Time Departed: 9.40am

Time Arrived: 12.45pm 

Distance: 8 kms 

Weather: Sunny - Min 9 Max 17

Accommodation:  The Olive Branch, Ilfracombe 

Feelings: Henk - Fine , Di - Relaxed 

As it was a short walk of eight kms from Combe Martin to Ilfracombe we had a later start. We met another couple at breakfast walking the SW Coast Path. They were filling in the gaps to complete the 1000kms path. 

We initially walked on a sloping path through pretty woodland with bluebells and wild garlic that took us to the high cliffs.

At the three kilometre mark we came across the unique cafe Storm in a Teacup at the pretty Watermouth Harbour. As we had plenty of time we had morning tea and enjoyed our favourite cake Victoria Sponge with tea and coffee. The cafe is an old rescue boat from the Severn River and was restored into a boat cafe. 

From the cafe we had good views over the pretty harbour with the boats high and dry due to the low tide. As it is now Spring the tides are extreme and frequently exceed 10m due to it’s proximity to the Bristol Channel.

After morning tea we quickly climbed up the far cliff and looked back. We had lovely views over where we had walked and the harbour. We could also see Great Hangman in the distance. 

As we turned the corner on the last cliff path we were excited to see Ilfracombe. At the same time we received a phone call from our host asking when we would be arriving. We were about three kilometres from The Olive Branch so we weren’t too far away. We thought she might have been keen to make most of the sunny afternoon so she was pleased that we arrived ealry. 

The path into Ilfracombe overlooked the harbour, beach and the township. It was a wonderful view to take in as we descended into the township. Because the tide was out we could see the double-story wharf on the far side of the harbour. 

We arrived at our Georgian guesthouse, The Olive Branch at 12.45pm and we now don’t resume walking until the day after tomorrow with tomorrow being a rest day. Our room is large and has good views over the township through the large bay windows.

After depleting our backpack supplies for lunch Henk was keen to go to the laundromat to get our growing pile of dirty clothes washed. I piked and had a nap instead. 

Dinner was again at another Wetherspoons as it was in the same block as our guesthouse. They are quick, cheap and good quality. 

We are looking forward to our rest day tomorrow.

This is today’s profile.