May 13, 2017

South Molton to Barnstaple to Croyde to Braunton

After a comfortable night at Jenny's cousin's house in South Molton, Sue drove me to Barnstaple where I got the bus to Croyde. I walked from Croyde to Braunton and took the bus again to Westwatd Ho! so that I avoided the long, dreary walk through Barnstaple. Besides I visited the area over 50 years ago when Jenny did her teaching practice in Barnstaple. Along the walk I passed a house under construction for Dyson of the vacuum cleaner fame. It seemed to have an unusual design which when finished would not be dissimilar to one of his vacuums. Further on I walked right along and through a golf course and then by Saunton Sands before arriving at Braunton.

Saunton Sands

Once I arrived at Braunton I took the bus to Barnstaple and then to Westward Ho! my intended destination for the night.  Unfortunately I couldn't find any accommodation in Westward Ho!  As I found out as I looked for a bed for the night, there was a big wedding taking place and everywhere was fully booked.  One of the places that I tried suggested that I try The Durrant Hotel in Northam just a short bus ride away.  I took this advice and contacted the hotel and, much to my relief, I was able to book a room for the night.  As you can see from the picture below it was a pretty fancy hotel so I felt a little out of place turning up in my hiking gear with a big backpack on my back but I had a good night in a comfortable bed.