Week 1: The New Forest to Devon

After a few days visiting Yvette's family in Essex we headed straight down to the New Forest. It's an area we know well but we never get bored of the locals who like to pop in to say hi!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Aldridge Hill Campsite near Brockenhurst (can you spot Gordon?)

After a few long walks and bike rides (plus a trip to the local for Happy Hour) in the New Forest it feels like we left home weeks ago (can't believe it's just been a few days)... it's such an easy place to relax and switch off but having spent a lot of time here before, we're keen to get going further along the coast to find some new places.

Next stop Devon... and a tiny little campsite (really just a field) with a great view, a few miles away from Beer but for £8 a night we couldn't ask for more.

We spent out first morning in Devon walking along the South West Coast path from Beer to Branscombe, it is a beautiful stretch of coast and the perfect way to relax after a slightly hair-raising drive to Beer. Thanks John for recommending this area and section of the coast path, we're hoping to do a lot more of this!

Endless views from the cliff tops on the way to Branscombe

One of several breaks... coast path miles are much longer than regular miles!

Branscombe Beach

It was a hot day so we made sure Bear had plenty of water breaks and some help up the steeper sections

After a quick pit stop back at the campsite and a slightly less stressful drive out of Beer, we headed over to the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth. I've never seen happier looking donkeys.

• 

• 

• 

We've been so lucky with the weather, it's really made the first week!

Having experienced some of the Devon roads and added a few adventure scratches to the van on the way back from Beer... I think I've earned a Beer!

Thanks for reading, Steve.

P.S. we've decided to take it in turns to blog, so Yvette will be doing the next one (she's already making plans for Bear's birthday in a few weeks time).