Sidmouth to Yarcombe
After a lovely evening, geeking over kit and routes with Anna. I was leaving Sidmouth and starting of Leg 5 of my journey.
Today has been a beautiful spring day, I’ve had sun all day and a light breeze to keep me cool. By either luck or wisdom, I managed to plan my rest day for the worst of the weather to come through, and I’ve felt so lucky all day!
I left Sidmouth by following a path called the Byes that goes along the river Sid to Sidford. It was a lovely path, with beautiful views across the fields. I was joined by lots of local dog walkers, who were out on their Saturday morning dog walks.
I left Sidford along a Bridleway to Harcombe. It started as a lane, then continued through a small woodland.
After Harcombe, I took a footpath through Harcombe Hill Plantation. The dappled sunlight through the trees, and bird song were beautiful. I stopped for a break and could hear a woodpecker drilling in the distance.
I then followed some more footpaths and lanes through Widcombe to Farway.
At Farway, I briefly joined the East Devon Way.
The East Devon Way took me over some lovely fields with great views over the surrounding countryside. The sun came out and I stopped for an early lunch.
I soon left the East Devon Way and took connections of lanes through Northleigh and Wilmington.
Along one of the lanes, I was really lucky to see two grey wagtails. The little birds bobbed along in front of me, with their little yellow bellies.
I followed some footpaths out of Wilmington and towards Yarcombe.
One of my favourites was this byway that was described as a country road! Though it was barely wide enough for a motorbike to get through, let alone a car!
The footpaths were a beautiful mix of fields and tracks. It was really peaceful, with the bird song accompanying me.
In the woodland, I came across this lovely little bridge. It felt compulsory to play poohsticks as I crossed.
Near Brucehayes Common, I saw this beautiful tree. It was magnificent and covered in tiny buds that were starting to emerge.
I climbed the lane up from Longbridge Farm and was rewarded with beautiful views. It was lovely to watch the clouds floating above the fields.
I finished the day by taking two final footpaths to finish in Yarcombe. This field was beautiful, with all of the buttercups emerging.
I finished in Yarcombe and with that, I’ve officially been on the trail for two weeks. It feels like a massive achievement. I’m so proud of my progress so far, and I’m having a wonderful time!
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