On a cloudy overcast morning I set out via Holyford woods on my walk to Sidford. Last year suicidal squirrels were a problem, but they have been replaced in 2012 by Badgers. I found two of them who had not managed to cross the road dead in the hedgerow. The route I decided to take in order to get fit for my Crediton to Bath Journey in May turned out to be very hilly and over the 14.5 miles I climbed 2,500 feet. I must be getting fitter however as I no longer seem to get blisters on my feet. Gently rubbing in some Vaseline before I start seems to have done the trick! Throughout most of my journey I hardly saw anybody as I walked through quiet Devon villages and over the hills. I was greeted in the small village of Farway by some rather splendid chickens who clucked at me as I stopped for a drink. Out of Farway the road climbs steeply for two miles with one 15% hill followed by two 25% gradient hills. To my surprise when I reached the top I reached a minor road at Roncombe and descended a 33% gradient road ! The local kennels who are situated on the hill advise owners to park their car at the top of the hill, I could see why. I then took the winding roller coaster path down through the woods and finally emerged at Sidford. I ate some jelly babies and reflected on a job well done!
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