24 December 2010 – Walk: Lympstone to Exmouth (8.8 Miles)

Synopsis: The snow showed no signs of thawing but the sun shone, so I decided on the brief exercise of a walk from Lympstone to Exmouth. Train travel to Lympstone then return from Exmouth makes this easy.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I felt the need to get out of the city of Exeter for a while this Christmas Eve. The quickest and easiest option for me from my home was to jump on the train to Exmouth. The plan therefore was to buy a return ticket to Exmouth, but alight at Lympstone and walk to Exmouth along the Exe Estuary Trail. The only unknown being the state of the trail, as there was still a lot of snow around from the fall that occurred over Sunday night, the temperature still being very low, with very little sign of a thaw happening.

Everywhere felt very relaxed as people mingled about seemingly in holiday mood. The last minute Christmas shoppers were no doubt becoming extremely stressed, whether it be in the High Street or in Tesco, but here were the organized people with time for leisure at this holiday time.

Lympstone - Swan Inn

On arriving in Lympstone I took a little time out to wander around the village and down to the shore. Lympstone is very quaint, full of narrow and winding streets that lead right down to the banks of the estuary. I could see that the Swan Inn was decorated for Christmas inside, but I didn’t stop to venture in.

 

 

Exmouth - snow and sand

 

 

I was rather intrigued to see how much snow there would be at Exmouth, as usually places on the coast have a much milder climate than places even a little distance inland. There was quite a lot of snow about, even down on the beach. Children had brought toboggans with them, and were having great fun using these on the snowy slopes of the sand dunes.

 

Exmouth - sunset

When I say snow, it was really more like ice. The long standing snow had been chilled yet further, possibly by the coastal breeze, and was now hard and slippery. I walked on the snow and found that I remained on the surface, as it had frozen so hard it could support my weight. Later, as I was about to make my way back from Orcombe Rocks, I was treated to a sunset that was really beautiful, in a sky that had only the merest wisps of clouds. The temperature was by now dropping fast, and another very cold night obviously lay ahead.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 8.8 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 1min
Stopped Time: 1hr 20min
Total Ascent: 156 metres
Maximum Elevation: 29 metres

Train: Digby-Sowton to Exmouth

20 December 2010 – Walk: Exeter in the Snow (9.6 Miles)

Synopsis: Once again the snows had fallen overnight, a covering of about 8-10cms. I had an appointment in town, so I packed a lunch and camera and went walk-about around the city.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I had to go to town for an appointment I was subsequently to find had been cancelled because of the weather. This did at least get me up and in town early. The walk into town took me a good twenty minutes longer than usual because of the snow that had fallen overnight. I knew things were going to be difficult when I looked out of my window first thing and saw that the road had not been cleared of snow. For some reason the gritter lorries had not cleared my road, which is unusual, as it’s a bus route.

As previously mentioned, my appointment had been cancelled because of the bad weather, signalled by a notice taped to one of the windows by the door. It might have been helpful to have had advance notice of this, but until someone invents the Internet, there’s evidently little chance of that happening.

Looking for a bus? It will be here somewhere, they all are.

First port of call, the bus station to use their toilets, where I’m immediately enmeshed in a Polish enclave of Stagecoach drivers drinking coffee, as buses were obviously going nowhere as yet. If you wanted a bus, this is where you’d find it.

 

High Street

 

 

 

It felt a little odd wondering around the city centre as it was so quiet. Quite a number of shops were closed and those that were open were almost empty. People were obviously struggling to get out today, and this being so close to Christmas too; this weather can’t be good for business

The Quay - Cricklepit Bridge

 

The River Exe had frozen over, which doesn’t happen very often. The last time I recall this occurring was Christmas 1989. The Exeter Ship Canal has been frozen over for more than a couple of weeks and was today white with snow from last night’s fall.

 

 

 

To be honest, there’s little more for me to say, as I think the photos speak louder than words, so if you want to know what today was like in Exeter, please browse my photo set on Flickr (link above).

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 9.6 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 2min
Stopped Time: 1hr 44min
Total Ascent: 278 metres
Maximum Elevation: 62 metres

Buses: (None)

18 December 2010 – Walk: Haldon to Dawlish (8.9 Miles)

Synopsis: A walk in a winter wonderland, the forest of Haldon covered in snow. The sun was shining and it was surprisingly warm. Five roe deer darted across my path. A little snow on the beach at Dawlish.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

Tree tops glisten, is how the songwriter put it, and that was truly what I would see today. It was however rather touch-and-go whether I’d actually make it out on this walk, as there was no sign of my bus to Torquay that I needed to get me up on Haldon. I was told that the buses at Torquay couldn’t exit the depot because of snow. Eventually, a little over an hour late and chilled through from standing around, I did depart the bus station on my bus. It was to be a relatively short bus ride for me, as all I required was a short ride to the top of Telegraph Hill. I got the impression that there was little call to stop there normally, as the driver mumbled something about, “Ah, so that’s where the bus stop is.” As I made my way in the direction of the forest I noticed the few people on the bus watching me, probably wondering where the hell I was going. Little did they know of the treat that was in store for me.

