15th April 2015 - Boscastle, Tintagel, Widemouth Bay, Hawkers Cove

Really nice Wild Camp on Bursdon Moor, with a stunning sunset to complete yesterday. Today again started misty, and ideal day to cross something of my "Bucket List" Tintagel! For one reason or another I've just never got there, and for someone mad about King Arthur, and the such like it has to be done. 

   Stopped at Widemouth Bay on route. Although misty the views of the cliffs, and rough rocky coastline were still awesome. The force, and power of the sea always strikes you on the side of the coast. The roar of the waves is deafening, and the vibrations underfoot as the waves hit the rocks is a stirring thing to witness. 

   One place that knows the power of nature is Boscastle. A beautiful picturesque village that was devastated by flood 11 years ago. It's a must visit. The new flood defences they've put up, and are still working on can be seen. Take time to visit The Old Forge Gallery, Artist Helen Setterington, right down the bottom of the village, opposite end to the car parking. Loved Helen's work, and I think you will too. Vivid and detailed local landscapes, and she makes her own frames. Also Crafty West Country Gifts, 3 Bridge Walk. Linda and Andy have travelled a fair bit too! Don't forget to top up your spells at the Witchcraft museum!! 

Say hello to the locals!! 

Tintagel was next. After wanting to get there for so long, would I be disappointed, would I heck! There are some places I won't take the Hairy Lads, busy towns, obviously shops, and Tintagel Castle. With extremely steep steps, of varying sizes, cliffs, and very steep climbs I personally don't think it's a place for dogs, not safe for them, or the person on the end of the lead. Some people did take theirs, but it wasn't for mine. I was totally blown away by how rugged the coastline was, and exactly where they'd built the castle, being 2 parts of it, and even how it was built. The sea mist just added to the atmosphere, it helped the imagination go back to the days when this was occupied. A stunning and magnificent fortification. If you're not into heights probably not the place for you. Loads a steep steps and climbs, but worth every step. Stunning views, lots of the ruins to explore, rugged coastline and pounding waves made it an awesome place to visit. I took loads of photos, they can be viewed via thevalleyphotographer.co.uk or join the Travels And Tails Club to view all the iPhone images. Only £10, or donation to diesel fund at gofundme.com/TravelsAndTails 

Wild Camped at Hawkers Cove, beautiful place, really misty when arrived. As it slowly lifted it revealed a stunning coastline, which provided a great late evening walk. As a note, there's a dog friendly beach just down from here, never tried it as wanted to move on, but may be worth a look. 

14th April 2015 - Simonsbath, Westward Ho!, Hartland, Bursdon Moor

After saying how amazing the weather had been, it really changed this morning. Very misty, only see about 100m in front of you, so no views were to be had. It was however still very warm. On reflection as I'm writing this, I think at the start of our travels I covered to much mileage, not exploring enough, which may have to be rectified at a later date! Travels And Tails Part 2!! 

    Westward Ho! the next stop, even the road signs have the "!" on them. Parking seemed difficult in town, so headed to the West side, finding nice cliffs to walk along with the lads, and even an empty, supposedly, maybe haunted house, myths and takes seem to vary. Lovely old house perched right on the cliff edge. Also a boat with a hedge growing through which I just loved. The weather reverting back to a gorgeous sunny day. See the images below, more at thevalleyphotographer.co.uk 

   

Further round the coast is Hartland, lovely village with an Abbey. As it happened the BBC decide to film a drama the same day I decided to explore! They did take over a tad, everywhere in town, and especially the Abbey. It's an adaptation of a book by same Author as Tinker, Tailor, Solidier, Spy. So keep a lookout for it. 

    Every now and then you come across a hidden gem that few seem to know about. Bursdon Moor is such a place. Lovely Moor, lots of wildlife, several Neolithic mounds. Not very big, but great place to Wild Camp. There's a pull in with information, and bins, just as you go on to the Moor from main road. There's no signs saying "no overnight parking" so presume it's ok!