Ive just come back from a 2 week break back home in North Devon. I stayed at my mum’s place in the coastal village of Braunton. Worked from home in the bedroom and got out for some nice walks. Get ready for a nice post about a cosy trip back to see family for Christmas.

A snowy flight from Glasgow airport, Friday December 16th was a nice way to start (see below).

This was a Loganair flight. Because it was delayed we were given a complimentary cup of tea and a biscuit on the flight; a nice touch! I arrived in Exeter early afternoon.

My mum and her friend who drove picked me up from the airport. Best part of an hour’s drive to my mum’s bungalow in Braunton. Really nice of her friend to give me a lift; gave him a bottle of whiskey for the trouble. Was great to be home! Mum made dinner and we watched a bit of telly.

The next day we took a walk to Crow point dunes and beach. One of the least touristy beaches in the North Devon Area. This was used in location filming for ITV’s recent drama The Long Call.

It has an undisturbed charm and great for taking dogs for a stretch.

Its absolutely stunning. These pictures were taken just after lunchtime.

There are small boats moored up, some left.

The path from the carpark to the greater expanse of the beach is along this wooden path to the right known as the Boardwalk.

Grassy, mossy dunes on either side.

When you reach the beach at the end, you can see the see the villages of Instow and Appledore from across the River Torridge.

To me this place is home and i have been coming here all my life. It reminds me off walks with our family boxer dog.

There is an old lighthouse aswell, there for as long as i can remember. People have also put together a small hut with the beach logs. Went back after the walk and we watched a movie.

The next day i went into the market town of Barnstaple to do some Christmas shopping. Went in and back on the bus and bought presents for family. Green Lanes shopping centre is ok and you find enough standard high street names for a town of its size. Was back home to mum’s in time for the World Cup Final and we all know what an epic that turned out to be, so a good day.

On my next day off, me an my mum went to the seaside village of Woolacombe. Heaving with tourists in the summer, but peaceful in quiet at this time of year. A Tidal and windy sea.

Had a nice walk down on Barricane beach as you head on the rocky terrain towards Morte Point. If you head out that far you can spot seals playing if you get lucky. It is my favourite beach in North Devon. I was lucky enough to live and work in Woolacombe in summer 2013 and loved it.

Some things have changed. More holiday homes, airbnbs etc. The landscape is just as beautiful though and the same as I remember it. In Barricane, In the summer you can see kids tombstoning and there is pop-up cabin where you can a buy a very nice Sri Lankan curry to eat on the beach.

Rock points where you can climb and get stranded on like real grockles, when the tide comes in.

As you head back into the main village along the parking spots you the view of the main beach as you can see below:

Was a lovely day of walking. If you do want to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat there are a handful of pubs and cafes that are open all year round. The Beachcomber by the esplanade carpark is the perfect sport for a fried breakfast.

That evening I saw some friends at The White Lion Pub in Braunton for a pint. We took a drive to the lay-by above Saunton beach and you could see the village of Clovelly lit up across the coast.

The next day was Christmas eve. I had a half day of work, then took walk with mum for an hour up lanes near home. Later had a few pints with mates at the Williams Arms pub in Wrafton at the other end of Braunton. A bit of festive cheer with some beers. In bed late and then up Christmas morning.

Family came round Christmas day. 4 of us altogether. Ma’s dinner was great. The rest of us waited patiently like the children we are. Swapped presents and watched movies with drinks later. I read a bit and we watched French Connection 2 with a few shots of this Tequila to stay warm.

The next 2 days was nice free family time.

Boxing Day took a walk up the muddy tracks out Braunton towards the village of Knowle.

Passed an old mill and found St Brannoc’s Catholic Church, which is deep in the woods.

You wouldn’t find it by accident.

One of my presents was a few cans of a Lithuanian beer that I enjoyed that night.

Went into Barnstaple on 27th with mum and then then stayed in the last few days before flying back to Glasgow on the 30th.

All in all a lovely break back home.

I look forward to telling you about North Devon in the summer months aswell.

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Safe Travels!