Had a fab time at Hartland Abbey at the weekend. Although not open all year round, they do open for special occasions and the Snowdrop weekend was pretty special! We borrowed a friend’s dog, doned our walking boots and set off for the mile walk through the woods towards the coast.  There were carpets of snowdrops throughout the walk – and photographers were contorting themselves in various shapes to obtain the best camera shot! The Abbey owners are really dog friendly and let well behaved dogs run off their leads – Jasper our four legged friend had a wonderful time.  The Abbey is also hosting a Daffodil day on Mothering Sunday and a Bluebell week between 22-29 April.  I have a feeling we could be borrowing Jasper for another walk…although I can’t see that he will complain!

Monday evening saw friend and I strolling along the waterfront at Appledore.  First stop was the Hockins ice cream van where we treated ourselves to a scoop of their award winning locally made ice cream resisting though the addition of clotted cream topping! Armed with our mouth watering purchases our leisurely amble continued. The balmy evening had also attracted several others who, like us, were being entertained by the many youngsters lining the sea walls with packets of bacon and crabbing buckets excitedly anticipating the big ‘un! The adults too were entertaining when it came to eventually landing the valued catch some were not as brave as they first appeared! The local brass band had also attracted quite a crowd and the dulcet tones of tuba and trombone followed us as we wandered along the quay and on through the narrow streets lined with character cottages. Many plaques still display the trades, hobbies or even names of previous inhabitants and one describing the cottage itself, simply being called The Dolls House.  Back onto the quay, passing The Beaver Inn, which was packed with locals and visitors enjoying the in-house live music.  The aroma of fish and chips tantalized our taste buds as we made our way back to our car, a very enjoyable and relaxed evening.

I visited the village of Woolacombe today, the coastline and golden sands were breath-taking.  There were plenty of shops from fresh groceries, local arts and crafts to delicious Devonshire ice-creams.  Later I enjoyed fresh fish ‘n’ chips at a nearby cafe whilst watching the sun go down…the end to a perfect day.

Next week the under 21s Atlantic Watersports Games are being held in North Devon. Competitors are coming from at least 5 countries and have competed at World and National levels. Events include surfing, surf kayaking, kite surfing, rowing, sailing and windsurfing. Bideford is hosting the opening ceremony – including afternoon and evening festivites and in addition events will be held throughout the week in Croyde, Westward Ho!, and Saunton. So why not book up one of our self-catering cottages in Croyde or in one of the other locations, watch the activities and see how much more there is to do when holidaying in Devon.

Had a great time at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington.  No matter what time of the year you visit there’s always something to see…and coffee and cake to enjoy! The snowdrops are beginning to appear – a hint of Spring – hurrah! Can’t wait to visit Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor in the next couple of weeks.

It was great to visit the local North Devon Biosphere Reserve and see the projects which are currently being focused on.  Home Farm Marsh is being restored as a wetland to encourage wildlife and birds, including lapwings to the area. A bird hide is also planned here. Annery Lime kiln, which was in operation from 1872 to 1966 and Lord Rolle’s Canal which incorporates a wheel pit chamber.  The project plans to expose part of the wheel pit and sink a shaft down so the public are able to see the depth of the original chamber the mechanism of this was attached to tub boats which helped move the barges from one level of the canal to another.  It’s amazing that all this is happening right on our doorstep and Marsdens is the only local company currently supporting these Biosphere projects.