Three friends and I decided to look to do some different activities – we had enjoyed a sea-life safari from Padstow earlier in the year and now we had decided to take a day trip to Lundy Island. Lundy is a granite outcrop about 10 miles out in the sea from North Devon. We were due to sail on the Tuesday morning at 8am, and had to be booked in by 7.15am. We would have several hours on the island, leaving again at 17.30. The 10+ mile boat trip takes 2 hours each way
We had looked at various options for accommodation the night before, due to the early start, but agreed that we didn’t want to pay a fortune for one night somewhere when we would be up early and unlikely to get the full benefit. In the end I suggested camping, which Jacky and Sarah were happy to do, but Sue stated ‘I don’t do camping’ – she decided to drive up on the Tuesday morning and meet us in Bideford.
Jacky and I thought we would make a day of it on the Monday and visit Rosemoor on the way, RHS garden near Torrington. We wandered around after lunch there and did the obligatory browsing in the shop on the way out. We couldn’t resist buying a rose with the same name as Sue, as an early birthday present, and perhaps an apology for camping!
During a convoluted journey to the campsite at Westacott Farm, travelling down small bi roads as directed by google maps instead of the more obvious in to Bideford and out again along the A39, we bought some fresh milk from a farm. Sarah arrived at the campsite the same time as we did and we found a relatively flat pitch for 2 vans and 2 tents. The location on top of a hill was lovely for the sunrise the next morning, but very exposed to the wind in the night.
The crossing to Lundy was very smooth, on what was promising to be a beautiful day. The boat seemed crowded with over 250 passengers and 8 crew. Not only does the boat take over visitors but it is also a lifeline for those living on the island – we saw them hoisting big tanks of fresh water and also a new coastguard jeep
There is a relatively steep track from the jetty up to the island, with the main buildings clustered at the top, including a church, pub, shop and holiday accommodation
Following a suggestion on the map we had been given we headed west, towards the ‘Old Lighthouse’ positioned to the south of the island. The island is conveniently positioned north to south so navigation is fairly simple. The lighthouse has a spiral staircase inside, with 147 steps, getting progressively narrower, with deckchairs at the top overlooking the view
Sue decided against the climb and instead watched a shepherd trying to round up his sheep and stop them jumping over the wall around the lighthouse.
I had thought to bring my dog, Harry, but in the end left him home because of the forecast ‘heatwave’. It was a good job I did as it turned out that no pets, including dogs, are allowed on the island, in order to protect the wildlife. The island is famous for its puffins (although we didn’t see any, and in fact were surprised at the lack of many birds at all), and also an acknowledged breed of pony (the ‘lundy pony’). Other animals on the island are soay sheep, sika deer, goats and highland cattle, as well as the usual rabbits etc – it is probably a good job Harry wasn’t there as he would have had a field day chasing everything around!
We (Jacky) decided we should reach the northern end whilst we were there, and so after a picnic we marched on, enjoying the scenery on the way
At the northern point there is another lighthouse. This one is closed to the public, but the walk across a bridge and down lots of steps to reach it was enough anyway. Again Sue sensibly opted out, and instead stayed watching seals playing in the sea below
It had taken quite a while to reach this northern point so we decided to walk back along the main track through the middle of the island. In retrospect this was probably a mistake, as it was now hot, and the view wasn’t as interesting as around the coast. By the time we got back to the ‘village’ we were very thirsty and had drunk all our water. Due to the recent heat the island was struggling for water, with some toilets closed, and requests to only flush if necessary. We went into the shop to buy water and a fizzy drink and were pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the prices were.
After a rest in the shade we made our way back towards the ferry, stopping at the beach for a swim – well I sat on the beach and looked after the bags! The rocks were very slippery and slimy and my feet had had about enough after what turned out to be more than 10 miles of walking so I opted out
We had had a great day, made much more pleasant by the glorious sunshine. Whilst it was an interesting island to visit, without being able to take a dog, and not having a huge interest in birdwatching I am not sure it is somewhere I would re-visit. Certainly wouldn’t have been the same if it had rained or been covered by fog as is not unusual.
