Bennetts Fish and Chip Shop, Weymouth

Thursday, 4 January 2007.

Simply the best fish and chips of all time, cooked to order, by the old harbour, Weymouth. Freshly fried cod, due to the off season, and chips with salt and vinegar.

All this after the Jurassic Coast X53 bus from Exeter to Weymouth. The return journey is driven by a psychopathic bus driver who acts like he' s on a race track, even above cliffs on the Abbotsbury road.

Book: Escape Artist - Life in the Saddle, Matt Seaton (4th Estate, 2002)

After watching the DVD, I set out for a day's extensive cycling, my first in several months. Down to Budleigh Salterton, from Exeter, via Clyst St Mary, Woodbury Salterton, Woodbury, Woodmanton, Lower and Higher Mallocks and on to Budleigh Salterton over Woodbury Common via Dalditch.

There is nothing quite like a long, exhausting ride on a racing bike, reaching speeds of up to 38 mph (as measured by the cycle computer). Perhaps a little lunch at the Cafe Budleigh, £6.50 for roast beef on a Sunday.

Then the old railway line cycle track to Exmouth via Littleham, through dense pine woodland and open countryside right down into the town centre. Train back to Exeter for just £2.90 single though windows that are thick with mud.