We were back down in Parkham before the end of August and this time we were joined by our daughter and family who stayed in the next door cottage, which is a holiday let. With a five year old and a three year old to consider, the first week of our visit took a very different pattern from the usual. The days started earlier than normal with a knock on the door and there were numerous visits to the children's playground. Visits to the beach were less about long walks with the dog and more about watching the children jumping in the waves, collecting shells and finding hermit crabs. This was despite some not so sunny days.
One afternoon, our grandchildren really enjoyed crabbing on the quayside at Appledore. The Granary is well equipped for this as our son and his family are also keen crabbers. This was followed by excellent fish and chips from Sylvesters which were eaten on a bench overlooking the estuary.
We visited Quince Honey Farm at South Molton which was interesting for both adults and children with an excellent shop and restaurant. These can be visited without paying the entrance fee for the attraction and we plan to stop there again as it is only just off the A361 as we head towards, or from the M5.
With 2 dogs to look after I opted out of the trip to The Big Sheep. A wise decision as the children had a great time but understandably there is not so much to entertain the adults.
The family also drove to Sandymouth, one of our favourite beaches and the sun shone for the children to enjoy the beautiful sand and the sea.
Other highlights of the week included an excellent Sunday lunch at The Bell, probably the best of many we have eaten there and a barbecue with tender steak from Honey's, beautifully cooked by our son-in-law.
Our family left after breakfast on Friday and we decided to stay on for a few more days which we took at a more leisurely pace, as the weather had by then become much warmer again.
One morning we parked at the National Trust car park at East Titchberry and walked along the coast path towards Hartland Point, the plan being to call at the cafe there for a coffee before returning. There are some amazing views along that stretch of coast and in particular one field planted with a range of wild flowers was spectacular. It was disappointing to discover that the cafe was closed that day, however we made up for it by stopping at Merry Harriers on our return to Parkham.
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| The view from the coast path |
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| Beautiful wild flowers at Hartland Point |
On another day we walked from Greysands to the Pebbleridge Cafe, which was open, and then back around the perimeter of the golf course to the car.
Of course, we also managed several walks around the lanes surrounding the village. Particularly noticeable was the activity of the swallows and house martins feeding actively as they prepare for their migration this month. The speed at which they swooped along the lanes between the hedges matched that of the delivery vans we often come across. There were also plenty of ripe blackberries for the picking, which we are still enjoying here in Knutsford.
After a good journey home we were pleased to welcome, three days later, friends from Parkham who stayed with us whilst attending a wedding locally. Sadly, the wedding clashed with the Knutsford Great Race, an event which only happens every 10 years. Around 60 cyclists on penny-farthings race on a circuit around the town centre for three hours, the winner being the one who completes the greatest number of laps. Competitors came from as far afield as New Zealand!
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| Competitors in The Great Race 2023 |
