Walkers and runners from across the UK took part in the Scrumptious Croyde Trail on Sunday.
With glorious weather, stunning scenery and the best local produce in the world – the Scrumptious Croyde Trail was simply a fabulous, fun event.
The scenic 10 mile circular trail took place on Sunday 7th June and led participants from Croyde Beach Field Car park, through the picturesque villages of Croyde, Saunton, Georgeham, Pickwell, Putsborough and back to Croyde with glimpses of stunning coastal views at every turn.
Race Director Simon Oliver, proprietor of St Johns Garden Centre, devised a magnificent trail along North Devon’s stunning coastline where he regularly runs. Liz Wilton, proprietor of the Orchard Farm Shop encouraged local food producers to come on board and they did – the food was absolutely amazing.
The scrumptious menu included Tarka Springs Water, Stapleton Farm’s creamy yoghurt, Midfields luxury hand baked Granola. Langage Farm Icecream at The Old Cream Shop, Vodka chilli shots, bloody Mary’s and burgers at Billy Budds, Peck & Strong brownies and Freshly brewed tea supplied by the Drop-in Cafe , Mini scone freshly baked by East West Bakery spread with Waterhouse homemade jam, fresh baked bread by Red Dog Artisan Bakery spread with honey and honey fudge from Quince Honey Farm, Plaistow Smoked Trout. At the Rock Inn there was delicious asparagus soup from David Hartnoll’s Braunton Great Field and Braunton Brewery real ale, Glam Pig Sausages and cider at Kings Arms in Georgeham, Boom curry wraps and more Braunton Brewery real ale, Westcountry Curworthy Cheddar and apple juice from The Cheese Larder at South Molton, West Country meringues and mouth watering strawberries from Orchard Farm shop, refreshing Luscombe drink, home made quiche at the National Trust Sandleigh Tea Room & Gardens and back to finish with burgers from the Muddiford Butcher and Roasted vegetable couscous, and a packet of Burts hand cooked potato crisps.
North Devon Road Runner Simon Heywood said “Scrumptious Croyde was the best, fun event I have been on in years. It was great – brilliant scenery, fantastic food, well signed and so well organised. I’ll be back next year”.
Runner Sue Wheaton said “Brilliant fun. I loved every second of the Croyde Scrumptious Trail, brilliantly organised and I especially loved all the food, the vodka, beer and cider! Looking forward to next year to raise more money fort the amazing ‘Over and Above’ Charity.”
Frank Biederman said “What a truly amazing day, on the scrumptious Croyde Trail. Well organised and some amazing food and drink.”
Food producer Victoria Comerford, Proprietor of the South Molton Cheese Larder who was sited on the Pickwell Plateau overlooking Putsborough and Woolacombe said “The event was just wonderful, the whole atmosphere was like a party. The Cheese Larder will be the first to sign up again next year.”
Our walkers said “Scrumptious was like being on a 10 mile party”.
The winners of the Gasmark fancy dress trophy were the Jelly Joggers – Natalie Harris and Yvette Casey wearing their fabulous wobbly jelly fish costumes. The Webbers most sponsorship raised trophy will be awarded after the 22nd June when all the sponsorship money is expected in. Each of the prize winners were also given a series of three framed lino prints of Croyde, Saunton and Putsborough by local artist Zoe Buffery.
The hospital charity expect to raise in the region of £6,000 from the event, some of which will be in aid of the the latest Special Care Baby Unit Ventilator Appeal.
Event Manager and Hospital Fundraiser Julie Whitton said “We had such a fantastic day. It was great to see everyone getting into the spirit of it – Croyde was full of pirates, jelly fish, snorkelers and so many more people in costume, the local food producers outshone themselves, and afterwards everyone asked when is the next one. .
I would also like to thank the people behind the scenes – our wonderful sponsors Bray Leino, Webbers, Brends, our amazing volunteers, who were fabulous throughout the day, and to have fantastic support from the local landowners, Ilfracombe Ladies Circle, Tarka Radio, Barnstaple Camera Club and Medicare South West who were there throughout the day.”
Saunton Zone Manager Patrick Farrelly said “It was great to see big smiles and joy coming from the walkers and runners through Saunton Court”
To find out more about the hospital charity contact the Fundraising Team on 01271 313933 or ndht.charity@nhs.net
Their cheque was presented to the Unit by most of the main drivers of the fundraising team, Alastair Ashworth from Woolsery, Linda Atherton (absent – Andy Atherton) from Hartland, Shirleyann Andrews and Roger Andrews, from Bradworthy. They were all delighted to be shown around the Unit and offered to raise funds next year for another part of the hospital.