Haldon Forest

I only had to walk a couple of hundred metres from the bus stop to be transported into another world. All the trees were white and glistening in their fresh covering of snow. The sun, although very low in the sky, was strong and bright. The deep blue sky made a gorgeous back-drop for my photos. The road I walked was slippery being covered in compacted snow from the few vehicles that had come this way. The snow ploughs evidently never come this way.

 

Haldon Forest

 

A friend of mine recently said to me how quiet he found walking in snow, and I understood what he meant. Once I’d left the noise of traffic from the busy A380 behind me all was quiet apart from the crunch of snow under my boots. I can’t explain why it seems so quiet, or say whether it’s an illusion or actual phenomenon, but it was wonderfully peaceful. Possibly it being, as well as Mum’s birthday, the last shopping Saturday before Christmas, might have something to do with the tranquillity in which I was left to enjoy my walk.

Haldon Forest - The Obelisk

I don’t find snow easy to photograph. I look for what the light is doing, and hope that it will show me the good photographs, and it usually does. Luckily the light on this day was excellent for snow, bright and crystal clear, making everything three dimensional.

Haldon Forest - The Obelisk visible through the trees

 

 

 

 

As I climbed a gentle incline towards the Haldon Obelisk five roe deer darted across my path not far from where I stood. Unfortunately I wasn’t quite close enough to get a good photograph, which I will blame on the limitations of my camera. To be fair, it’s fine for the vast majority of the photographs I look to take, and it’s only these odd little ‘action’ photos that I miss as I don’t have the means to get close enough to get the shot (at least that’s my excuse).

Haldon Forest - The Obelisk

 

From the Haldon Obelisk I stopped momentarily to take in the glorious view from this vantage point. This was the first time I’d seen this landscape in snow, and it was a sight to behold.

I did take a wrong route from near hear, ending up in private woods marked with ‘No public access’ signs, which encouraged me to backtrack to the road and follow that way down the hill.

Haldon Forest - lunch spot

 

 

Looking over a gate I saw a field with a vast expanse of a view across the snow covered valley, and here I chose to hop over the gate and stop for lunch. Although I was sitting in snow, the strong sun made it seem quite warm, and I felt not the least bit chilled as I ate my lunch.

Haldon Forest - looking back to The Obelisk

 

 

After lunch I regained the track I was walking and continued on my way in the direction of Dawlish. I could look back over my shoulder and see the Haldon Obelisk peeking out between the trees behind me. The snow was already beginning to melt away on the south facing slopes of the hills. Occasionally here and there I would catch a glimpse of the view out over the mouth of the River Exe.

Dawlish - snow covered beach

 

As I approached Dawlish I picked up a footpath to my left which took be atop a hill overlooking the town and out to see. From here I was given a good impression of the steep sided valley location of Dawlish. Continuing along this footpath I was soon in Dawlish town and headed for the beach. Here I still found a little snow on some of the beaches.

 

 

This was a walk I have had ‘up my sleeve’ for quite a while, in that I’d pondered some time previously how I’d get out in snow when it should come, not now having a car. This had been my plan, and it worked well. Walking through Haldon Forest after snow transported me to another world, and one that I’d happily go back to. Bring on the snow!

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 8.9 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 32min
Stopped Time: 1hr 22min
Total Ascent: 179 metres
Maximum Elevation: 252 metres

Buses: D, X46 & 2

17 December 2010 – Walk: About Exeter (6.7 Miles)

Synopsis: There had been a heavy snow fall, nearly two inches! so I thought I’d take a swim as usual (in indoor pool) and then stroll around Exeter for a while.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

A small amount of snow had fallen overnight, so after my early morning swim I decided to stay in town and take a walk. The sun was shining and quite warming, although it was worth keeping out of the wind which was rather chill.

I decided to focus my walking on the parks of Exeter. The Cathedral is currently off-limits due to substantial building works taking place in the Cathedral Close. I walked through Southernhay, on to Northernhay and then into Rougemont Gardens.

Northernhay Gardens - John Dinham

The statues in the parks appeared to be boldly proud against the snow. This is John Dinham, who was a philanthropist who bought the land at Dinham Mount close by, because the land was being used for fairs, and he was concerned about the effect this might have on the morals of the young. Yes, obviously a bit of a killjoy, but I suppose his heart was in the right place. The church of St Michaels on Dinham Mount, erected in memory of John Dinham, was funded largely by William Gibbs of Tyntesfield.

