Devon and Somerset Exmoor Drive Out

[Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO - Devon & Somerset]

We had a great day today, and made the most of the lovely weather.

 

I set off at 7.30am and met Matt at our usual rendezvous - Ilminster Services. I’m sure Matt was questioning leaving today’s navigation to me, when instead of taking the exit, I headed towards the Burger King drive through 🤪. A U-turn of shame complete and we were on our way 🤪.

 

We were due to meet the others at the Cross Keys pub in Norton Fitzwarren at 8.30. Gareth had negotiated a later meet time already; 8.30, claiming a ‘hell of a week.’ but clearly needed more of a lie in as he rolled up around 9 in the end; a forfeit of some sort must surely be served Sir! 😉. Dave was in his ‘new to him’ supercharged Elise which looked lovely.

 

I call this image ‘Waiting for Gareth’ 😉

 

 

I had planned a route using the Calimoto, correction BBR (Best Biking Roads) motorbike app, not being at all familiar with Exmoor or the surrounding area. It was a rough figure of eight culminating at Lynmouth before heading back again. We headed off, joining the A38 for a short stretch before turning up through Bradford-on-Tone, continuing North before turning left onto the B3227 which took us on a nice long loop through Wiveliscombe and on to Brampton, where we started turning North again and picked up the  A396 at Exbridge. Forking right off the A396, we continued North until we met the B3224 to Wheddon’s Cross, which was the approximate cross over point in our figure of eight.

 

We followed this, turning into the B3223 until we reached Simonsbath for our first stop. I missed the car park and then decided to choose somewhere with a precipitous drop to turn around in for my second U-turn of shame. Fortunately the car didn’t ground, but the other Westies chose a much more sensible option. Once parked up, we had a quick comfort break and stretched our legs for a few minutes in the sunshine.

 

 

 

From Simonsbath, the B3223 turned North and climbed, then ran all the way up to just before Lynton and Lynmouth where it joined the A39 for the steep descent into the towns. At some point around here, I decided to follow the road, despite a big sign saying it was closed. This made my hat trick of U-turns, with Gareth pointing the way to get us back on track. In Lynmouth we couldn’t find a parking spot near the tea rooms I was aiming for, so we headed down Riverside Road opposite and ultimately parked on The Esplanade down overlooking the Bristol Channel and a misty view of Wales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once parking was paid for, we walked back in towards town and found a very pleasant place to have a drink and bite to eat, again, enjoying the warm sunshine. Gareth had misplaced his cut off switch key and got some extra exercise by heading back to the cars where fortunately it was on the ground near the car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the stop, Gareth and his wife headed home, and we set off up the steep Countisbury Hill, then along the top to Porlock Hill. Soon after this, Matt and I turned South towards Luccombe and Dunkery Beacon, and Dave headed on towards Minehead and home.

 

This was definitely the worst of the roads I chose! A single track lane, complete with grass down the centre. We followed another car very slowly for what felt like ages before crossing another road and from then it opened out a bit and took us up onto the Beacon. It remained fairly bumpy but the views made it worthwhile.

 

We passed back through Wheddon’s Cross (the middle of the figure of eight), and then back on the B3223 to Ralegh’s Cross and Bishop’s Lydeard. I must confess, this was my favourite part of the trip, fast open roads and little traffic so Matt and I had a very enjoyable run here. After that it was back through Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton and on towards Ilminster, where Matt turned off towards Broadway and I headed home, getting back a few minutes before 2pm, and a round trip of 142.3 miles.

 

It was an excellent day out, and great to have some company. The route was generally good with some lovely roads, though at times we spent extended periods behind slower cars or tractors. We did have some good sections though which were very enjoyable.

 

I washed the mud off the car and tucked it away in its Carcoon.

 

 

 

 

Let’s hope we get a few more sunny weekends before winter sets in 🤞

[Richard (OldStager)]

Wow, fantastic write-up and photo's Stuart. Looked a stunning day. The pics of the boats was nice, I have been desperate to trace my fathers one ( very very similar to the one with the Union flag on it ( although its on a water craft so Jack, lol), last seen on Lake Bala circa 1982. You always know it was a good run when the rear arches look like that. 👍

 ETA

Actually I think my eyes were playing tricks, its the craft in the background of the one with the jack on it, doesn't half look like a Lysander to me ( could be wrong though?)

[Matt_S]

21 hours ago, Stuart Davis (fatblokestu) AO- Devon & Somerset said:

I’m sure Matt was questioning leaving today’s navigation to me, when instead of taking the exit, I headed towards the Burger King drive through 🤪.

🤣🤣🤣 I forgot about that!

 

Despite the u-turns and that awful road up to Dunkery Beacon, you did a grand job 👏🏼  Really enjoyed it & looking forward to the next one 👌🏼