Short walks 2018
There were 3 of us for our February walk, including one who is new to U3A. We took the train from Crediton to Topsham. Part of the Exe estuary was frozen but, from the viewing platform, and even closer and in sunshine, along the Goat Walk, we saw:-
- avocets, swishing their beaks from side to side
- lots of godwits
- pochard with the red/brown head
- teal with teal-coloured bar on wings and back of head
- widgeon with orange head and yellow stripe over its head
- shelducks
- and a goose-sized duck largely white with very dark green neck, red beak and chestnut breast.
Coffee, companionship, antiques, attractive houses and a light lunch made an enjoyable day.
March
Although we started in rain, it eased off after a while. When we got to the top of the hill the route became comfortable, so that we could relax into conversations, with coffee afterwards at the Lamb in Sandford.
Our April walk, led by Graham, took 14 of us from Sandford Parish Hall Car Park past Sandford School, Northlakes, Shakey Bridge, Hellions Mill, Upton Hellions Church, Lower Creedy, Thornhedges Lane and Furlongs, to the carpark and lunch at the Lamb Inn.
In May there were 2 walks.
A group of 7, led by Kathy and Jan, walked in sunny weather, with a welcome breeze, up the Okemont valley to Higher Tor for a welcome lunch. Instead of going on to Oke Tor the group opted to go back along the ridge, which was quite rough in places but gave glorious 360 degrees of views.
Oke Tor had been the objective because Jan, who is moving to Sheffield soon, and her husband, Ken, used to go there every Christmas Day with lunch. Jan had a good view of Oke Tor and thanks those who joined in.
A group of 9, led by John, enjoyed a varied walk in fantastic weather in Exeter. John describes, "We walked from the Basin along the canal banks to the Double Locks (where we paused for coffee) having spotted some swans with their cygnets and geese with their goslings, then crossed the flood relief channel and river to Exeter Quay where we partook of a light lunch! Wonderful!"
Thanks to Keith for the photos.
On a most glorious June day, nine members of the short walks met at Crediton station for the 9.37am train to Exmouth. The train journey to Exmouth was very pleasant and good value at £4.10 return (with senior railcard).
The first element of the walk was the 2½ miles from Exmouth to Lympstone. It was fairly easy going and there were lovely views across the estuary to Starcross and Powderham. As we neared Lympstone we passed some really sumptuous housing developments, then descending into the village we found a very pleasant area of public seating with magnificent harbour and estuary views where most of us ate lunch. After this we adjourned to the garden of the Swan for coffee.
The second element of the walk, the 3½ miles to Topsham was done in a relaxed way, the constant breeze making the heat more tolerable. As we approached the town we diverted to Dart’s Farm, where some of us had tea (liquid). This is the most pleasant way to reach Topsham (apart from one by water). We caught the 3.09pm from Topsham, arriving back in Crediton at 3.38pm.
Thanks to Keith and Graham for the photos.
In July just five of us met at Bickleigh Mill for our venture along the River Exe to Tiverton. On yet another absolutely glorious day, we were sheltered from the direct sun for much of the route by the mostly oak woodland.
It was fairly easy walking with the path following the course of the river. It seemed a bit of a shame that we appeared to be the only people walking the east bank of the river. The big sewage works was a visual and physical impediment to the walk, but wasn’t particularly troublesome nasally.
We got to Tiverton by an attractive back-route and waited for a while in the bus station for the number 155 to take us back to Bickleigh, where we enjoyed our lunch in the Mill’s restaurant.
In August 9 of us took the train together from Crediton to Eggesford. At Copplestone, we kept a look out, hoping to be joined by two more. We followed Walk 4 in Tarka Line Walks by Peter Craske (available in Crediton Community Bookshop), which is a fairly demanding 3 miles, up the road, down the coombe, to sunflowers and local produce at Wash House cottages. Then up through the forest and down again to water meadows, where we picked blackberries before having coffee, or a leisurely lunch, at Eggesford Garden Centre, and the train back.
In September 9 walkers led by Maureen had a beautiful day to walk around Sandford. The views at the highest point were wonderful and we could see for miles. Most had a coffee in the Lamb Inn before going home.
In October fifteen of us, including two new people, enjoyed a 3 mile walk to the north and east of Morchard Bishop. Afterwards we squeezed into the village shop, or onto the bench outside, for coffee or soup.
The November walk was cancelled because of weather warnings.