We left Bideford and continued along the Tarka Trail leaving the river Torridge on our left and then following the river Taw. We knew that today was going to be tough because of the climbs ahead. We then wound our way through Barnstable and its retail parks and Covid testing centre towards the bridge we had to cross over the river Taw only to find when we got there that it had been deemed to be unsafe and had been closed! We returned back along the cycle path and crossed the river at a previous bridge (2 miles detour). It was then a matter of numerous steep climbs up onto the highest point of Exmoor! Very bleak and up in the clouds, but strangely beautiful. It was just us and sheep. After 3 or 4 miles in misty cloud the road descended a little and took us out of and under the cloud and rewarded us with such splendid distant views left and right that to describe it as breathtaking would be an understatement! Heading downhill towards Dulverton the panoramic views went on and on. We were lucky enough to see a few Exmoor ponies and we were pleased to see how healthy they looked with their thick coats and long thick manes. We passed a granite stone monument to Froude Hancock who amongst other things played rugby for England We were very pleased to arrive at our B&B in Dulverton after our hardest ride to date.
Total miles today 45
Hill climbs today 3046 ft( From Llanberis railway station to the summit of Mount Snowden is 3140ft, to give you some idea of today’s climbs!)
Minimum speed 2. 5 mph
Maximum speed 33mph
Ps We had some lovely photos and messages of support from Seal Class at Meath School. Thank you very much. We will make sure we get up those hills just for you!
