Back to the Easter break and another weekend in the "van-life" adventures. We'd arranged to meet THO and his missus (and dog!) for a bit of an explore of the North Somerset Coast around Porlock and Minehead.
As we drove in the weather was appalling, heavy rain and low cloud were the order of the day. As we approached the campsite (the very excellent and laid-back Burrowhayes Farm) the rain stopped and there was some semblance of blue sky.
By the time we'd pitched up, side by side in our respective campers it was a glorious sunny late evening.
Time for chilli and beers.
Next morning was a stunner. Cloudless blue skies all round.
I've not done much walking around here, in fact, none at all. I was keen to take a look at Selworthy Beacon as its sits over 1000 feet above the sea (and not just because it ticked a Marilyn box for me!). You can drive to the top and as you can see the views are magnificent.
Losts of potential routes and paths including the "Rugged" Coast Path!
Equally good view inland to the hills of Exmoor, here looking at the highest point of Dunkery Beacon.
The view over Porlock Weir and beach and into North Devon.
Bossington Hill.
Looking out over the Bristol Channel.
Our little four legged friend Mac. Reminding me just what a an extra pleasure it is to take a walk with a dog.
We found a wonderful perch overlooking the sea for first lunch.
Before walking along the twists and turns of the SW Coast path.
A fabulous path perched above the sea but never actually particularly rugged.
The contrast between the blues of the sea & sky, the greens of the grass and the bright yellows of the gorse was magnificent.
TBF poses for a photo.
A sharp dip into and out of a little stream filled valley.
We ate up the miles on good paths.
On the way back I took a small detour to claim the summit of Selworthy Beacon. Box ticked!
Back to the campsite for a BBQ and a very convivial evening comparing VW and Ford Campers!
It was no great surprise that the next day was grey and dreary. The weather for the first 4 months of the year had delivered a seemingly endless pattern of grey days with just the odd day of sunshine.
We took the short drive and walk to claim Dunkery Beacon. Here looking back to our hill from yesterday.
It wasn't a day to be on the high moors so we finished off the weekend with a trip to the ancient Clapper Bridge at Tarr Steps.
I remember coming here as a kid and loving it. A bit sad therefore to see that winter storms had damaged it and you can't cross it at the moment. Repairs are planned.
We took a walk along the river Barle whuchg was very fine.
It would be a superb walk on a sunny summers day and there are plenty of spots to take a swim.
We walked back and bid farewell to our van-life companions and headed home. A cracking good weekend and area with loads of stuff to do, return trips are needed.
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