Motoring Holidays
The Coast of North Devon SE magnificence of North Devon lies in the wildness f its country and steepness of its coast. Whether you uch its western extremity at Hartland or its eastern extremity t Porlock, the same steep, rocky cliffs and deep, bracken- valleys are there to greet you. Most of the way the main d hugs the coast so closely that you need be a practised torist to feel no thrill in climbing its hills and descending valleys.
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However, the worst hills are avoidable. At the side of mitt& Hill another road has been constructed with a better ace and a lower gradient and the shilling toll charged well worth the more comfortable journey. Again, to reach -nton, you are not obliged to climb Lynton Hill, which has one-in-four gradient and a hairpin bend. Once you have mpleted the long, steady descent of Countisbury Hill into 'mouth, you may take the left-hand hill out of the village , by making a detour of four and a half miles, reach -nton. The entrance into this lovely resort is also its "- • This road continues for seven miles to the crossroads Mackmoor Gate, where to the left it cuts across the heart Exmoor Forest, while to the right lies Ilfracombe. Four from Lynton another steep descent of one in six has to negotiated into Parracombe village, with an equally eep ascent out of it - Easier driving is experienced along the Ilfracombe road, main hill being a long, gently winding descent into eombe town. The promenades of this resort-unquestion- r the premier watering-place on the North Devon Coast- exceedingly well planned. Leading to the south there are roads, both towards Barnstaple. The main road has an lent surface, as also has its continuation through Bideford Hartland. Most motorists will, however, prefer the teary exit. At a distance of three miles along this route branch road takes you into Mortehoe and its neighbouring
Woolacombe, justly famed for its glorious sandy bay. must return the same way to the main road, along which, few miles further, is Braunton.. Although the village itself of no Particular importance, it is the nearest to that delightful hole golf course on Saunton Sands. Earnstaple is the natural centre of North Devon-six main converge here-and it is always a busy town. Despite its easy accessibility to all parts of the coast makes it obvious touring headquarters. The nearest town, Bideford, heless, claims many visitors, particularly golfers, owing its Proximity to the championship course at Westward Ho is in no way a disparagement of the hotels near the during the summer these are so popular that it is It to get rooms there.
'velly is so famous that it needs but little comment. Its sheet consists of stone steps from the summit of the to the shore. Visitors leave their cars in a sheltered place, erected by the authorities to accommodate a hundred cars at one time, and petrol service is given 1 6, here. The Hobby Drives' in-the woods of Clovelly Court are celebrated. Hartland does not compare with Clovelly, but your journey should not end at the village. Two miles or so further on is Hartland Point, a pretty and peaceful spot wirth a private road leading to a very hospitable hotel almost on the shore. For lunch, tea or a night's stay, a visit here is well worth while: C. A. R.
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