Rob Holmes, Senior Art Editor Miles walked this month: 53

Holidaying on Devon’s north coast recently, we were keen to spend some of the break exploring locations close to our base. I mean, when you’ve driven for five hours to get there in the first place, who wants to spend much more time behind the wheel? Luckily for us, our chosen campsite was perfectly situated – just a mile or so inland and an easy stroll to the stunning Valley of the Rocks; wild and windswept and boasting the fabulous contrast of being home to both feral goats and a chocolate-box-cute tea room and garden.

Later in the week we opted to turn our backs on the honeypot beaches of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, in favour of the more local Woody Bay. As we descended the steep, zig-zagging path to the bay, (cursing myself and the kids for bringing too much ‘stuff’), I was more than aware that spirits were starting to flag.

I needn’t have worried. Our tired legs were rewarded, not with expansive golden sands, but with a charming, near-deserted rocky bay, ripe for adventure like something straight out of a Famous Five novel. With its own tiny trickle of a waterfall and an utterly gorgeous tidal bathing pool that photographers would die for, (thanks to the Victorians for that, apparently), it made for a perfect (and crowd-free) afternoon by the sea.

Note to self:

When you find yourself questioning “Was this worth the walk?”, more often than not the answer is a resounding “YES!”