I took my lunch on a favourite bench of mine, one that is beside the City Wall, sheltered from the wind, but facing the quay and into the sun. It’s always a warm and sheltered spot, even on a day like this. People passing me seemed to be in fine festive spirits, for I was greeted with hellos from a number of passers by.

Dissenters Cemetery, near Bull Meadow

 

 

 

I walked past the Dissenters Graveyard by Bull Meadow on my way home. It was only very recently that I discovered what this was, my curiosity having been invoked by an article in our local paper, that spoke of a local speculator having bought the land in the hope that it might be built on. Building permission has been refused, which I think is only proper.

Those buried in this graveyard dissented from the domination of the established orthodox church. They were a varied lot - Presbyterians, Unitarians, Independents (later Congregationalists) Baptists, Quakers and later the Methodists. Apparently the Unitarians, that met at Georges Meeting Hall, managed the graveyard, but they were one of the first sects to disappear, and since that time the graveyard has been largely neglected.

Walk Statistics:

Total Distance: 6.7 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 36min
Stopped Time: 1hr 13min
Total Ascent: 227 metres
Maximum Elevation: 65 metres

Buses: (None)

28 November 2010 – Cycle: Exeter to Dawlish (30.1 Miles)

Synopsis: A very cold day to be cycling. Caught a glimpse of point-to-point racing at Black Forest, back of Kenton. A rough sea pounding the sea defences at Dawlish.

Photo Set – Flickr -:- (Map)

GPS Tracklog Download (.gpx) Microsoft OneDrive -:- Google Drive

 

Tracklog and Photos - Google My Map

Tracklog overlay - OSM – ViewRanger -:- OS – WheresThePath

 

(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)

I got it into my head that I’d like to see the sea today, so that would mean getting my bicycle out. It would also mean wrapping up warm, as it was freezing out. It’s generally not too difficult to keep warm cycling, as you generate your own heat, but I was not prepared for the cold affecting my feet as it did. They felt like blocks of ice come the end of the ride.

My objective was to complete a circular ride to Dawlish if possible, all the time keeping a watchful eye on the weather, as I didn’t want to be caught out on my bicycle. There were threatening clouds all about, and yet at the same time there was a good deal of sunshine. My plan was to follow lanes that were reasonably level through Kennford, Kenn, and then on past the back of Kenton.

Black Forest, Kenton, Point-to-Point

As I was climbing a hill not far from Kenton a car stopped and the occupants asked if I knew where the point-to-point racing was. In my ignorance of such things, I had to confess to not knowing where the point-to-point was, or for that matter quite what it was. But as I cycled about a half mile further along the lanes I actually came across it. I stopped for a brief while to watch one of the races. Not really quite my thing, but interesting to see a point-to-point meet for the first time. I must get out more! Note: the next point-to-point meeting was advertised to take place at Black Forest on Sunday 16th January.

 

The weather remained good so I was confident of making my objective, Dawlish. As I cycled along the cycleway between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish I noticed a couple of tents amongst the ferns by the side of the track. I presume these are the dwelling places of vagrant tourists. Nice spot, but a little exposed I’d have thought.

Dawlish

At Dawlish I found a spot on the sea wall eat my lunch. The sea was quite rough with tall waves breaking over the wall just along from where I sat. There was little chance I would be able to follow the sea wall back to Dawlish Warren. I was glad of the flask of hot Ribena that I had with me, to warm me through and thaw my hands.

Dawlish Warren

 

 

 

I did a quick circuit of Dawlish Warren. There were very few people about. Was it the cold weather keeping them away? Or are they all desperately doing their Christmas shopping, the mad fools. Even on a day as cold as this, Dawlish Warren was the place to be.

Exe Estuary – geese airborne

 

 

 

By the time I got to Cockwood, although only a little past 3pm, already the sun was very low in the sky, driving the point home to me just how late in the year it is. The stark winter light made for sharp outlines and harsh vibrant colours. The estuary at Turf Lodge looked particularly dramatic in the acute sunlight.

 

I looked in on Mum on arriving back in Exeter, as I was sure to get a cup of tea and chance to thaw the ice blocks that were otherwise my feet. It had been a good day’s cycling, and I was not generally cold, but my feet did rather suffer, and I’m not sure what could have been done to prevent that. Even with ice block feet, it still beats staying in watching television.

Cycle Statistics:

Total Distance: 30.1 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 43min
Stopped Time: 1hr 31min
Total Ascent: 516 metres
Maximum Elevation: 75 metres

Buses: (none)