Coastal walk around Britain

Walk 87

2012-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Kidwelly to Carmarthen 14miles

I stopped in Kidwelly briefly to take a photo of the magnificent castle before once again I picked up the No 4 Cycle route, today was a 14miles slog along mostly country lanes all the way to Carmarthen. Just a few miles out of Kidwelly I stopped to watch the fighter jets bombing the crap out of the beach at Cefn Sidan it was quite impressive to watch these guys manoeuvre the planes in and out of the bay. Not much else to talk about except to say keep an eye on those pesky sheep as you cross a field! :)

Walk 86

2012-01-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

Loughor to Kidwelly 18miles

Today I picked up the No 4 national cycle route which would take me all the way to my destination at Kidwelly. The weather was dry and clear but the wind blowing a hooley and right into my face ! A quick trip across the bridge over the river Loughor and this took me through the Millennium Coast Park and on to Llanelli, around the bay and the first pic is of Tywyn Bach I really loved the layered effect of the grass bank. It was onward to Burry Port where I took a pic of what can only be described as the smallest Lighthouse I have ever seen, pity the lighthouse man that has to live in that! On I walked around the headland to Cefn Sidan Sands and here I felt the full force of the wind with it picking up so much it was creating a mini sandstorm! I was glad of the relief from the wind as I entered Pembury Forest and continued on my merry way following the well marked No 4 route all the way into Kidwelly.

Walk 85

2012-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Rhossili to Loughor 19miles

A bus journey from Swansea took me to my start point at Rhossili, today was very windy but thankfully no sign of rain….yet! I walked down the steep incline to the beach and it was route one for the next 3 miles, however the lack of rain didn’t last very long because halfway across the beach the heavans opened, luckily I could see the weather coming in from across the Gower and managed to batten down the hatches before it arrived!I took the first pic of the day of Worms Head

Around the headland was Llangenith beach and further on was Broughton Bay by which time the sun had made an appearance, by the time I had reached landimore and stopped for a bite to eat at Hambury Wood I had been walking for 2 hours and I had not seen a single person (not even a dog walker) which was lovely! J At Llanrhidian I picked up the coast road and this took me through Crofty and Penclawdd all the way to my final destination at Loughor.

Walk 84

2012-01-13T06:02:00.001-08:00

Oxwich to Rhossili 11miles

A nice easy day today...or so I thought! After a fine Welsh breakfast I headed out towards the church at Oxwich, and there I was faced with the challenge of many steps to the top of the cliff. It was on through Oxwich wood to Oxwich point (Dave Cotton, if your reading this you didn't miss much!), following the rather muddy path I scooted around the coast to Horton Bay (See pic) and it was once again across the beach to pick up the path at the far end, here was located one of the most picturesque YHAs I have ever seen, had it been open I would have loved to stay there overnight! The rest of the day was spent walking along some of the UKs finest coast all the way to Rhossili. I am now of course in the Gower and will enjoy every minute of it !!! Second Pic is of Rhossili Bay

Walk 83

2012-01-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

Swansea to Oxwich Bay 17miles

A drizzley sort of day greeted me as I set out across Swansea Bay towards the Mumbles, I was fourtunate as the tide was very low so I could cross most of the bay via the beach. 5 miles later and I was walking along the "Mumbles Mile" so called as many years ago it was one of my favourite pub crawls! but alas like most things time waits for no man and most of the pubs have gone missing (closed down I presume) so it was a grim place to be on this Sunday morning :(
I navigated around the headland at the end of the Mumbles and was plesantly supprised by the fantastic path that runs around the coast all the way to Langland Bay, not only was it tarmac it also had a handrail!!! WOW ( see pic1 of Langland bay) the next 6 miles were a series of lovely bays including Caswell bay, Brandy cove, Pwili Bay and Pennard Burrows all infinatley better than yesterdays trudge! At Pennard I had to navigate the stepping stones arcoss the river which are a tense moment on any given day, thankfully I managed not to fall in again!!! After this I naviagted around Three Cliffs Bay (see pic 2) and picked up the beach all the way along Oxwich Bay arriving at the hotel just before it got dark Phew!

