A wonderful walk to a secret water mill

What a find we had on Sunday! After picking up a leaflet in the butcher's shop about a working watermill and tea room we had never heard of, we set off with our lovely friends on an adventure to find it. The leaflet said a 20minute walk out of Ilfracombe along the coastal path. You can drive straight to it but we thought the walk would help us work up an appetite for a cream tea. They always taste better when you feel you have earned it.

As we got onto the coastal path there was a great view looking back towards Ilfracombe harbour. Next time we do this walk, I am planning to start at the harbour as I had not realised how lovely the coastal path is all the way round.

Ilfracome has a new skate park right by the water.

The children had brilliant fun watching, next time they are all plotting to bring scooters!

This piece of coastline is so spectacular, with the rock rising up out of the water!

The path comes out onto a hidden beach.

We set off with us all wondering if we were going to have to climb Hillsborough (that huge hill a couple of pictures ago).

It certainly looked like it at the beginning but.....

We cheated a bit and took the footpath around the back, past the community orchard. It would be amazing to take the red route one day, anyone up for it??

This path was lovely in a more calm and flat way.

Amazing views of the coastline beyond as you start the descent into Hele Bay (pronounced Heal by the locals).

Here is Hele bay itself, from this point you turn inland.

Crossing over the road, only this little sign denotes the treasure that lays beyond along the river.

Here it is 'The old Cornmill' now owned by the very lovely Cathy and David Jones who took over the Mill and tea rooms a year ago.

Here is Cathy with all of her wonderful home made cakes, Devonshire splits and scones. A number of the cakes and scones made with the flour milled just across the path. Can you feel my sense of excitement, I think I might have to become a watermill enthusiast!!

The tea room is also a gift shop, selling all sorts of lovely locally produced things. I particularly love their spotty china.

Here is the waterwheel in full flow. David got the children on a 'millstone hunt' (counting how many they could spot built into the walls and path) whilst we waited for our cream tea to arrive, what great service!

Something about the sound of the water and the turning wheel is so relaxing, not to mention the lovely and unexpected sunshine. The children tuck in!

Here is Richard's cream tea, the scone was made with wholemeal flour milled at Hele Mill.

I had a savoury cream tea; a cheese scone, cream cheese and homemade red onion relish, yum! I am definitely having that again.

Cream tea enjoyed, let the tour begin!

This is how it all works, why use paper when there is a perfectly good wall!

David gave us a tour of the mill, explaining everything as we went.

David had to explain some quite tricky concepts in a way that could be understood by the six, eight and thirty eight year olds among us, no easy task!

Great excitement was had spotting the little wooden mice hidden around the mill.

This is Molly starting ‘the National Engine’ built in 1928. This would have powered the Mill if there was not enough water. Oh my goodness it was noisy!

This is the only picture I took of our lovely guide and host David. I wish I had got him to pose. He was so warm, welcoming, engaging and inspiring. He captivated our attention and we learnt so much on the way round. He let the children ask questions and have a go at all sorts of things inspired by their questions. They even ended up grinding corn in a pestle and mortar to further understand what corn is made up of.

At the end of the afternoon we could not help buying some Hele Mill flour to take home.

Ooh what shall we bake?

Delicious shortbread, Millie's favourite. What a treat to have found such an amazing place at the end of a gorgeous walk, made all the more special by David and Cathy and their wonderful hospitality. We will be back!!

Iain and Nicola's Wedding

Last weekend the wedding of Iain and Nicola took place in glorious sunshine, a miracle given the wind and rain of the week before. The wedding was truly beautiful with Italian influences (especially on the menu) and gorgeous bright colours of summer with corals, yellows, blues and whites all mixed in with some hints of vintage. So let me take you on a journey through some of my favourite bits and inspirational ideas.

Nicola, her mum, bridesmaid, sister and 'mother in law to be' worked together on Friday putting together all the flowers for the tables and windowsills. They were arranged in vintage cut glass vases, rose bowls and tea cups that had been collected specially over the last year.

The flowers were such glorious colours.
And the mismatch collection of vases and candles looked really effective. Well done girls!

Iain's family went off to Croyde beach to gather sand for the 'lolly buckets', I particularly loved the moustaches and the lips.

Peter, myself and Hannah (Nicola's sister) put up this lovely garland of flowers and glass teardrop lights on the hall chandelier. It looked really pretty with the staircase all matching but played havoc with my vertigo trying to grab the chandalier over the banister, aghhh!

Guests felt really welcomed with local Devon fudge, a fridge full of yummy breakfast and a welcome letter from Iain and Nicola. Brilliant cartoon at the top!

From the menu's to the door tags and so much more, Hannah had done amazingly with the graphic design. What a talanted sister to have!

So with the ballroom looking fabulous.....

and the scene set for love, the guests arrived and they all set off for Friday night at one of our marvellous local pubs 'The Rock'. By all accounts a great night was had by all.

On Saturday morning the sunshine was out and we set up for the wedding in the Italian Garden. Nicola and Iain had hired in these great Chivari chairs and roses tied along the aisle added a special something.

These were placed on each chair...too cute!

Some last minute lippy before the ceremony.

Nicola looked absolutely gorgeous.

Down the aisle she went with her lovely dad Derek.

It was a beautiful service.

Congratulations!! Jamie Bott was their photographer, Jamie is a wonderful local boy who's photo's we love and really enjoy working with. Thank you Jamie for this one! It also shows Nicola's incredible bouquet by Deryn at 'Twigs' .

Prosecco on the lawn and terrace was followed by cocktails....

Nicola and Iain chose to serve their favourite ‘Dark and Stormy ‘ cocktails inspired by a trip to Barbados. They went down rather well, I don't think 4 is a great idea though Matt!!
This super bucket of Chinese paper parasols came in very handy in the glorious sunshine.


They looked really beautiful.

I am devastated that I didn’t take any photos of the food as the Italian inspired menu was completely delicious and had lots of fantastic reviews from the guests. As part of the trio of puddings Lee the chef made the Limoncello by hand in a traditional Italian way which took months, now there's dedication!

The first dance followed by a lot more dancing.

On the mantel piece photo’s of Iain and Nicola documented lovely times that they have had in Devon in the past that has made Devon such a special place for them.

Great idea.....the frame awaits a lovely wedding photo.

Photo’s on a string.

The sweetie table made a great snack stop in the evening.

I wonder what could be in the dressing up basket??

ooh, glow in the dark heart glasses.....you look gorgeous Hannah!!
What a completely lovely weekend, congratulations again Iain and Nicola!