Woke this morning to clear skies and the promise of another adventure . . . today we head to Exeter. However, after another full English breakfast, Gypsy and I first hike down to Lustleigh to explore more of the village. Walking down the lane past The Cleve, we follow the footpath past cute English cottages that open onto a community field where children play and soccer matches take place on weekends. Walking by the church we are drawn in by the sound of the organist practicing for Sunday's service. Such a beautiful treat!
Once back at Highfield House, we meet up with Petunia and head off to Exeter. Our destination is the Exeter Cathedral. Admittedly, I love churches — particularly old ones. The engineering feats of their massive structure, statuary, finely woven cloths, massive pipe organs, and acoustics that all speak to my soul. I also love lingering scents of mire and frankincense as well as the memories of countless prayers, vows and remembrances that linger invisibly throughout.
Properly know as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, it is an Anglican church dating back to 1050BC. However, the present building was not completed until about 1400BC. It as the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England — over 300 feet — that immediately took by breath away.
Properly know as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Exeter, it is an Anglican church dating back to 1050BC. However, the present building was not completed until about 1400BC. It as the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England — over 300 feet — that immediately took by breath away.
Afterwards we explored shops around the Cathedral before making our way to an outdoor farmer's market of sorts where we purchased a number tasty lunch items including Scotch Eggs, bulgar and wheat berry salad, homemade brownies and more!
Our next stop on our journey back to Lustleigh was Canonteign Falls — "home to England's highest manmade waterfall — an example of a Victorian folly, the falls descend over 70 meters in a magical natural paradise. The drive here through Devon's Teign Valley is spectacular.
Canonteign has a long history that starts with the first Viscount Exmouth, Edward Pellew. Having achieved naval honors and knighthood, he bought the Canonteign Estate. He went on to win more honors, was made a Baron and took the title Lord Exmouth and the distinction of Vice Admiral of All England. The latter title he shared with his peer Lord Horatio Nelson.
Though Sir Edward preferred living near the sea at Teignmouth, his son Pownall (second Lord Exmouth) and his wife took residence at Canonteign. During the mining boom a London banker and entrepreneur opened a mine on the Estate, the waterfall was diverted from its original course to power the mine. In 1880, after the mining boom ended, the 3rd Lady Exmouth decided to re-divert the water to cascade over a nearby massive rock formation, forming the waterfall.
Canonteign has a long history that starts with the first Viscount Exmouth, Edward Pellew. Having achieved naval honors and knighthood, he bought the Canonteign Estate. He went on to win more honors, was made a Baron and took the title Lord Exmouth and the distinction of Vice Admiral of All England. The latter title he shared with his peer Lord Horatio Nelson.
Though Sir Edward preferred living near the sea at Teignmouth, his son Pownall (second Lord Exmouth) and his wife took residence at Canonteign. During the mining boom a London banker and entrepreneur opened a mine on the Estate, the waterfall was diverted from its original course to power the mine. In 1880, after the mining boom ended, the 3rd Lady Exmouth decided to re-divert the water to cascade over a nearby massive rock formation, forming the waterfall.
Driving back to Lustleigh, we pass by the entrance to Canonteign Barton, the old manor house, and around the bend Wheal Exmouth, the old tin mine. The latter building has been converted into a residence that is for sale . . . oh, so tempting!
The roads are narrow, winding and thanks to our GPS generally lead us on adventures. This time, we find ourselves on a dirt track where we encounter a tractor head on — thankfully it is noisy and Gypsy is driving very slowly and cautiously. The encounter requires only a short back up on our part, as the tractor heads off on a different track. Next, we meet an equestrian, who eyes us with a look that makes us think perhaps this route is not advisable. Soon, however, the landscape opens up to reveal pastureland with grazing cows that come over to say, "hi!" when we stop to photograph them and stretch our legs. Then sheep. After a time, the dirt track meets up with pavement and we find ourselves on a familiar road that leads us back to Highfield House.
The roads are narrow, winding and thanks to our GPS generally lead us on adventures. This time, we find ourselves on a dirt track where we encounter a tractor head on — thankfully it is noisy and Gypsy is driving very slowly and cautiously. The encounter requires only a short back up on our part, as the tractor heads off on a different track. Next, we meet an equestrian, who eyes us with a look that makes us think perhaps this route is not advisable. Soon, however, the landscape opens up to reveal pastureland with grazing cows that come over to say, "hi!" when we stop to photograph them and stretch our legs. Then sheep. After a time, the dirt track meets up with pavement and we find ourselves on a familiar road that leads us back to Highfield House.
A quick change and we are ready to head to dinner with our host Paul to celebrate our stay in Devon. Our destination is The Turtley Corn Mill, in South Hams. Situated on six-acres, the family-owned property is both a pub and bed & breakfast inn. The menu is traditional using locally sourced foods. Unfortunately, I was unimpressed by my meal so didn't photograph it.
Returning home, I begin organizing and packing my things in readiness for our early morning commitments and trip back to London tomorrow. I'm already missing Devon and Lustleigh as I drift off to sleep.