Walk 82

2012-01-13T05:14:00.000-08:00

Porthcawl to Swansea 20miles

This was one of those walks you need to do but have been putting off for a while, this is due to the fact that you have a lot of road walking and Port Talbot!!! Things started off quite well with a walk along the promenade at Porthcawl and then on to the coastpath, where I noticed a brand new marker post with "the Wales Coast Path" badge attached to the top , this is significant because from May 5th 2012 (the offical opening of all 870 miles of the Wales coast path) you can navigate your way around Wales coast using these marker posts....well done Wales!
So navigating around Porthcawl I was off into open countryside and my first obstical was the local golf course, which I must say had the nicest greens I have ever seen, they looked like someone had laid carpet! Anyhow the only pic of the day was taken on my way out of Portcawl looking back towards the town. I then managed to hop onto the beach and walk all the way to Margam before having to set off inland to walk the final 14 miles along very busy roads crossing the M4 twice!!! :( not much to say about the suburbs I walked through except Grim!

Walk 81

2011-10-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

Llantwit Major to Porthcawl 17miles

A perfect start to the day with a lift from my friend Ken to my start point, clear blue skies and what I would describe as the perfect temperature for walking 8deg! For those of you keeping up with my blog you will see I've started to travel in the clockwse direction again so this entry links to Walk 42.

Anyhow the day itself was perfect, I started with a small climb out of Llantwit beach and it was great to see today was going to be a series of up and down valleys which were a welcome sight after the "boring fens" The first dip took me down towards St Donats College and I was impressed with their outdoor swimming pool! it was then on to the Nash Lighthouse (see pic) and a small dip to Nash point, the second pic was taken looking towards Traeth Mawr. A series of up and down valleys led me to Ogmore by the sea at this point I was faced with having to go inland due to the river estury. I walked along mostly riverbank until I reached the sewage works and then had to road walk until Ogmore castle where I could traverse the river via stepping stones which I found quite hairy!!! I was jut glad there wern't wet ! I was then into a small forest area which took me in turn to the sand dunes on Mertur-Mawr Warren, by now the wind had whipped up and blew straight in my face all the way along Porthcawl beach. Portcawl is Ok its a shame you can't get around the coast path due to a bloody big caravan site. :(

Walk 80

2011-10-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Heacham to Kings Lynn 14.5miles

A nice easy walk to finish off this week of walking....I started by turning left out of Heacham and picking up the sea bank that runs more or less parallel with the disused railway line, this took me all the way to Snettisham at this point I had no choice but to turn inland and walk along the A149 for many miles via the Queens residence at Sandringham... I say I had "no Choice" but people who have gone before me have decided to take the "trespass" route from Snettisham walking along the sea bank all the way to Kings Lynn, however in my eyes this is wrong for one simple reason its ILLEGAL and us walkers get enough grief of the farming comunity as it is without adding fuel to the fire. The final 4.5miles of todays journey was following the well marked cycle path from Sandringham through the lovely villages of North Wooton and South Wooton all the w to Kings Lynn which I must say I quite liked. Pic is of a beach I took somewhere on my journey this week!!!

Walk 79

2011-10-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Wells Next The Sea to Heacham 22miles

Yet another poor nights sleep in the a YHA, I really dont know why I do it...............Anyhow, as I walked down the High St in Wells I was dumbfounded as why this place is so expensive to live as in my mind its just another pretty Norfolk village, but £57,000 for a beach hut....really I ask you? So the first part of todays walk was nice because in took me via a small wooded area which gave me some respite from the cold wind that had been blowwing in my face for the last 3 days! this took me into Burnham (3rd one so far). Today everything had gone back to being very flat with the only views of Norfolk Fens and of course windmills! I trudged relentlessly through Brancaster(see Pic) and onto Thornham, at this point though I do think I need to point something out....not since Essex have I had the mis-fortune to meet such miserable people during my days walking, I will ALWAYS say hello to anyone who I pass on my way but in Norfolk I was lucky to barely get a grunt out of most of the people I met SHAME ON YOU ALL.

The final part of the jouney tody was through Hunstanton and like Gt Yarmouth it was just another seaside town, however the beach was fantatstic (see pic).

Walk 78

2011-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Cromer to Wells Next The Sea 22 miles

A fair old wind kept me awake for a lot of the night (c/w lashing rain) and was there to greet me full on in the face first thing in the morning. As low tide was not until 10am I decided to walk along the beach to Sheringham, where I took the first pic of the day looking back towards Cromer. I then had no choice but to walk the rest of the day across cliffs, shingle beaches and nature reserves, along the way I went through some very pretty villages like Cley, Blakeney and Stiffkey where I managed to take a pic of an icon of Norfolk...the windmill!

