Coast and Country Walking

19/01/2025

The tribe took a bit of a drive up to North Devon….and it was worth the journey.

This was one of the best days. Another great group of people on one of the most scenic walks.

The walk started and finished at the Valley of The Rocks. The route took us through Lynton and into Lynmouth. We then followed the River up to Watersmeet. Then the climbing started as we headed to Countisbury. A quick stop at the pub and then onto The South West Coast Path , which took us back to the Valley of the Rocks.

Lynmouth was the scene of one of the Countries worst weather related disasters. A flood in 1952 caused the loss of 34 lives and the destruction of an entire community.

Today we learnt a few more interesting facts, such as what a Karen Sandwich is, and where you can find a floof.

The scenery was by far the main event today. This area is a definite jewel in the crown.

Thanks everyone for making it such a great day, and thank you to the Valley Goats for making a late appearance.

I’m sure everyone will sleep well tonight. Look forward to seeing you on the next walk,

Andy

17/01/2025

Those coming on Sundays Big Day Out , this is what you can expect.

If you want to come there are a few places left.

16/01/2025

Today’s yomp started in Princetown home to the very empty Dartmoor Prison

Did you know the first prison was built by Napoleonic prisoners, as many were housed on prison ships in Plymouth (sound familiar?). It wasn’t until the mid 1800’s that it was turned into the building you see today.

We followed the old railway line out to Foggintor Granite Quarry, the source of stone used for Nelson’s Column.

Then onwards around Kings Tor and back to Princetown.

We were really lucky with the weather today. Great views whilst the rest of Devon was covered in fog.

I’d like to thank the members of the CAC Choir for their excellent rendition of Jerusalem. The WI would have been so proud 🤣🎶

We retired to the Fox Tor Cafe for refreshments before heading home.

I thoroughly enjoyed today. As ever a great bunch of people who provided plenty of humour to keep us going .

The next walk is on Sunday. This is a walk with some stunning scenery. Probably one of the best walks for beauty. However it comes at a cost. There are two big hills to conquer on the walk. If you’d like to join us there are still several places left.

Hope to see you all soon,

Andy

16/01/2025

Yesterday I went on the walk recce for Sundays Lynmouth Walk.

This is an incredible walk. The scenery is top drawer. Two significant climbs but worth it for the views.

There are still places if you would like to join

14/01/2025

Haldon Hill was the venue of today’s adventure.

The company, weather, and views were all excellent.

We welcomed two new members to our group. It was great to have you with us Jo & Pete. Look forward to seeing you both again soon.

The historical facts of the day centred around the Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) built by the Palk family. Modelled on the Shrub Hill Tower in Windsor Great Park. It was restored in 2016 and now used as a wedding venue. I’d say it probably needs another coat of paint. It was definitely worth a climb up for the view alone.

Did you know that Belvedere means a building with a view. Derives from two Italian words Bel - meaning beautiful and vedere meaning view. I don’t charge extra for the ‘interesting facts’ just call them a gift.

The walk had plenty of down hill , which meant plenty of uphill to the cafe.

We finished the day with coffee and cake. It was even nice enough to sit outside. For January that’s a result.

Thanks everyone for today. The next walk is on Thursday where we head up to Dartmoor.

See you on the next walk,

Andy

13/01/2025

Testing out the Princetown walk with vincenzostephen which is being held this Thursday. Places still remain. This one is a bit of gem with stunning views and only one hill. Book now.

12/01/2025

The next walk is on Tuesday 14th Jan at Haldon Forest.

There are some stunning views and a cafe at the end of the walk.

There are some really great people already signed up for this one. So come and join us.

11/01/2025

09/01/2025

Happy New Year 2025 - It's back to 'work'

A great start to the new year with a great group this morning.

The walk today took us from the Bowd Inn, through Harpford Woods, and onto Tipton St John. Then along the River Otter to Harpford. Back into Harpford Woods via Narnia (the group will explain). Finishing in the Bowd for lunch. Thank you once again Carol for doing an amazing job of looking after us.

We welcomed Jo and Gary to the gang today, a very warm welcome to you both.

My adventurers today tackled a little bit of mud, a few hills (less than normal), and a climb through a fallen tree. One adventurer proudly announced that she had something wet and warm on her hands. After bursts of laughter, it turned out it was Ginny the dog making herself known.

