May 17, 2018 — Dunster and Exmoor National Park

Community Highlights Europe May 17, 2018 — Dunster and Exmoor National Park

Light clouds and sunshine so we decided it was a good day for the Exmoor National Park. We easily found the A396 at Tiverton and set the GPS for Dunster where we knew we were to turn west for Selworthy. It worked and we noted that Dunster was a beautiful little market town. We found the turn for Selworthy and were on one-lane two-way roads. Fortunately it was not far. We tried the parking across from the church but if we parked in any of the vacant marked spots, the other car couldn’t possibly get out. Not good. We decided to park up on the road and were soon walking into the cute thatched village. It seems to be owned by the National Trust and there’s a gift shop and tea shop in two of the thatched buildings. A little stream rushes through the town and it is gorgeous. It was small and we were soon back to the car and going on to Lynmouth. Selworthy Green National Trust Site, Exmoor, near Minehead, Somerset; tel: +44 (0)1643 862452; Click here for Selworthy Green National Trust web site

On the way, you cross barren moorland and we were lucky enough to see some Exmoor Ponies by the road . . . no, on the road. We rounded a bend and saw Lynton on the hill opposite . . . very dramatic with Lynmouth directly below. As we entered the lower town of Lynmouth, we saw a sign to parking so we drove directly to it, parked, paid and displayed then headed into town looking for lunch. Click here for the Exmoor National Park web site

Checked every restaurant in town and none looked very appealing. We finally gave up and stopped in a café for fish and chips with a very nice local dark ale. We went to a local fudge shop for dessert and then walked to the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway and got our tickets. Several extremely heavy English women got on and there was no room for us so we waited for the next train where I ended up helping another very heavy older woman get on. It took four of us to get her on the train . . . only one step! After that excitement, a couple with three large dogs entered. An interesting ride up the cliff . . . Lynton & Lynmouth Lift Co, The Cliff Railway, The Esplanade, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EQ; tel: +44 (0)1598 753486; Click here for the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway web site

At the top we walked into Lynton where the first restaurant we saw was the Cracker Barrel . . . shades of Mansfield, Ohio where we used to eat with my mother! We walked through town and visited their tiny museum then hiked back up the hill to wait for our train. Only one small dog on this train.

We opted for the easy way home and took the A39 to A399 to A361 to Tiverton, much faster but not as picturesque. I transferred photos and then we walked partway down the canal outside our door. There is an aqueduct that takes the canal over what used to be a train track. We passed lots of barges, all anchored and were followed most of the way by four begging ducks. It’s all very pretty. Our landlady was here during the day and we have clean towels. I think it’s an apology for all the dead flies that I had to clean up. She also shorted us one hand towel. It’s a strange place. She is very nice, but the flies were disgusting and it gets so hot with the all-glass ceiling and walls, not to mention it’s so bright you can’t see the tv very well until past my bedtime when it finally gets dark. There is also the problem with the smell from the neighboring cows when the wind is from that direction . . . All in all, we wouldn't stay in Canal Cottage again, but the area is lovely and we both really like Tiverton.

This featured blog entry was written by Beausoleil from the blog Beausoleil in England.
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