Walk 77

2011-10-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

Sea Palling to Cromer 18miles

The B&B at Sea Palling is the closest one to the beach I have ever stopped in, mind you the clue was in the name "the Beach House" A cool wind greeted me at the start of todays walk to Cromer, luckily for me the tide was out so it was beach walking all the way to Happisburgh where I took the first pic of the day of its lovely classic lighthouse. I then decided to take the cliff route to Mundesley where I stopped for a cuppa and what I can only describe as the best piece of choc cake I have tasted in a very long time...hats off to Jonet Cafe. My next decision was wether or not to try to walk the next 6 miles to Overstrand along the beach with the tide on its way in, stuff it I went for it! It wasnt until halfway I thought uh oh whats the coastguards number again! but fortunatley I made it with about 1/2 hour to spare. I took to the cliffs for the final part of the walk and skirted around the edge of the GC at Cromer which I must say is one of the nicest I have walked across for a long time. Final pic is of Cromer from my late lunchtime stop.

Walk 76

2011-10-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

Gorleston to Sea Palling 18miles

A really nice brekie and blue sky started the day well for my walk to Sea Palling. A short walk took me into Gt Yarmouth via an inland lighthouse at Gorleston (see pic). Gt Yarmouth is like any other seaside town in the UK with its tacky shops and even tackier people! once past all the shops I hopped onto the beach (which I must say is lovely golden sand) it was then full steam ahead to California where I had to take an inland route due to the beach turning into large boulders, I only had a small 2 mile trip to Newport before I could walk the rest of the day along sand dunes and beaches. At Waxham with only a mile or so to go I decided for the first time in the 1300 miles I have covered so far to take off my walking boots and socks and have a paddle in the sea and it was just fantastic, especially when a curious seal decided to pop up his head only 5 yards out and see what I was up to!!! A perfect end to a perfect day.

Walk 75

2011-10-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

South wold to Gorleston 19miles

I started the day with a train and bus to my start point at Southwold ( via a bacon sarnie in Halesworth!) I hopped onto the beach at Southwold and it was sand all the way to Kessingland via Benacre reserve where I took the picture of the tree growing in the sea, the tree I presume was once on the top of a piece of land but due to coastal erosion it now finds itself getting its feet wet everyday! Today was turning into another hot one with the temperature reaching a dizzy 28 deg and its the 3rd October! I had very little road or field walking today which makes a nice change, however I did end up on the nudist beach at Corton!!! what is it with with fat people and nakedness? In between Kessingland and Corton I skirted around the edge of Lowestoft and visited the most easterly point of the mainland UK, I now have 2 of that set (southerley and easterly) only Glencoe(westerly) and JOG(northerly) to go! Just north of Lowstoft I passed into Norfolk and another county bites the dust :) The rest of the day was spent walking along the cliffs all the way to Gorleston where the second pic was taken.

Walk 74

2011-09-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

Snape to Southwold 19miles

After a fantastic nights sleep I was up and ready to go at 7am. A quick trip along the river Alde estury via Black Heath Woods and I was in Aldeburgh (v.nice). I then managed to hop onto the beach and it was route 1 for the next 6 miles, taking in Thorpeness (see pic of colourful houses) and Sizewell B neucler power station (see pic) as I aproached Dunwich after leaving the beach I noticed on the map a word I had not seen for many a mile (probably 300-400!) and that was "cliifs" I was very excited but alas what counts for a cliff in these parts would barely register as a pimple in D or C!! The remainder of the walk was through Dingle Marshes (yawn!) and then onto Southwold with its Lighthouse in the middle of town!!

Walk 73

2011-09-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Felixstowe to Snape 22miles

A good nights sleep in the Garlston B&B and I was up and away by 9am, the day was cloudy and very autumnal and as I walked along the mile or so promenade the annual art festival was in full swing, many artists were showing off there works in various guises and I hoped for there sake the weather would be kind to them today. The route took me mostly along the coast for the first few miles, it was then onto the Felixstowe ferry and onwards to the Butley Ferry, in between I navigated my way past Shingle Street which is a group of cottages right on the sea front, I couldnt help wondering how long it will be before the tide swallows up those lovely houses. Just after the Butley ferry I made the decision to walk through Orford because I was told it was worth seeing, and I wasn't disapointed! The castle is fantastic so I stopped for lunch at the spot where I took the pic. The rest of the day was spent walking inland as you are still not allowed to walk all the way across the Orford Ness :( My final desination was Snape which is a very pretty village with 3 pubs!

