I was thinking about going to Lundy on Friday. I like small islands and this one has interested me for a while. I noticed on the map that in summer the ferry goes from Ilfracombe which is where I want to finish walking my bit of the coastal path.
I spent today, or at least this afternoon, wandering around Minehead; partly to give my knees a rest ready for my big walk tomorrow, but also to research logistics for my next few days walking. Whilst in the tourist office I picked up some leaflets on Lundy and then settled into a nice cafe (The Creamery) for a delicious late lunch and to study them.
Unfortunately the times of the ferries are such that I’d only have four hours on the island. It’s 3 miles long and half a mile wide and there are quite a few things to see – seals, ruins, views. To circumambulate the island would be about 7 miles so it is doable in 4 hours, but I’d feel rushed and like I couldn’t stop to enjoy it. If I was staying longer I could get the ferry from Bideford instead and have about 8 hours on the island, but it’s not to be. And at £30 return with National Trust membership (more without) I don’t want to go for quick whiz round – I want to have time to explore properly. So that’s on hold.
What was interesting on the leaflet though was the helicopter service. It seems to only be out of season and is £99 return. This is going on a Monday and returning on a Friday. Maybe this would be too long for such a small place, but if I just wanted a relaxing half term to camp, walk, read, write and think then this could be good.
When I tick the ride in a helicopter task off my list I want to actually go somewhere in the helicopter, not just do a scenic ride. I had intended it to be the Scilly Isles, but now Lundy is a real contender as well.
