Day 7: Hunting for another bridge

Start: Yelland

End: Abbotsham

Miles: 14

Total miles: 91

Today started with a similar theme to yesterday, finding a bridge to cross another river. The River Torridge which runs between the villages of Instow and Appledore was today's obstacle. There is a ferry that crosses the river, shaving 6 miles off the day's route but as it's tide dependent it was not running until the evening. So I headed for a bridge that took me over to Bideford on the other side of the river. I chatted with a man from Instow who informed me of all my possible breakfast options in Bideford and warned me of the challenges up ahead beyond Clovelly. I knew exactly what he was referring to, having seen the squashed up contour lines on my map indicating steep ascents. On arrival to Bideford, I treated myself to a cafe stop to fuel up and recharge my phone, making me a little less resentful of the extra miles the river had added to my day.

From here I picked up the coastal path heading to Appledore. The route was significantly more interesting than the flat tracks I'd been walking on yesterday and this morning. Back to an undulating path, hopping over tree roots and ducking under low branches. Even though walking on the flat is less strenuous, there's less distractions from the weight on my back and the soreness of my shoulders. On my approach to Appledore I spoke with a man who had just returned from the Pennine Way. He told me about his trip and reiterated the man from Instow earlier in the day, advising me to make the most of the next 4 miles, as beyond that the hills are a 'nightmare'. Appledore was a busy little village, full of people enjoying the sun and eating ice cream. I carried on towards the Burrows where the path lead me to Westward Ho!, the town where I would restock my food ready for the upcoming remote stretches.

I left Westward Ho! after lunch and pushed up onto the cliffs to head towards camp. I could see Hartland Point up ahead and the little village of Clovelly nestled between the trees in the tall cliffs. After all this talk of the challenges ahead, it made me both curious and a little apprehensive. But I wouldn't be here if I didn't want challenge, if I didn't want to be tested. The gentle interlude is now over and I'm ready to see what the path has to throw at me next.