Synopsis: A cycle ride to Haldon Obelisk. A new route out that involved a gradual ascent until steep final climb to obelisk. Dirt track route to Dawlish quite tough going. Nice to be at the seaside again.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo album – use link above to view album)
It was another glorious day and I had nothing planned. I decided that what I would like to do would be to cycle to the obelisk on Haldon Hill. I sat down at my computer and quickly plotted a route which I then loaded to my mobile phone. I made sandwiches and filled a water bottle and was on my way. I picked up the route along the Exeter Ship Canal [Wikipedia]. I Stopped briefly here at the Turf Lock Hotel [Official web site]. I then cycled on to Powderham whereupon I set a new course for Haldon Hill.
At this point, next to the. Powderham Belvedere Tower, I connected with this footpath and followed this for a short distance. I needed to push my bicycle along the path. It was generally easy going apart from the need to negotiate some steps. There was also one rather narrow pedestrian bridge to cross which was a little awkward when pushing a bicycle. I was however glad I had chosen this route as it was not severely problematic and it was the shortest/quickest route into the village of Kenton.
I didn't stop long in Kenton village, only pausing for a short spell to take in this view of the old Kenton School. The sign over one of the doors that reads 'Girls' is a real giveaway for this place. It is not too dissimilar in appearance to the first school that I attended in the village of Kennford. I would have only been 4-5 at the time. The. School in Kennford was a distance of about 2 miles from the village of Kenn where we lived. That would have been quite a trek for my little legs, my brother taking it easy (as usual) in the buggy.
I was now cycling in country lanes out the back of Kenton village and beginning the gradual ascent towards Haldon Hill. The fields all around looked dry and parched from the hot summer weather of late. There were many wild flowers to be found in the hedgerow such as this Field Scabious found near to where this photo was taken. This photo (left) shows the hill in the distance that I must climb on my bicycle for this is the hill on which the Haldon Obelisk is located, within Haldon Forest [Forestry Commission England].
Looking back over my shoulder I could see the sea in the distance, as I began the slow steady climb towards Haldon Forest. This is the kind of scenery that I love to see, the gently rolling hills of Devon and a patchwork of fields. The air in the lanes was hot and still making the going quite hard, Insects buzzed all around me. I have to confess I had to dismount from my bicycle and push as I approached the top of the hill.
Finally I made it to the Haldon Obelisk. There is a picnic spot nearby from which you look out from the hilltop and can see as far as the coast. It is one of the best views, in my opinion, in the whole of Devon. With the aid of my binoculars I was able to make out A La Ronde [National Trust], on the further bank of the River Exe. And some distance down the coast, the white chalk cliffs just beyond Lyme Regis could be made out.
There are several benches here at the obelisk and I claimed one on which to eat my picnic lunch. Other people were coming and going, particularly those out walking their dogs. I probably spent more time here than I should have done, this being such a nice place to linger. I took a little time out too to view the obelisk itself, which stands rather secluded tucked away in a small clearing in the trees.
I needed to give some thought about my route from here. I had planned to cycle to Kenn. But on further thought I decided it would be nice to cycle, on this lovely sunny day, down to the seaside at Dawlish. That being the case, although the days of June are long, I really needed to be on my way.
At first I headed through Halldon Forest on wide gravel tracks and the cycling was a very easy. However this soon changed. After a short stretch down a lane, I then entered a dirt track that I had cycled a number of times previously. This stretch of my route from Haldon to Dawlish has never been easy but this time it was harder than usual what with it being very overgrown. A very narrow path had to be cycled down the center of this dirt track, and as it is quite deeply rutted it was not easy cycling. And in addition to this, there were more insects than ever. Finally I reached beautiful Dawlish.
I followed the course of Dawlish Water (Dawlish's signature landmark) as far as the sea. I put my bike aside and took a short stroll along the beach. I feel a real affinity with the sea and the seaside. It must be in the blood. I then set off on my walk from Dawlish to Dawlish Warren along the seawall, a walk I've done many times before. Trains passed close by me, buzzing along at speed in either direction.
As I passed Red Rock I glanced to my side at the café to be found there. It was white! It has always been red in the past. I couldn't fathom why it has had this change of colour. Money has been spent on the cafe recently, a new terrace having being laid out. But the cafe was not open today. At Dawlish Warren sea front I stopped briefly to sit on a bench and eat an apple, many a dog-walker passing by.
It was now time for my final run for home. As I passed Cockwood I noticed a lot of people with cameras standing by the railway line quite obviously in eager anticipation of something eventful. I waited briefly myself. But nothing of great interest (at least to my eyes) came along. But it did give me the chance to catch this photograph.
Cycling from Cockwood to home was relatively easy going, a route I know very well. This had been a most enjoyable day's ride, but by the time I got home I was very exhausted.
Previous occasion on which I’ve walked/cycled this way:
*** 18 December 2010 – Walk: Haldon to Dawlish (8.9 Miles) – Walked the route down from the Haldon Obelisk in snow.
*** 08 August – 21 August, 2009 – Summer Holiday in England - 'Thursday 20th August’ – Cycled the route from the Haldon Obelisk to Dawlish with my daughters Helen and Laura, accompanied by a fly-past from the Red Arrows; most spectacular! Mum picked us up in the car at Dawlish Warren.
Cycle Statistics:
Total Distance: 52.95 km / 32.9 miles
Moving Time: 6hrs 47min
Stopped Time: 52min
Total Ascent: 588 metres
Maximum Elevation: 267 metres
Buses: (none)
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