Woolfardisworthy to Barnstaple

Weather today: Showers early, Sunny all day after 10.00am.

Daily Miles Covered: 20.6

Total Miles Covered: 153

Things of Interest: The Tarka Trail, family cycle trail with sea views.

Personal Comments: Left Woolfardisworthy with leadened skies, showers of hail and rain, it didn't inspire us much. We had to get to Barnstaple, so the quickest route would be via bridlepaths and country lanes. Inadvertently we came across the A39, we soon left it as it was a case of, your life in their hands. We progressed on ever eastwards until we came to the River Torridge, which would take us into Bideford. Lunchtime was by the river, eating our sandwiches and a compulsory banana (Phil says it will give me energy!) Little Egrets seem to love the tidal rivers and this place was no exception.
Over the river bridge, we picked up the Tarka trail, with 12.5 miles done we thought Barnstaple would be a mere 3 miles away, wrong. The next marker we saw was 7 to go, we looked in disbelief at each other, knowing full well that would take us over 20 for the day, ah well.
Andrew phoned to tell us that he ws near The North Devon Leisure Centre, so we pressed on. At Fremington Quay we thought about an ice cream, or maybe a pasty until we saw a sign saying 50p. for tap water to cover staff costs!, so we filled our water bottles with tap water at a toilet next door and on we went.
Barnstaple was now in view, under the A39 and on to the town centre, again Andrew had the kettle on and a most welcome cup of tea was had. The night stop was a campsite at Berrynarbour, but before that the van came to a grinding halt, luckily it was just outside Ye Olde Globe pub, so what can you do?, I know it's a tough job but we went in anyway! Watered and fed we motored to the site for an early night and 8 hours sleep, tough day.