Walk 72

2011-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Finton to Felixstowe 23miles

After a 7hrs car journey to our friends in Brightwell the night before, I was gasping for a good walk today....and I was'nt disapointed. The weather was fantastic for the first weekend in September, 26deg and sunny!!! I had a short train journey to Frinton and my start point, luckily the tide was out so I hopped onto the beach and walked to Walton on the Naze (see pic), I then had a day of mostly inland walking all the way around to Harwich. I managed to nip onto the ferry to Felixstowe where it just timed nicely with the departing "Jewel of the Seas" ocean liner (see pic) which I must say was a spectacular sight. I met up with my friends in Felixstowe for fish and chips a great end to todays walk. It was goodbye Essex and hello Suffolk!

Walk 71

2011-07-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Mersea Island to Frinton on Sea 20miles

A short 4 mile journey mostly along the beachs of Mersea took me to the ferry at East Mersea, I had pre booked it the day before and I was bang on time and the only passenger! The ferry took me to Point Clear where I hopped off to begin the main journey of the day to Frinton, this took me all the way along the sea wall andI actually got to see some proper sandy beaches today firstly at Jaywick (see Pic) then Clacton and finally Frinton!!! Frinton is just great, the mile or so of the High Street is made up of small independant shops not a Tescos in sight

Walk 70

2011-07-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Steeple to Mersea island 29miles

Yes you have read it correctly I walked 29miles today in just on 9 hours, a complete cock up by me as it should have been only 25!!. So today started with a trek down the Blackwater Estury into Maldon (very Nice see Pic) then it was along a really nice canal which runs along side the estury, its was a hot day today and I manged to find some shade by the side of the canal for a lunch stop(very very nice) it was then onto the main business of the daywhich was 13miles of road walking which is very hard on the feet but keeps you focused in order not to get run over by some of the idiots on the road!! The final destnation of Mersea Island was very nice, and talk about saving the best till last..the B&B was fantastic the best so far in all of my travels!!! :)

Walk 69

2011-07-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Burnham on Crouch to Steeple 25miles

A very straight forward walk today along the seawall known locally as the "Dengie", all 25miles were on the flat and mind numbingly boring, so it was on with the Ipod set to shuffle and head down for 8 hours, I did manage to shake off an estury today and finally meet up with the North Sea (my sea of choice for the next few thousand miles!) Though the walking itself was tedious
I did manage to stop off for lunch at a spot which is popular with bird watchers, and I got chatting to 5 very nice blokes who not only made me a brew but also shard there ginger nut biscuits! Just aftemy lunch stop I managed to pop onto the beach and rounded the headland for my trek up and down the Blackwater Estury, it was at this point I had my first view of the now decomissioned nuclear power station at Bradwell and what a complete eysore, big ugly brute of a building, walking quickly past it wa then plain sailing all the way into Steeple and my nights accomodation which for £50 was pretty crap!

Walk 68

2011-07-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Southend to Burnham on Crouch 22miles

Well Southend what can I say......I started walking in the morning quickly! and the first stop was Shoeburyness which was a breath of fresh air compared with last night, you can always tell by the size of the houses in a town!!! The rest of the day was very forgettable spent walking across fields and country lanes in a vain atempt at navigating yet another estury, the only pic of the day is of the approach to Burnham taken aboard the ferry.

Walk 67

2011-07-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Benfleet to Southend 7miles

A 41/2hr train journey took me to my start point at Benfleet, I decided to take the "senic" route to Southend via Leigh on Sea. I skirted around the bay with Canvey Island on my right and eventually Hadleigh Castle on my left(see Pic) reaching Leigh in under an hour, I like Leigh with its fancy resturants and cobbled streets :) it was then onto Southend and my nights rest in the WORST B&B I have ever had the misfortune to stop in, the room had a bed and a table lamp!

