Well hello again. I've finally got the blog up and running from our new home in Exeter. We have lucked out in our little casa de sol (i'll admit that we did have a rainy start!), and are nestled in amongst the Quayside community - a hive of activity with canoeists, funrunners, dog walkers, jogging grannies and rollerbladers. I'd like to inform that we've thrown ourselves with gusto into this get up and go lifestyle...indeed we have donned our trainers with every intention of sweating it out, only to be scuppered by the wafting smell of fresh scones two doors down at The Welcome Cafe. Note to self: brush up on the science of self control.
A few weeks back (aforementioned cafe was closed thank goodness), I finally gave in to the energastics and set out for the seaside on my t(rusty) bicycle. A cool brisk 10 miles down a pristine off road cycle path starting at our front door lies Exmouth - a seaside town with fudge ice cream galore and a long sandy beach in which to dig your toes.
The trail (designed by my Company none other. Unashamed plug.) starts from the Quay in Exeter, and follows the west bank of the river all the way to Topsham Lock Cottage, at which point I was able to catch the little ferry boat across the water (weekends in the winter, and every day except Monday from April to September) to the east bank at Topsham. Being greeted on the other side by a good old fashioned boozer, I sat myself down overlooking the estuary for a motivational ale at The Ship Inn.
From Topsham, the trail continued (following the blue signs for NCN2) through the RSPB Goosemoor nature reserve where I had a quick peep out through the boards at the Curlews and Avocets going about their birdy business. Passing through Exton, I couldn't help but be tempted by another swift half at The Puffing Billy Pub (Again, my lack of willpower was getting the better of me) before continuing on alongside the railway and the estuary shoreline.
Another couple of miles along, and the trail dipped into the Lympstone. Here, I was faced with another irresistible local boozer (The Swan) with its outdoor tables basking in the sun, singing to me "go on, take a load off, cool down with Doom Bar". I promptly covered my eyes, and sailed blindly (and triumphantly) past on to the last leg of my journey.
The section of the trail between Lympstone and Exmouth lends some of the best estuary views as the river widens out into the sea. A few comtemplatory photos under my belt, I sailed on... The beach was now tantalisingly close...only a few peddle bursts more and I would be dipping my feet into the cool (correction: ice cold) salty water. Almost within view.... and my eye was drawn away from the tempting target. FRESH CRAB. my tummy started to rumble. SPANISH DELI. And the self control flew out of the window once again...
Uncomfortably full with a strange crab manchego sandwich combo, I opted for the easy route home, and hopped on the convenient train back to Exeter. A great day out, but one for the sunshine and those with a strong willpower!
We set out on another jolly last weekend to explore what is arguably our nearest beach - Exmouth - the gateway to the famous Jurassic Coast. I had heard plenty about the incredible rocks here, and was keen to start the hunt for fossil treasure and clues to the grand events of the past.
