A Grand Day Out

With yet another beautiful day forecast, we decided to make the best of the weather and go for an extended drive to the north Devon coast.
First stop was in Tiverton where we walked along the Grand Western Canal.
Even this far inland we couldn't escape the bitingly cold wind that has plagued the south coast for the last few days.

Moving rapidly on, our next stop was Tarr Steps on Exmoor. An ancient monument and an unusual 'bridge' (extra)
Tucked in the bottom of a steep valley, we were able to comfortably sit outside the inn for a drink, while half the population of Devon seemed to descend on the river.
I was very lucky to get a shot without too many extra dogs and people in it.
This spot is also a ford so someone in a 'Chelsea tractor' decided to drive back and forth several times just for the thrill of it, making as much noise as possible in the process. 
I would hazard a guess that he was a grockle (holidaymaker for the uninitiated)

Finally we reached the coast at Lynmouth where the little town was busy with visitors (main), trying to find somewhere sheltered to sit and eat their takeaway fish and chips.

We elected to drive on again along one of the narrowest lanes I've ever been on. We were in JD's pride and joy so it got a bit tense a few times when we met vehicles coming the other way. Still, the car survived unscathed and we were able to enjoy the stunning views of the wild coastline as we travelled west from the Valley of the Rocks (2nd extra) and through the Heddon Valley.

Stopped for lunch in The Hunter's Inn, where the service to all the spaced outside tables was excellent.
We were serenaded throughout by a peacock who had discovered his own reflection in a window (3rd extra). Not a bird you would expect to find in a remote valley in the depths of north Devon.

We've had a full day out (11 hours !) without any real plan. Something that I love to do but, it is an alien concept for JD who likes to plan everything. 

I would like to just add a thank you for all the stars, hearts and comments left for my hare shot from a few days ago. :-D)