Walk 66

2011-06-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Gravesend to Benfleet 20miles

A short walk took me thru Gravesend town which was very nice and then onto the ferry across the Thames to a new county..... Essex, it was with sadness I sai farewell to Kent beause I have really enjoyed the experience and in the process managed to chalk off another long distance walk...The Saxon Shore Way which Iam now the pround owner of a certificate to prove I did it!!!! thank you Kent county council :) The walk today took me along the "other" side of the Thames Estury past another fort(see pic) and on thru the Essex countryside, and because of the amount of river esturies things start to get difficult in terms of actually seeing the coast for what seems like most of the county of Essex.

Walk 65

2011-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Gillingham to Gravesend 22miles

A day of inland walking up and down the River Medway and River Thames. Once out of Gillingham it was onto Rochester and across the bridge which is where I took the first pic of the day looking back to the Castle. This week of walking has sent me past so many castles in Kent I've lost count! one way of keeping the French out!!!!!LOL As I navigated the Medway I came across a rotting submarie in the shallows(see pic2) of the bay at Upper Upnor. It was then onto Hoo St Werburgh where I had to head inland in order to link up with the mighty Thames, along the way yet another castle caught my eye (see pic 3) at a place called Cooling (great name!) The rest of the journey to Gravesend was along the Thames Estury.

Walk 64

2011-06-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sittingbourne to Gillingham 18miles

3 trains and a cooked breakfast later and I had reached my start point at Sittingbourne. Most of today was to be spent walking along the esturies of the River Swale and River Medway. The first pic is of the bridge acorss the river to the Isle of Sheppy and the 2nd pic is of a boat "graveyard" where for some reason all these vessels had been left to rot...truly bizzare. The walk today then took me inland along country lanes and thru a lot of small villages... I decieded to stop for lunch in the village of Lower Halstow at the 3 tuns pub, in doing so I met a nice couple who were more than willing to tell me as much local knowledge as my brain could take in about the surrounding area!, I have found that the nice people of Kent more than willing in this aspect and long may it continue

Walk 63

2011-06-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Whitstable to Sittingbourne 17miles

A dull day greeted me today as I boarded my train to the start point at Whitstable. Again another very flat stage of walking, firstly on thru Seasalter where I took the only pic of the day which is of the Isle of Sheppy, it was then inland all the way to Sittingbourne via Faversham which has a very famous brewery and boy could you smell it ....I nearly fell over!!!! then it was on thru Teyham to my final destination. Even though today was mostly inland due to the problems of river esturies I still found it very interesting as I got to walk across some of Kents finest countryside with its fields of barley, wheat and of course Hops. Tonights enertainment was Roger Waters The Wall concert at the O2...what a show and well worth the 30year wait!!

Walk 62

2011-06-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ramsgate to Whitstable 24miles

Another nice early start today off to Whitstable with no pack....what a relief as my shoulder are really starting to ache. Todays walk was due to be mainly flat and I wasn't disapointed! but unlike a lot of Sussex the Kent coast seemed to have a lot more to offer.......infact I had a lot of pre conceptions about this part of the coast(kiss me quick hats, gawdy etc etc) but how wrong could I be!!! So first port of call today was Broadstairs(see pic) then a long sucession of small beauitful bays all the along the coast to Margate, unfourtunatley Margate let the side down.....they have tried to spruce it up by putting the Turner Gallery on the seafront but as I always say" you cant polish a turd!" The rest of the day was spent hugging the coast past the roman fort at Relculver(see pic) onto and thru Herne Bay and finally Whitstable

Walk 61

2011-05-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Capel to Ramsgate 26miles

A long day beckoned so I had a 8.15am start wth a bus to my start point at Capel, it was then onto Dover and on the way I took a pic of where the channel tunnel leaves the coast! The walking was very up and down today all the way to St Margarets Bay, the views were fantastic (see pic) with all the white chalk cliffs. Today was also a day of three castles at Dover, Deal and Walmer and lots of golf courses climaxing with the Wembley of all GC's at Sandwich which is the venue of this years British Open. They were well on the way to getting the GC at Sandwich ready for the Open with the erecting of the stands near the start/finish of the course, I was lucky as the path I was on cut right across the whole course :). As I walked thru Sandwich I was a bit dissapointed as the town itself is nice but they have built a big ugly industrial estate less than 1/2 a mile out of town...a real blight. The rest of the walk was along the river Stour which led onto Ramsgate, I arrived at the B&B at 5pm which is nearly 9hrs walking, I was very achey and tired but very satisfied with my days achivement. The Abbeygail B&B is very nice, in fact I quite like Ramsgate :)

