Synopsis: A tough climb to get to the the top of Haldon, but as always, worth it for the view. An old drovers’ trail in Haldon Woods. Dawlish, repaired after the winter storms and looking tip-top.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)
The route for today’s cycle I improvised in the saddle. I set off from home with just the vague notion that I’d cycle up to Haldon. As I’d only set off rather late, I had got no further than the top of Exminster Hill before hunger pangs told me it was time to stop for lunch. I came upon a delightful spot in a small copse, lined with a carpet of bluebells, which I chose as my picnic stop.
After lunch I took the decision to follow the hill ridge for a while before dropping down into the village of Kenn, from where I’d take a back lane leading in the direction of Haldon. I was headed for St Andrew’s Lane (named after Kenn’s parish church), a route I’ve used on numerous occasions. I knew well enough that lane was an euphemism for rough narrow track that climbs steadily to Haldon, but equally I was aware that this would serve my purpose well enough. I came across this Early Purple Orchid en route.
Some stretches of this track were so steep I had little choice but to get off my bicycle and push. Perhaps the more hardened mountain biker (of which several passed me going down) would see this as wimpish, but I’ve little to prove at my age. I’d remembered seeing a track to the left on a previous visit to this area, and decided I’d explore route, not having the vaguest notion where it would lead me.
The track was relatively easy cycling. Towards the end it narrowed until finally petering out at a steep sided ravine. I stood looking at this for a while, not able to make out what it was. A couple of gentlemen walkers approached, to whom I exclaimed I’d reached the end of my road. One of the gentlemen, who obviously knew the area well, explained that what lay ahead was an old drovers’ route (or Holloway Lane). The rains washing down the route had made it deeper than it once was. The gentlemen explained that they were about to walk down the drovers’ trail, but thought it would be hard going with a bicycle, and I was inclined to agree.
Actually, on closer inspection of a map upon reaching home, I now realise that Holloway Lane is a route that I’ve cycled in the past, but simply hadn’t recognised it standing high up on one of the banks of the lane. I had brought my daughters this way on a cycle tour that we did on 20th August 2009. So, why did it look quite so daunting on seeing it again today?
I left the walkers to proceed with their walk, whilst I backtracked on my bike to a point where I had noticed a branch right ascending steeply, and chose to follow this course. This route subsequently followed the contours of the hill for a while before connecting with a bridleway which I followed right, leading me to a road I well recognised. I knew that following this road would take me to the Haldon Obelisk, which I determined would be my next destination.
A busy dog-walking spot, I arrived at the Haldon Obelisk car park to find it nearly full of cars. I made my way on foot to the viewpoint. On a clear sunny day when you can see for miles this has to be one of the best viewpoints in Devon. I sat a while on a wooden bench to take a drink and contemplate my next move.
The two route options I contemplated were the shorter route to Cockwood and the longer route to Dawlish. Since now in May, and the days long, and having all the time in the world, and perhaps just sufficient strength in my legs, I opted for Dawlish. Before setting off I stopped a moment to view the obelisk. For some time it had been cordoned off and marked as dangerous but is now once again approachable and clear of obstruction, although a fence had been placed around it simply to prevent people climbing on it.
I dropped steeply from Haldon and wended my way along narrow country lanes that led me into the back of Dawlish. It wasn’t long before I reached the seafront at Dawlish. I only stopped long enough to take a couple of photos before walking the coastal path below Dawlish railway station. As I suspected, there is still no pedestrian access to Dawlish Warren by this coastal route. Instead I had to hump my bike over the footbridge and pick up the main road from which I could follow the cycle trail to Dawlish Warren.
As it was by now getting rather late in the day I chose not to stop in Dawlish Warren, instead, proceeding immediately on my way home via the Exe Estuary Trail, a route very familiar to me. I did a quick shop in Exeter Tesco as I passed by before arriving tired, but pleasantly so, back home. A great way to spend a day.
Cycle Statistics:
Total Distance: 31.1 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 51min
Stopped Time: 1hr 47min
Total Ascent: 600 metres
Maximum Elevation: 263 metres
Buses: (none)
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