Day 41 – Braunton to Mortehoe

Day 41 – Braunton to Mortehoe

All on time at Tiverton, including Colin (or Martin) who gets us to Braunton for a pre-10:30 start. Early fog gives way to sunshine, and it becomes apparent that our walk around the Taw on day 40 would have been quite picturesque if the weather hadn’t been so miserable. Continuing on the Tarka Trail leads us alongside and across Saunton golf course which prompts thoughts of how many courses we have passed, and will have passed by the time we finish the path. (Suggestions in the teens prove to be gross underestimates when John’s subsequent investigations reveal that the total is around 30.) Warm and bright at Saunton Sands where pasties are consumed by John (Moroccan lamb) and Gary (pork and scrumpy). Ben decides it would be safer to abstain, given somewhat dramatic gastric problems over the previous 30 hours. A few clouds have appeared by the time we reach Croyde but, after rounding Baggy Point and arriving at the start of Woolacombe Sand, the blue skies have returned to sufficient effect for ice creams to be deemed appropriate – again by John and Gary only. Ben’s diet is at present restricted to Lucozade and Kit Kat. The good progress we’ve made in perfect weather over not too challenging terrain continues along the 2 miles of Woolacombe Sand. We’ve therefore decided to keep going around Morte Point and walk into Mortehoe from the Rockham Bay side. (There is a pause at Morte Point itself for John to calculate the distance to Lundy with the assistance of three tee pegs, a compass, his hand span and feet, and similar triangles.) By the time we’ve reached The Smugglers Rest, we’ve covered 20 miles, so it’s good to see the reappearance of Rattler in the bar where the company includes George the boxer (dog), and Budge the parrot. Pre-supper drinks for Ben consist of two Bloody Marys, so he’s clearly feeling a bit better – albeit he retires early after eating but before final glass of red wine and sticky.