Walk 60

2011-05-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Lydd to Capel(nr Folkestone) 25miles

I have now crossed into another county, Kent the garden of England or at the mo is should read the Desert of England! some of the fields I have crossed have cracks in them 3ins wide after so little rain for the last 3 months :(

So after a very average nights sleep at the George Hotel in Lydd I was greeted with breakie where bizzarely I had to pay per Item ie. Bacon rasher 90p, Egg 50p, Tomato 50p etc etc. First part of the walk today ws along the Romney Marshes then onto Romney Beach itself, its was all flat walking thru Dymchurch, Hythe and then onto Folkestone. I managed to drop my pack at the hotel in Folkestone so I could walk the last 4 miles and boy was I glad because just outside Folkestone is a monster hill that leads onto the white cliffs path (see pic) The final photo of the day was taken of the Battle of Brittain memorial nr Capel over looking the English Channel....enough said......

Walk 59

2011-05-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hastings to Lydd 18miles

With a clear blue sky and the smell of sun tan lotion in my nostrils I knew this week was going to be a good un!. A nice steep climb out of Hastings started the walk with a fabulous view over the bay(see pic), the next 5 miles to Fairlight continued with up and down valleys and I could have be mistaken that I was back in Devon or Cornwall! After Fairlight came Winchelsea Beach(see Pic) and then onto Rye and Camber Sands. The third pic is of Camber Castle which bizzarely is in the middle of a farmers field( or should that be the other way round!) no access to the castle other than on foot....after talking with a "local" it turns out the castle was actually by the sea until 1278 but due to the opposite of global warming(?) it is now 6 miles inland. The final part of todays walk was past Dungeness Nuclear Pwr Station and on to Lydd.

Wak 58

2011-04-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Eastbourne to Hastings 17miles

A good nights sleep in a nice hotel is always a great way to finish off a week of walking, 151 miles this week mostly on the flat but my feet and legs could do with a rest! I walked out of Eastburne on a dull and overcast day, a quick trip through the marina and I was in open country. Again not much to say other than flat....and pretty forgettable, I managed to cover the 17miles in 5.5hrs just in time to watch the footie in the pub!!! Pic is of Hastings from a far.....

Walk 57

2011-03-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

Brighton to Eastbourne 24miles

Another warm sunny day greeted me on what was going to be the hardest day walking of my week away. It was nice and easy all the thru Peacehven, Newhaven and onto Seaford, it was at Seaford I saw a sight for sore eyes.....a HILL...a nice big un as well!!!!, once at the top the view to Seaford was fantastic(see Pic1), and yes that is a golf course at the top of the hill!!!. I travelled another mile or so to be greeted with a view to end all views(see pic 2)...the Seven Sisters, I had to stand there staring for several minutes just to take in the view :). The next task was to tackle these hills which wasn't too bad, up and down 7 times, easy peasy when you compare with some of the valleys I have had to walk in D&C!. The final part of the walk took in Beachy Head (see pic3) with its familier red and white lighthouse stuck out on a rock looking very precarious.

Walk 56

2011-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Littlehampton to Brighton 21miles

A stong westerly was blowing today which worked in my favour on my way along the beach to Brighton, nothing much else to say about today other than ....Flat. Brighton itself was buzzing and very lively you can understnd why people live here. Pic is of Brighton pier.

Walk 55

2011-03-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Selsey to Littlehampton 20miles

A nice day greeted me today as I set off firstly to Pagham and then onto Littlehampton. The walk today was as dull as dishwater! I really can't say any thing positive about todays walk........Oh yea I walked thru Bognor, what a dump....... the whole day was flat and boring. A change of county today goodbye Hampshire hello West Sussex

Walk 54

2011-03-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Southsea to Selsey 20miles

Another glorious crisp sunny morning greeted me today, a short 2 mile walk to the Hayling Island ferry and I had it all to myself! the water was so flat calm it was like a scene from a horror film....spooky! :) Once off the ferry I had a really nice walk along the disused Hayling to Havant railway line which is now a nature reserve (see Pic) The next part of the walk was to Emsworth and then onto West Wittering, the rest of the walk toSelsey was along a shingle beach....ouch my feet hurt!!!

