to see a sunny Sunday and set off over the moor again, past some stunning scenery.
We were pleased that we managed to find somewhere to stop (next to Exeter St David’s station) for 11 am to pay a short silent tribute to the fallen on the centenary of Armistice Day.
Reaching Bickleigh in time for coffee, we all enjoyed the views over the river and the bridge.
Our number dwindling somewhat by now, we resumed our drive, continuing to avoid the motorway, heading past Tiverton and Taunton and then via Glastonbury to Wells from where we detoured off (due to an A road being shut) to Wedmore and then ran into Cheddar, nearly having a real problem as the road we were on was about to be shut for a parade! Luckily we made it through and all got together for a final natter (and more food and drink!!) at the Mousehole Café.
A quick blast up the Gorge and then we all started heading off our own ways.
Charles and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did, thanks for your company which made it all such a great trip.