Day 13 Barnstaple to Simonsbath (Exmoor)

Well we had some weather today. It started off ok dry but overcast as we left Barnstaple. We had had breakfast with Emma, Elsie and Danny and bid them goodbye and then we were off walking. The walk was straight forward at first through fields and quiet country lanes. We stopped in Brayford to eat our lunch. A very small village but it had some picnic tables by a small stream so we sat there for a rest. That is when the rain started. At first it was only light rain, nothing to worry about. We carried on through country lanes out of Brayford until we had to start making our way up onto Exmoor. Then the rain got heavier. The walking was also harder, through fields of long grass with very little sign of any actual path. We only knew we were going the right way because we were following the OS map. Climbing over a few stiles, through a few gates until we reached a better path. It was very misty by this point. The final couple of miles to the Exmoor Forest Inn where we are staying were along a country lane and the rain was really heavy by this point. It was such a relief when we arrived at the Inn. I had initially booked camping in their garden but I asked if they had a room available instead and they did. I am so glad because I really was not looking forward to putting the tent up in that weather! We are now in a lovely warm, dry room and very happy.
PS Must be mad to do this on a day like this 😂Read more