Tuesday 9th Feb 2016 – 196.94 miles
We said our goodbyes to Greta and her family this morning and started on our way around 7.30. Thanks for everything Greta and Stuart, Gareth, Rachael and Thurza – we enjoyed your company and thanks for being our haven during the storm.
We were heading for Thorverton and then on to Silverton. The weather was kind to us today. Noticeably cooler but dry. Just before we arrived at Thorverton, Jan Birmingham stopped her car to wish us well. Thanks Jan. We gave her one of our flyers. We had a short break in Thorverton – a very pretty village and we would like to have stopped for longer but we needed to keep going. We crossed the river Exe which was still very high.
Walked on across the main road and up a country lane. More uphill again! Silverton was a welcome sight at the top of the hill. We stopped for a break and to pick up some food for the next day or so.
Had a good rest as we knew that we had a long climb ahead. As we were leaving Silverton we met James Blackburn who wished us well. He said that we had quite a climb but that the view from the top would be worth the effort. He also told us that the pub in Butterleigh has very good beer. Thanks James.
He was right. The views were amazing.
Quite a climb though! Ups and downs followed then we arrived at Butterleigh. The Butterleigh Inn was a welcome sight.
We walked in and asked if there was anywhere that we could pitch our tent for the night. Jo kindly offered the field at the back of the pub. We accepted and, instead of our usual pot of tea for two, we ordered 2 pints of Dartmoor Jail ale!
Jo showed us round to the field and we were just deciding where to put the tent when it started to hail.
Jo came out and said that it was too cold to be out and they had a b&b room available – no charge as their contribution to Macmillan. Again, the kindness of strangers. Thanks Jo and Matt.
Jo showed us to our room and we relaxed with a cuppa. Later we took a stroll across the road to the parish church. What a gem! Such a pretty little church.
Sat for a while then looked around. Amazing old alms box dated 1629.
No matter where we go, each church has its own individuality and beauty.
After a relaxing afternoon and a lovely hot shower we went down to the bar and ordered a “Proper Job” beer each. We decided to have cod and chips for supper – good choice!
We received several donations from customers in the bar – thank you Pete, Geoff and Peter (the masked man) ☺ and someone paid for our supper as their contribution – thank you Simon and Amanda. Our thanks to everyone at the Butterleigh Inn.
This morning, when Dave made tea he said “I wonder where we’ll end up tonight.”
glad you ave made Butterleigh today and you are safe.
Thanks Greta. You were right, the church at Butterleigh is lovely. Take care. X
what lovely people you are meeting xx