To a Long Steep Hill

  Budliegh Salterton to Sidmouth 6 miles John drives us to Budleigh Salterton, where we finished last year.   He has just retired and seems happy to be our chauffeur. It’s a glorious morning, and the forecast is set fair for at least the week.   Since we were last here, the wetlands scheme has been completed, and we are fortunate to arrive at high tide.   The whole valley of the River Otter is flooded, including the cricket ground.   Amazing.                                               The new wetlands at Budliegh Salterton We walk up the Otterton path which now has water and bird watching hides on both sides. We stop for coffee in the Ladram Bay caravan park.   Chris sees desecration of the landscape.   I see inexpensive holidays for families which can’t afford hotels.   I do admit she has a point. ...

  This time is special.   We will be walking through Sidmouth where I was born.   Coincidentally my daughter Becky lives at West Hill a few miles from Sidmouth, and we are hoping to persuade her to walk with us on at least one day. We leave after lunch and are in West Hill by five o’clock.   As we are early, we go to the shop and buy picnic supplies.   Becky and John have cooked a Sunday roast dinner.   Grandson Will is at home so it’s an enjoyable evening.   Will is studying at UWE in Bristol, but is an accomplished chef in his spare time, and is spending the   weekend working on the River Exe floating restaurant.