Permanent Way Holiday To Dunster - Sat 24th - Wed 28th Sept

A report by our lady correspondent, Nora Cliski

Day one:

The permanent way holiday began with Corina and Adrian picking up Neil, Pete and Paul from Taunton Station. They then all travelled onto Dunster where they where staying at the Luttrell Arms Hotel, and met up with Keith B, Ian J, Martin and Bretta R. 

Martin looking out of his hotel view.

The gang then all went on down to Dunster Station to have a ride on the West Somerset Railway.

 After various stops and lunch they all marched back up the hill to get washed and brushed up for the evening meal in the hotel.

Day two:

The gang spent another day riding trains on the West Somerset Railway, with some stopping off at Watchet and Blue Anchor, and others frequenting pubs along the line.

Watchet

The gang also took in the delights of the sea air, whilst walking along some of the coast, following the railway line back to Dunster.

Day three:

Corina, Adrian, Keith, Bretta, Martin and Pete went to visit Knightshayes, a very beautiful National Trust property near Tiverton, while the remaining two stayed behind to travel on the WSR and go walking locally.

 The gang at Knightshayes

Corina, Adrian, Bretta, Martin, Pete and Keith then went on to Porlock Weir to partake of tea and cake.

Porlock Weir

In the evening the gang (minus Ian as he had left for home) went to Hathaways restaurant in Dunster where they had a very nice meal.

Day four:

The whole gang went to Lynton to where they had a cuppa up at the top of the cliff railway. Once these had been drunk they took the railway down into Lynmouth.

 After visiting the museum and taking a look at the model railway, they took the cliff railway back up,

and travelled on to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay Station.

Departing the L&B,  they drove to the Hunters Inn, where they took a walk along the riverside track down to Heddon's Mouth on the Bristol Channel. This was a lovely idyllic spot where the fresh water river meets the sea. Neil was brave and had a paddle. It was reported during the war that German U-boats quite often stopped at the mouth to take in fresh water, and also to let the sailors play footy on the beach with rolled up overalls as the ball. The bay is so hidden they were never spotted.

 Some of the gang

 Neil having a paddle

After trekking back to Hunter's Inn they partook of a cream tea and beer.

Day five:

The gang parted company as this was their last day. Corina and Adrian went to tour Dunster Castle and Mill, Bretta and Martin also toured Dunster Mill, then left to see friends near by. Keith, Neil and Pete went off on their travels home, while Paul stayed on for another day.

 Dunster Castle

A great time was had by all and they are already planning next year's jaunt.