The path starts with a steep climb up the cliff side from Hele Bay. I think I should have suspected how the how the steep the cliff walk was going to be considering I could see the gardens just down the road had shed’s half way up a hill! Someone had what seem liked the Stairway to Heaven rather than steps to their house!
I digress, the path wound through a woody area – also known as Hillsborough – despite the trees you could still see a good view through the foliage. Bizarrely the sun was out and it was hot it started to rain! Which is not good under trees – instead of sheltering they always seem to make it worse.
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| From 2009 – 13.07.2009 – South West Coast Path – Hele Bay to Ilfracombe Walk |
Luckily the rain dispersed quickly. The path got a little confusing at one point, mainly as it crosses with many public footpaths through this wood and the path has had a new diversion put in place – the new route made you climb even higher!
The path then bends around what seems to be a like a dead end, and just a view point. A wonderful view of Ilfracombe – well worth the hike from Hele Bay.
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| From 2009 – 13.07.2009 – South West Coast Path – Hele Bay to Ilfracombe Walk |
Past the view point, you have to go through a few more woods, and into open land. Such a change of scenery. The path again is bit tough to work out the route – particularly as the little acorn signs weren’t that helpful! A little guesswork was needed. On the way through Hillsborough I encountered a Helicopter display – sadly it was not a good one. Air Sea Rescue was attending a woman who had hurt herself – don’t worry she had the best care there!
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| From 2009 – 13.07.2009 – South West Coast Path – Hele Bay to Ilfracombe Walk |
Then the walk winds around to Ilfracombe, past the Swimming Pool and through the harbour. Personally I think I lost the path and made this part of the route up – but never mind – got to Ilfracombe with no problems! Particularly to recover with a short trip to the Chocolate Museum and the lovely Chocolate buttons – yum
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| From 2009 – 13.07.2009 – South West Coast Path – Hele Bay to Ilfracombe Walk |
All the photos from the walk –
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| 2009 – 13.07.2009 – South West Coast Path – Hele Bay to Ilfracombe Walk |
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