April 2021 – Duggies Adventures

12 – 17 April 2021

This is a good time to introduce our new addition to the family. Buddy, rescued from Cyprus, joined us in February (2021) as a nervous and timid dog (not the impression you get from the photo right!), around the age of 10 months.

Buddy was used to roaming the streets of Cyprus which has its freedom but also its dangers hence the nervousness. He didn’t know how to walk through a doorway, it took us ages to get him in the house first time. He hadn’t actually ever been in a house. The stairs freaked him out. Glass doors were very confussing. Toilet time was whenever and wherever…that had to stop!

Then we introduced Buddy to Duggie.

It was love at first sight.

Duggie is now known as Buddy’s van.

It’s been a long time since our last trip due to covid lockdown and winter so we’ve been really looking forward to this one. We were lucky to find a pitch anywhere as motorhome sales are through the roof and so are campsite bookings. I think this site had a cancellation and we called at the right time so it was meant to be.

This is his Buddy’s first trip away from the drive. Our first visit to Newberry Valley Park, in fact our first visit to Combe Martin.

This is what we found.

A fully serviced pitch with lots of space around us and a wooden bench which was so incredibly useful, we can’t understand why all pitches don’t have them. We were opposite a beautiful lake and had full view. I’ll let the photos do the talking.

The lake is such a great addition to this site. It’s very tranquil in the morning for early dog walks and by afternoon populated with fishermen who are so friendly and love a good natter. The lake has a lot of natural wild flowers which gave me (Sam) the perfect opportunity to do some macro photography.

The lake is beautiful.

The site itself has some wonderful facilities.

Toilet and shower block with laundry and washing up
Handy shop with essentials
Local bakers and butchers orders (collect from reception)
Pizza nights
Beautiful Lake
Woodland Walks
Meadow
Dog field
Play park for children

In additional to all these added extras the staff are really friendly and always helpful if in need.

Combe Martin itself is beautiful little coastal village that boasts the longest high street in England which is over two miles long (we walked most it, its long!)

There are two separate beaches, one is sandy and the other pebbly. During summer months dogs aren’t allowed on the bigger sandy beach but its April so Buddy’s first sea experience (with us anyway) was here at Combe Martin.

Now I know I said he was shy, nervous and timid when he came to us but Duggie has helped him overcome his nerves and gain a bit of confidence to just let go…

On the sandy beach is an interesting coastline with hidden caves, rock pools and nook and crannys.

The village has an array of independent shops including a convenience store, gift shop, postoffice, fish and chip shop, cafes, bistros, pet supplies etc… and also some rather nice looking pubs. As we’re in covid times, we avoided what we could but it seems like there’s everything you need.

Back at the site there’s a dog walking field although you need to be quite fit to scale its great incline.