Sheepwash Chronicle Autumn 2016 edition

An hour into the outbound voyage we are leaving Bideford Bay and into the Bristol Channel with the north
Devon coastline now left far behind on the horizon. Ahead there is the first glimpse of Lundy in glorious
isolation. Another hour and we are approaching the rugged precipitous cliffs of the south edge of the
island. The dock is in sight and soon we are pulling alongside for disembarking.
Our first stop
is the Marisco Tavern for lunch, and what a welcome rest
that is! At this point I decide that the island and buildings are
very reminiscent of the highlands and islands of Scotland,
with a strong pioneering feel. Lunch is appetising and
reasonably priced, and washed down with a glass of dry
white wine. All refreshed, we continue our exploration of the
table top of the island.
There is a guide available as we wander up the gradient to
the main footpath, but we decide to explore on our own
using the useful map provided by the Oldenburg. We start
our ascent along the steep and winding path up to the
village on the top of Lundy. The weather is fair but sticky,
and frequent rests are required along the route. We pass
Millcombe House, the fine Georgian residence of a former
owner of Lundy. The narrow track then turns into a series of
stone steps up to a field where we turn to the west and
approach the stern grey stone walls of the village buildings.
We move on to Beacon Hill and towards the Old Light, a now
redundant lighthouse converted into holiday
accommodation. The tower rises above and we all agree to
ascend to the top for that special photo opportunity. The top of the tower
is crowned with a bronze weathervane that was made by a company in
Torrington that I worked for as a consultant back in the mid-nineties.
After the lighthouse, a walk to the Battery, a
remnant of old defences on the west coast,
with fabulous views and another welcome
resting point. (I should point out that no
puffins are seen on this trip, apart from me
when out of breath!)
This is the extent of our walk and, with just
four hours on the island soon over, we head
back to the jetty where the Oldenburg awaits.
The return voyage, relaxing in the saloon bar, takes us back along the north
Devon coast to Ilfracombe, where the tide is still high enough to dock at 5.00
p.m. Verity looms above as we tie up and disembark, and a waiting coach whisks us back to Bideford and
our car for the journey back to Sheepwash.
Paul Wheeler
27
Day return to Lundy on
the MS Oldenburg
£36.
Child under 16
£18.50.
Family ticket
(2 adults and 2 children)
£82.
Each additional child £10.
Infants free of charge.