I shall also let you know how I feel having completed the walk, in my last post.
Anybody interested in viewing further details about the South West Coast Path can locate them here.
Fantastic "boyhood - type" journey into Minehead on a steam train. Journey commenced at Bishops Lydeard where there was an Aladdin's Cave of train kits for railway model enthusiasts.
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| Steam trains run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead |
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| South West Coastal Path - Minehead to Poole |
Upon arrival at the quay in Minehead I realised the challenge ahead and knew the direction I had to take.
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| Only 630 miles to go |
After a couple hours walk through the undergrowth I eventually find the first night's campsite and unrolled my new tent. Goodness knows how I managed to erect it but I did.
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Day 1 - Minehead to Porlock Weir - 9.5 miles - cumulative mileage 9.5
Will take sometime to become accustomed to carrying the weight of the rucksack comprising tent, sleeping bag, mat, clothes et al required to carry out my mission to walk the 630 miles from Minehead to Poole.
Today's journey was relatively short and level so made the ideal starter walk, crossing gorse bushes and grassland, to arrive at the Ship Inn for a thirst-quenching drink and lunch before walking a further couple of miles to locate my campsite for the night.
The most attractive sight was that of Bossington, a village maintained by The National Trust and local craftsmen. All the cottages had thatched roofs.
Having made a poor show of putting up my tent, my new neighbour, Andy was happy to erect the tent for me to show me how it should be done properly! I therefore treated him to a beer at the local that night whereupon I heard all about his travelling experiences.
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| Porlock Weir |
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Day 2 - Porlock Weir to Lynmouth, through Exmoor. 12.5 miles. 22 cumulative miles
The sea views were absolutely stunning. So was the blue sky through the trees and even rhododendron bushes that grew out from the hillsides.
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| Castle Rock |
Having arrived in Lynmouth I was then directed to the local campsite - a 1.5 mile walk up a1:4 hill! God, was I knackered!
Now in the local pub having a cauliflower cheese lasagne and Carlsberg to relax and replenish the energy supply; and to start writing this blog.
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Day 3 - Lynmouth to Combe Martin - 13 miles - 35 cumulative miles
Second half of my trek through Exmoor included some strenuous climbs and steeper declines made easier by the sunshine on my body; the sight of blue sky and the constant view of the turquoise/blue sea lapping up against the beaches below my path through forests and over hills.
Climbed to 308 metres (1,010 ft) at Selworthy Beacon, which is one of the highest points on Exmoor. Took every opportunity to freshen up in the crystal clear streams that punctuated my tiring walk. In fact, it was "our" tiring walk as I constantly met up with a friendly German couple, who were kind enough to share their food with me and to join me on the way. The last hour was spent with a Belgium couple with whom I enjoyed a berry and cream ice cream to celebrate the end of the day's walk.
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Day 4 - Combe Martin to Croyde Bay -15 miles - 50 cumulative miles - 8 hours
This has proved to be an excellent day as the morning section of the walk to Ilfracombe was on paths less strenuous than those experienced so far.
Having not had any breakfast I stopped in Hele Bay. Had a fried egg, bread and beans. The energy gained gave me the impetus to surge on ahead.
Ilfracombe had a delightful fishing harbour, where boats leave to visit Lundy Island.
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| Looking down on Ilfracombe harbour |
Then onto Woolacombe, a more typical seaside resort but with an extensive sandy beach and a huge number of people making the most of the fine weather which continues to be sunny, dry and around 18C.
Having taken the advice of others I decided to push on to Croyde Bay, where camping facilities were supposedly excellent. The extra 3.5 miles was worth it! The campsite had a Costcutters supermarket, cafe, bar, fish and chip shop plus much more.
Met with a very friendly gent from Hull whose generosity knew no bounds as he offered me a burger, kebab and coffee. Luckily I did not succumb to food poisoning.
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Day 5 - Croyde Bay to Barnstaple - 16 miles - cumulative 66 miles
It took me 3 hours from waking to departing for today's walk but the delay was worthwhile. I was advised to visit Baggees Cafe for breakfast. It was delightful. The staff were friendly; the food excellent and the vista of the bay and sea was stunning.
Commenced today's walk on the beach at Croyde Bay, in barefeet, through the golden, fine sand and then onto Saunton Sands, a stunning and very long beach used by surfers. It continued to be easy going today as the walk was mainly on stony tracks, through a golf course and along a cycle track for 5 miles, or so. This was a little boring as it meant that there were no cliff top views to admire today.
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| Saunton Sands |
However I did walk adjacent to a military training ground in the dunes, where the allies had practiced their manoeuvres for the Normandy landings (see The Longest Day - a great film telling the story of this event). I also passed the Chivenor military base where the Sea King air and sea rescue helicopters are based (think "Prince William").
Having reached Barnstaple I discovered the most comfortable and friendly B & B where I should spend Sunday catching up with emails, washing and sightseeing before re-starting my walk on day 6.
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