We did a big loop today, starting off at Hartland Quay. I've visited there a few times with my parents but I love it. The rock formations and general ruggedness of this harbour is both beautiful and wild. Not surprisingly, there have been quite a few shipwrecks around there throughout history, mostly in the 19th century when the quay was used as a port. Thank goodness it isn't anymore, as the razor-sharp rocks of the coastline look way too dangerous to be sailing around.
We spent quite a lot of time walking around this lovely place, taking in part of the south west coast path. It was, for once, quite a pleasant (if overcast) day.
We drove along the coastal road from Hartland, stopping in at Barnstaple to pick up some lunch and continued along the coast. We parked at Croyde and sat looking out at the ocean while we had lunch, then continued along the road to Combe Martin, before heading through the lovely Exmoor. We stopped off at a cafe on the way - I needed a cuppa! - then we went back home.
The next day, we drove down to Looe. This is one of those little seaside towns that are very popular for family holiday getaways. It wasn't too popular when we were there as, of course, it was raining. The tide was low too, meaning the little boats were all sitting on the harbour floor. It was a nice place to wander around, even in the miserable weather.
We bought some Cornish pasties and took them to the car to eat for lunch. Everytime I have a pasty, I think its a good idea but they always smell nicer than they taste. This one was the same. Oh well.
I wanted to go to Polperro next, but when we got there, the parking was really expensive, so we decided that it wasn't worth it. It was another harbour like Looe, and I wasn't all that fussed because it was rainy and cold too.
We drove slowly back, picking smaller roads that were more interesting. I spotted this house that was on a road off the one we were driving on and made Josh stop while I went out to take photo. Oh my goodness, what a delight - it was covered in roses!
We then hit the main road, stopping at an M&S for dinner food, then took the scenic route through Dartmoor to home. It was drizzling again, but we stopped at Princetown to see some ponies who were hanging out near a car park. Then continued along past Widecombe-in-the-Moor and other cute little Dartmoor villages. This was to be our last night at my parents place so we just took it slowly back.
We made sure to pack everything up so we could leave early in the morning. I certainly enjoyed my last night of sleeping in a proper bed... it was back to the air mattress and sleeping bag tomorrow!