There are days when a ride is carefully planned, and then there are days when the road simply calls your name.
On Friday, I woke up unusually early at 5:00 AM at home in Bournemouth. After trying unsuccessfully to get back to sleep, I decided there was only one sensible thing to do—grab my riding gear, jump on the motorcycle, and head out for an early morning adventure.
At first, I had no real destination in mind. The roads were quiet, the air was cool, and the sunrise was beginning to paint the countryside with soft golden light. As the miles rolled by, one thought led to another, and before long I found myself heading west towards North Devon.
Breakfast Stop Near Exeter on the Ride to Hartland Quay
The journey took me through Dorset, Somerset, and into Devon. Somewhere near Exeter, I stopped briefly for fuel and breakfast. There is something special about being on the road early in the morning when most people are still starting their day. The traffic was light, the weather was perfect, and the excitement of exploring somewhere new made every mile enjoyable.
After a quick refuel for both the bike and myself, I continued towards my destination: Hartland Quay.
Arriving at Hartland Quay
By around 9:00 AM, I arrived at Hartland Quay, one of the most dramatic and rugged sections of coastline in England. The towering cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and wild landscape make it a paradise for photographers, hikers, and anyone who appreciates nature at its rawest.
As I was taking in the scenery, I met a friendly local man who was preparing to launch his kayak into the sea. We started chatting about the area and he pointed out several fantastic viewpoints that are popular with photographers.
When I mentioned that I had ridden all the way from Bournemouth that morning, he seemed genuinely surprised that I had travelled such a distance and arrived so early. It was one of those enjoyable travel encounters that often become part of the memory of a trip.
Hartland Point and the Coastal Views
After spending some time photographing Hartland Quay, I continued to Hartland Point, where the dramatic cliffs and sweeping coastal views offer endless opportunities for photography.
The landscape felt almost untouched, with rolling hills meeting steep cliffs that disappear into the Atlantic Ocean. Every bend in the road revealed another incredible view.
The motorcycle was never far from the camera that day.
The quiet roads leading to the point were a joy to ride, and the combination of coastal scenery and winding country lanes made this one of the most enjoyable day rides I’ve done this year.
A Lesson Learned
One thing I learned from this trip is that I should always carry a pair of walking shoes with me on longer rides.
The area around Hartland has some beautiful hiking routes, including sections of the South West Coast Path, and several times I found myself wanting to explore further on foot. Unfortunately, wearing motorcycle boots made longer walks less practical, so I had to admire many of the trails from a distance.
Next time, I’ll definitely pack some lightweight walking shoes and allow extra time to explore the coastline properly.
The Ride Home
After several hours exploring the area and taking photographs, it was time to point the bike east and begin the journey home.
The ride back was just as enjoyable as the ride out, with endless countryside, open roads, and plenty of time to reflect on the day. By the time I arrived back in Bournemouth at around 6:00 PM, I had spent nearly thirteen hours on the road.
It wasn’t a planned adventure. It started simply because I couldn’t get back to sleep.
Yet it turned into one of those memorable days that remind me why I love riding motorcycles. Great roads, spectacular scenery, interesting people, and the freedom to follow wherever the road leads.
Sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never planned at all.
