Originally we were going to go cycling today, but when we got up it was very windy and overcast.
We changed our plans and decided to go to Lynton and Lynmouth to see the cliff railway amongst other things. On the way we were going to stop at The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, for a ride on the restored section.
The A39 is a bit of a windy road north of Barnstaple, with a couple of hairpins. We overshot the entrance; the sign said 150 yards, but it was about half that, combined with the sat nav indicating the turn was further, we overshot.
We had drinks and cream scones in the tea rooms while waited for the next train at 12:15. It was a touch of nostalgia to hear the sound of the train travelling across the jointed track sections, clickety-clack. The section of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway restored is only a mile long, but their intention is to eventually restore the whole 19 miles. Initially, I was sceptical about their hopes, but after looking further into it, they do look to have a real chance, if they can raise the funds.
The wind was really starting to get up now and the temperature was dropping, so we headed back to Fremington Quay Cafe for lunch. It’s a single track road down to the quay and we had to use the passing places a couple of times. The wind at Fremington Quay was so strong it was hard at times to stand against it; very glad we didn’t go out on the bikes, it would have been a headwind against us all the way back.
The menu at the cafe had changed from last year and it had a bit of a different feel about it. Doing further investigation, new tenants took over the lease in October, following the departure of the previous tenant. That said the food was wonderful and well worth a visit.
We saw a RAF rescue helicopter flying around and then hovering low over the other side of the river Taw. Initially I thought it was on a rescue and then we realised that there was an airfield the other side of the river. It is the Royal Marine Base Chivenor, where the RAF has the “A” flight of 22 Squadron with two search and rescue Sea King helicopters stationed.
Return to North Devon Part 11
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