Lynmouth and coastline

Ilfracombe was our first stop in search of the location of the watercolour painting we have inherited from Geoff's family. Whilst it was a pretty harbour town it wasn't the right place.

We then came across Holdstone Downs which turned out to be an amazing cliff top vantage point after a steep walk up. 360 degree views. The wind was so strong it was hard not to be blown over the cliff.

So rugged And beautiful

Beautiful views all around

Heddon Valley. We were going to walk there but it was so cold and time was short. Beautiful valley though.

 

Pleased with ourselves that we had saved some time there we started on towards Dunster. But we didn't get far as we came across a lovely little restored railway line and the steam train was just about to leave. It didn't go far but it was lovely English scenery.

The train was built in 1897 and had only just been recently restored.

We had a bowl of homemade vegetable soup and coffee and walnut cake in their little cafe afterwards.

We set off in the rain again and headed to Lynmouth, hoping this was the village in our painting.

Yes it was!

Definitely the same streetscape although a little changed since the painting. It was a picturesque village at the bottom of steep cliffs and the harbour with an incredible tidal range.

Last stop for the day was Dunster where there is a mill and castle.

Iron Age hillforts testify to occupation of the area for thousands of years. The village grew up around Dunster Castle which was built by William de Moyon and is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book. After the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, William de Mohun constructed a timber castle on the site as part of the pacification of Somerset. A stone shell keep was built on the motte by the start of the 12th century, and the castle survived a siege during the early years of the Anarchy. At the end of the 14th century the de Mohuns sold the castle to the Luttrell family, who continued to occupy the property until the late 20th century. During the English Civil War, Dunster was initially held as a garrison for the Royalists. It fell to the Parliamentarians in 1645 and orders were sent out for the castle to be demolished.However, these were not carried out, and the castle remained the garrison for Parliamentarian troops until 1650.

Overnight stay at the White Hart inn at Wiveliscombe.