Bank Holiday Half Century Fun

Rectory Farm Brit Stop: first time on a Brit Stop despite paying for it for 2 years! 2.5 hours drive from home, to break up the trip to Devon, and worth a recommendation. We arrived just after 8pm and had the choice of the tarmac car park in front of the shop and cafe or grassed overflow areas. We picked the level tarmac for ease and because it was late and we were hungry.

The gate was locked about 9ish, and it was quiet out all night, although H did say that the bird noises vexed him. I mean, there were some irritating nocturnal noises, but they were more from inside than out.

Quick budget breakdown so far”

105 on diesel

14 on gas

0 on stopping over

56 on farmers breakfast at the cafe.

Lovely quiet spot – all to ourselves tonight

Had a good chat to Mrs Woman before leaving and she was very nice and gave me some more info which encouraged me to think of going back again, we left mid morning ish and headed across country towards the South West.

Kingsbridge cattle market carpark is the only one in town which welcomes motorhomes, we know this from our last visit, described here. We took an hour or so to walk around and have the regulation ice creams, but avoided disappointment on the pasty front before heading out to the campsite at Slapton.

A pleasant surprise when Mrs Woman refunded me 39 quid as I’d mistakenly booked on as a non-member, and we got settled on pog no. 3 before trotting down the hill for refreshments at the Start Bay Inn.

It is a long walk, and you can’t avoid part of it being on shingle, but it was worth it for a brace of Salcombe Gin & Tonics and a pint of prawns.

Salcombe Dairy ice cream in Kingsbridge 16 quid for 4 x single scoops

Start Bay Inn Saturday 96 quid

Dartmouth park and ride was park but don’t ride, 2 buses on a Sunday by all accounts. No parking to be had for the Big Red Van in town even after several circuits.

Higher Ferry towards Brixham then, but the Pirate Festival meant that the only car park in town where the red bus fits is also closed along with several roads, so back to Dartmouth in less than an hour.

Roadside parking was suddenly an option, so out we got for refreshment and a stroll.

Dartmouth pasties from the Bakehouse 22 quid for 4 and substandard. With it being Sunday, we headed into the first pasty-monger we found and then, of course, saw all kinds of golden loveliness thereafter.

Yarde Dairy ice creams at Edwards Fudge Kitchen in Dartmouth 15.50 for 4 x single scoops with fudge filled cones (which were mank and had to be thrown away). Avoid both in future.

Sparkling wine from Sharpham estate purchased almost made up for the pasty let-down.

Back to the camp and a slow meander to the pub via some scufting on the beach.