Today we left leaving Lydford and headed towards Crediton
We were joined today by Gordon, Darren (kindly driving our stuff around), Jonathan and John – their support by joining us is really appreciated.
The original Anglo-Saxon names for the Lydford were Hlidaford or Hlidan, from hlid, meaning a cover or lid, referring to the almost perfect concealment of the river beneath the chasm at the bridge, and ford crossing. Over the years the name mutated via Lyghatford, Lidefort and Lideford to the contemporary spelling. Running south-west from the village is Lydford Gorge, a 1.5-mile (2.4-km) wooded gorge which has been cut through the slate rock by the River Lyd. The gorge is noted for its 30-metre (100 ft) waterfall.
After a brief spell on the A386 we left the road and moved into Dartmoor National Park – this involved some fence climbing to get down to our path – and took a scenic path to Okehampton. Not much to see but plenty of farmland and even more corn.
Lunch (pre-purchased in a great Okehampton bakery) was in the corner of a field as it was the only respite available from the busy road we were walking along. We then passed through the village of Bow – it looked like it had once been a really pretty village but now looked very unloved – such a shame!
Our 200 km milestone came (and went) just before we passed through another pretty village, Coleford, which had retained its “chocolate box” character.
Not too long after that we arrived in Crediton – our hotel is a Motorcycle sales/repair shop with rooms and a coffee bar. Sounds strange but very comfortable but “it works”. Today’s route was mercifully much flatter.
Tomorrow we head for Wellington.
Todays map and elevation profile
Great photos; very picturesque scenery!