LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No: 65              Total: 536.5 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
5.5 hours              n/a         10 miles         90%           Sunny and Breezy

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  17oC         10%         0%       Good          Excellent Underfoot

Compantions:  Partly with Larry, Ken, and Dennis

General:
Started walking with the boyz from accommodation at Sandy Bay, 
using the unofficial gate from the park to the coastal path. Immediate 
good views along the coast in both directions as we steadily 
ascended the cliff path up 'the floors'. Gentle descent with poor views 
from trig point into Budleigh Salterton. Views improve just before 
reaching the town of Budleigh. Easy but interesting walk along the 
front to the Otter Estuary. Level easy walk past the nature reserve 
and the hide to the bridge over the River Otter.  This is where I parted 
with the presence of Ken, Laz and Den to walk alone along the eastern 
bank of the River Otter and the remainder of the walk. Undulating walk 
to Otterton Lodge. The boys returned to the west side of the Otter 
Estuary and we waved to each other. Over the crest to the undulating 
clifftop walk along grassy fields, passing Black Head and Brandy Head. 
Surprisingly there were numerous walkers along the pass despite the 
distance to the nearest popular beaches. More excellent views of the 
red sandstone cliffs along the section of the Jurassic Coast. More 
excellent views walking into Ladram Bay with the many stacks of 
Ladram Rocks, very photogenic. Memories of my holiday with Sylvia 
and Jackie in 1969. Long steady walk from Ladram Bay to High Peak. 
Short detour to the summit and the trig point where I photographed 
Jackie many years ago. Met a couple near the summit, when I 
commented on the many piles of branches looking like bonfires 
ready for Nov 5th. Apparently the felled trees were suffering from 
a fungus and the land owners have promised to replace the lost trees. 
Excellent views all around from the trig point including Sidmouth and the 
cliffs beyond. Stayed high through Windgates and past Peak Hill before 
the steep descent into Sidmouth. Lots of butterflies on one bush near 
Peak Hill. Extra care required on narrow road before using the car-free 
old road. Long row of unused new benches, all looking down the hill 
towards Sidmouth town centre. Walked through Connaught Gardens 
and stayed on a high footpath which came to a sudden dead end. 
Returned back to the beach access where a white wooden high 
staircase took me to the narrow path around the base of the rocks by 
Jacob's Ladder. Emerged at the western end of the promenade, busy 
with holiday makers. Slowly walked to the eastern end of the promenade 
and waited on a bench for the boyz to collect me by the River Sid bridge 
and the funfair on the 'Ham”. Tenip bridge over the river, scaffolding 
everywhere. Excellent day's walking in the sunshine with gorgeous views 
along the coastline. Looking forward to the promissing cliffs towards 
Seaton. Not tomorrow, heavy rain forecast.