Two long car rides, a brother and sister-in-law in new surroundings and lunch on Berry Head

Wednesday 4th October 2017
Early morning start with packing of the car. We got away from St Ives soon after 9 and made our way up to Paignton with the weather improving during the morning. We made good time and hung about a bit waiting for Martin to come home from work. It was lovely to see the flat where they have been for 2 and a half years – in a bit of a state of turmoil as they were waiting to have carpets laid in the bedrooms.
With dog, we were driven by Martin to Berry Head, which is the point at the south end of Torbay, above Brixham, and where there is an excellent café. We had a bit of a mooch round the point after lunch, and the scenery was spectacular – blue seas and skies and masses of them. We could see the cliffs of Sidmouth and beyond, towards where Andrew lives. Looking south, the sun was sparkling on the sea and we watched several boats and ships out on the water.
Back at the flat, we had to leave so that both of them could get off to do a couple of jobs.
With a bit of a long drive up to Nailsworth, we stopped at the Gloucester services for a cup of tea and Ian took over. By the time we arrived at Egypt Mill, it was getting dark. The mill is a stunning collection of buildings – the mill itself, where the bar and restaurant are – and conference facilities upstairs, a separate house, which is where our room was in the roof, on the second floor, and another old industrial building with more rooms. It sits on the River Frome, which we walked along in August, near Wareham.
Excellent meal in the restaurant – I had salmon in a lobster bisque with champ and poached pak choi, and Ian had chicken breast. We shared a rice pudding – which turned out to be a bit ridiculous.

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