Colin won the competition for the best dance of the day, the floor routine was an award winning performance. A bit of washing for Mrs M though.

On a more serious note, I wanted to thank those who sent me messages over Xmas, telling me how much these walks had helped them. To say I was touched by them was an understatement, so thank you.

If you are reading this and thinking I'd like to be part of this group. You can.

All you need to do is fill in a really simple personal info form, link below. Then book up for a walk. This great group of people will do the rest and make sure you have a fab time.

The next walk is to Haldon, and there are still places left.

Look forward to seeing you all on the next walk,

Andy

https://coastandcountrywalking.com/personal-info-forms

08/01/2025

After a nice relaxing break, its back to work.

If you want to join me on one of the January 2025 walks you will need to get a shifty on. Tomorrow's Harpford Walk has only 3 places left.

Really looking forward to catching up with you on the trails in 2025,

Andy

03/01/2025

Devon & Cornwall is full of hidden treasures.

This is the front of Exeter Cathedral.

In 1971 archeologists excavated the area shown and found a Roman Bath House not seen for 2000 yrs

It is believed to be one of the most advanced Bath Houses ever built.

The area shown was going to be an underground car park. A church was demolished to make way for it. Archaeologists were given permission to excavate the site only to find this incredible Roman Bath House. Unfortunately there were insufficient funds to preserve it. So it was buried underneath your feet.

31/12/2024

Happy New Year to all my ramblers, followers and supporters.

Have a great evening and see you all out on the trails in 2025

Andy

24/12/2024

Merry Xmas to all my walkers, supporters and friends of Coast & Country Walking. Have a great Xmas and see you in the New Year,

Andy

23/12/2024

And that is 2024 complete....

Yesterday we did our last walk of the year in the Teign Valley, taking in the beautiful scenery from Fingle Bridge to Castle Drogo. It was mandatory for everyone to wear something Xmassy, and the team didn't let me down.

We welcomed another new member to the group, welcome Jenny it was good to see you after all this time.

As it was Xmas, the gang were permitted two refreshment stops, AND......our biggest fan (AKA My Mum, or Auntie Kathleen to many) supplied chocolate for all the walkers. I'd like to thank the staff at for making us so welcome and accomodating all the dog walkers from out of the rain. Also the staff at for making room for us on one of their busier Sundays.

I am going to take a much needed break over the next couple of weeks. So forgive me if I am a bit late answering your messages. We will return in January with some new and exciting locations to visit.

2024 is without doubt going to be one of the more memorable years for me. Coast & Country was very much in its infancy at the start of the year with just a handful of members. We now have 300 active ramblers.
Much has happened in the last 365 days, with many miles covered, and lots of new friendships made.

Its you the people that make these walks, and its you that I reserve the biggest THANK YOU.

Have a very Merry Xmas, and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year,

Andy

18/12/2024

The Xmas Countdown has commenced.

However, one member turned up for parade with the wrong equipment. The Sarge had to break out the emergency dressing up kit to save him from a beasting. ** for those attending the last walk of the season be warned. Xmas attire is mandatory or the coffees are on you. **

According to the locals, our walk took us over the Bridge of Troubled Waters. Thats right the River bridge at Bickleigh is the bridge that inspired the song by Simon and Garfunkel.

As a walking guide who prides himself on accuracy and fact, I decided to look into this. After a lengthy phone call with Mr G last night, he confirmed that this story is in fact as accurate as Mother Pengelly's seismic stick 'fact'. They wrote the song based on a gospel hymn and not Bickleigh Bridge. However in the 1960's Devon was their home and he confirmed that 'Homeward Bound' was written about a journey to Devon. We were treated to a rendition by Linda and Cathie.

All this info and a song for a fiver, talk about value for money.

Onwards to Bickleigh Castle, which last year suffered a bit of damage when the tower fell down.

The next treat of the day was finding Santa's secret reserve of reindeer, suitably disguised as deer. Rudolph had some trouble hiding the fact though.

We finished this great walk with a refreshment stop at the very popular Bickleigh Mill.

Its the last walk of the year on Sunday, and then you can rest up until the new year.

See you there,

Andy