Testing the Waters

2020 is a special year for us as it marks our 40th wedding anniversary, early in the year we excitedly planned 40 things that we wanted to do, see or visit during the year from concerts to return trips to places that hold a special memory for us.  We booked caravan sites throughout 2020 to enable us to achieve our 40 for 40  but following the emergence of  Coronavirus and the subsequent Pandemic our bookings were cancelled one after the other as the country and individuals headed into Lockdown. We stayed at home, discovered new walks from our doorstep and waited.  In early July it was announced that caravan sites could re-open providing they met safety standards.  We rearranged our bookings and headed to Exebridge Lakeside CAMC site to visit one of our most loved places Exmoor. 

The wardens had contacted us in advance of our stay, we had chosen our arrival time, our pitch and paid our site fees.  When we got to the site we were greeted by a friendly warden who handed us an envelope which contained wristbands, instructions regarding the safety measures in place and a barrier fob.  The wrist bands were for use at the toilet block no more than three people could be in the block at any one time, you hung your band on one of the hooks outside and went in, if all hooks are used you would need to wait until someone comes out.  It’s a really simple idea.

We settled in quickly, the site was relatively busy but peaceful.

There is lots to see and do in the area and we know it well, we drove to Dulverton a delightful little town with a range of shops, just out of town on Northmoor Road is The Exclusive Cake Company who sell the most delicious pies. We treated ourselves to a pie each, a Steak and Stilton and a Venison and Port, they also sell scrummy cakes, cheese scones and bread.

Exmoor has some wonderful places to explore, we were anxious to avoid crowds so enjoyed walks along the river Barle, drove out of Dulverton towards Exford over Winsford Hill taking in the views as we went.  

For a change we took the toll road out of Porlock avoiding the famously steep Porlock Hill (the views from the top overlooking the sea always take my breath away) and on into Lynmouth for fish and chips.  We did venture to the Valley of Rocks but the car parks were very busy so we didn’t stop.

It was a very enjoyable short break away, we felt very safe on site and out and about.  We are now looking forward to our next venture, can’t wait to get back out there