The West Country Way : Day 3 Devoning

Day 3
North Curry to  Tiverton

We woke in our tiny little shepherds hut. Made tea and ate fruit bread outside.

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Packing to leave is becoming more efficient and just like the absolute thrill I get when everything fits into my bag, I feel this too with my new swanky paniers. We both just carry 2 rear paniers, mine are 20 litres each and Shelley’s about 15 each. Hers are always expertly packed and immaculately square. Mine generally have a load of crap hanging off them.
She has a top bag for her missing litres and a console bag across her handlebars for hanger preventing snacks. I too have a small pouch on my groin bar (technical name?) for map and phone.

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We pedalled off into the misty muggy morning and as we did the sun shone through. It was an easy few miles into Taunton, to be confronted with the most confusing navigation yet, on and off of the canal rerouting for structural works and such. We cut our losses and walked up the high street, taking advantage of the veg shop where we purchased tomatoes and fresh cherry’s, then the bakery for some fresh pungent sourdough.

We pushed on through the outer edgelands, mainly on cycle paths which directed us through the grounds of the college and everyone’s back gardens.

So far, I passionately recommend this route. It’s bloody stunning with plentiful features of interest every day to keep you fully impressed with the hugely varied and beautifully quaint South West. From book shop phone boxes, veg and egg stalls, stunning ‘wouldn’t it be nice to live here’ houses, dereliction and lots of cats and rabbits. Which is about as wild as it gets.

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We stopped for a pint at a pub at lunchtime and made sneaky sandwiches in the their garden in the sun. Shelley deeply regretted the lethargy which ensued after that pint. Which I can gaurentee won’t stop her from having another in the future. I, on the other hand, had no regrets.

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Soon, and after much jelly legged undulations, we were back on the canal path.

We took a break by the river and were passed by two monster bikes. They looked flat pack resembling Bromptons, battery-powered, with wheels the width of my face, storming down the canal path.

A few miles on, one of the riders was sprawled on the floor, bike on its side in the middle of the path with a gash on her knee so deep I could see her inner workings.

Her partner was totally helpless and suggested calling an ambulance. Their car was about a kilometre up the track and they basically had motorbikes. I cleaned her gaping stomach turning wound with water and patched her up with the limited supply from my cruddy zip-lock first aid kit, the contents of which were definitely in date… At some point. A while ago… They motored off up the track. I suggested we follow behind in case she does it again. I think she appreciated that comment. Nonetheless that was our good deed for the day.

A few miles on we branched off into a beautiful woodland trail which snuck us into Tiverton.

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We stopped off in town to restock the first aid kit and resupply on a few essentials. Here we were booked into the Lowman Pub, which turned out to be an excellent idea. After lugging all our stinky clothes to the laundrette, only to find they didn’t sell laundry powder, we discovered the proprietor of the Lowman was more than happy to do it for us for free. Our bikes were securely stored under cover and we ordered large glasses of wine. Super.

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We popped off to the local Italian which was swelteringly hot inside but much to my delight, served massive portions of food. Shelley kicked my butt at rummie and I didn’t finish my pizza. Miracles occurring, every day.

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03.08.21

Miles: less than yesterday but, still loads