Day 1, Flight 2 – Shoreham to Dunkeswell (Captain: Simon)

As we taxi along Alpha to the 07 Hold (with Shoreham’s plate in hand) confusion reigns in AK as to where 07 actually started. ATC wanted us to turn onto the runway at just pass A1 but we missed the turn so were quite rightly held by ATC for other incoming traffic, whilst ATC worked out what to do with us. We eventually get cleared for take-off on Runway 07 and at about 5 knots below rotate speed, we bounce on the bumpy grass runway and are airborne whether we like it or not…

En-route along the south coast from Shoreham

Our route along the south coast takes us over the Isle of Wight, and the Needles. From the air we are surprised to see we can see the chalk washing into the sea and turning the water a chalky green. We took this part of the route at 1,900 feet amsl, which in hindsight might have been better higher and we should have asked Southampton ATC for a zone transit. We decided from this point forward to employ the “if you don’t ask you don’t get principle”

The Isle-of-Wight needles washing into the Channel
The Isle-of-Wight needles washing into the Channel

The views along this part of the coast are stunning and the clear blue skies and blue waters make a really enjoyable start to our tour. Sandbanks, Chesil Beach, Weymouth, Lyme Bay.

Sandbanks, looks a bit cramped from up here
Sandbanks, looks a bit cramped from up here

Paul gets to tick-off flying along the Jurassic Coast from his wish-list.

We route inland from Seaton for our arrival into Dunkeswell. Just after we land, we tie-down for the night and grab a drink whilst we sit and watch the parachutist’s drop-in from 15,000 feet, the highest jump available in the UK.

Time for a drink!
Time for a drink!

The staff at Dunkeswell recommend Wetherspoons for dinner. Paul catches the disapproving look on my face and immediately identifies me as a bit of a food snob. Nevertheless we politely accept the advice but decide to try and find somewhere else…

Our taxi arrives and as we open the door something falls out. “Oh, sorry about that, it’s the leg of my mums sofa!” We quickly realise the sofa is still in the back of the taxi! So we pack our bags around it and squeeze in! Although slightly unusual, the relatively short journey was made good by Rick our very friendly and accommodating driver. Rick recommends a good place for food (not Wetherspoons!) and we enjoy a fantastic meal at “The Railway” in Honiton. Rick was so helpful we ask him to collect us later to take us to our B&B Odle Farm.

The lovely Odle Farm for our first stop-over
The lovely Odle Farm for our first stop-over

Odle Farm was a fabulous spot with views across the valley a very warm welcome, as well as tea & cake on arrival.

A warm welcome with Tea & Cake on arrival
A warm welcome with Tea & Cake on arrival

Odle farm was further than expected from the town. I had underestimated how tiny the roads would be (mostly single track), however the welcome and accommodation was well worth the drive. We wouldn’t have changed it for the world, great location, great views, comfortable accommodation and a really good breakfast. An especially early breakfast was offered just for us, but in the end it was not required as it was not possible to pre-book a taxi in this remote location before 9:30 as they were all on school runs… Studying the weather forecast it was also clear that we were not going anywhere first thing the next morning. Our accommodation was a two-room family suite on the first floor of one of the buildings with the owners living below. What a great place!