Walk 53

2011-03-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Southampton to Southsea 25miles

A short 2 mile walk took me to the Hythe ferry(1st of 3 today!) across Southampton water (see pic), the pier at Hythe has its own railway from the ticket booth to where the ferry leaves and apparently this was built in 1878 and is the oldest pier train still running in the world. A nice ferry ride across the bay was then followed by a not so nice walk thru Southampton (too much traffic), once out of the city I walked along the bay to Hamble which was very nice. The second ferry of the day was from Hamble to Warsash, this is where I nearly ended up on e "wrong" boat......I was ambling towards the ferry jetty when I saw a boat just about to cast off so I made a dash for it but just missed it.......t was a good job I missed it as it was not my ferry but a pleasure craft!!! I had visions aftwards of me leaping from the jetty onto the boat only to end up in the IOW!!!

The walk to the next ferry at Gosport was univentful and very flat, until I got to the army ranges at Browndown which were open so you could walk across, the only problem was that it was 2miles of shingle beach! I nearly got caught in the rush hour crush at the Gosport ferry as I ended up walking down the exit lane of the walk towards the ferry just as wall of commuters deposited of the incoming ferry! a quick leap over the chains dividing the lanes soon sorted me out before I was swamped!!!! Another trip thru a big town(Portsmouth) greeted me after the Gosport ferry....enough said. The second pic is of the Big sail at the mouth of the port at Portsmouth. A complete milage cock up again today as I thought I was only going to do 21 miles and ended up doing 25!!!! no wonder I was on my knees when I reached Southsea :(

Walk 52

2011-03-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Milford on sea to Southampton 21miles

A very cold raw north westerly wind greeted me today at the start of this walk and stayed with me for the duration! The first stop of the day ws Lymington (see Pic) very quaint with its cobbled streets and little shops. A short walk took me thru to Bealieu which was nice, it was then onto my final destination Southampton c/w huge oil refinery!!! Todays walk can be described as FLAT! and I had to do a fair bit of road work....sign of things to come....The B&B was great with free WIFI :)

Walk 51

2011-03-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Christchurch to Milford on Sea 9miles

I had to drive to Christchurch today and drop the car off for the week....I hope its there when I get back!!!! As I walked towards Milford I had to climb a hill to take the picture on this entry of my blog, this would be the last hill to climb for over 100 miles!. The view from the top of the hill was fantastic stretching all the way to Harrys Rocks. A ferry to Mudeford greeted me at the bottom of the hill and then it was a straight forward 6 mile walk along the beach into Milford on Sea, I crossed the county border into Hampshire today so farwell Dorset. As I arrived into Milford the IOW came into view and I had a great view of the Needles. I stopped in a nice B&B in Milford and in the evening decided to go out for a meal so I chose the closest to the B&B which just happened to be the Zaika Indian Resturant but to my horror they refused to serve me because and I quote " we do not have any tables for one".....so if your ever in Milford, you now know where not to go!

Walk 50

2011-02-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Swanage to Christchurch 19miles

I stopped overnight at the Grand Hotel in Swanage great room with a view (See Pic) shame about the shower which you needed to run around in to get wet! The next day was glorious, hardly a cloud in the sky so off I walked up a few steep hills safe in the knowledge today that these would be the last for quite a long time :( First port of call was Old Harry Rocks ( see Pic) which then led downhill to the beach at Studland, lovely white sand all the way round the headland to the end of the South West Coast Path....the SWCP has been hard at times but I'm gonna miss it :( So it was onto the Sandbanks ferry(free!) and a walk along millionaires row I must say I was a bit dissapointed it was all a bit...shabby. The rest of the walk was along the promenade to Christchurch...very flat and hard on the feet

Walk 49.......part 1 & 2

2011-02-21T08:49:00.001-08:00

Lulworth Cove to Swanage 21miles

Part1......

I intended to walk this stretch of the coast in one go, but the weather had other ideas! I started from West Lulworth in what can only be described as a force 10 gale with rain as well, fortunatley it was a cross wind off the sea so it was blowing me back onto the cliff (not the other way round :)). So I trudged on, fell over 4 times, waded through countless mud and by the time I had reached the other side of Kimmerige I'd had enough, here I saw a sign for Kingston.....Taxi!

Part2......

4 days later I drove to Kingston and wow what a difference.....no rain and bearly a breath of air, thats more like it :) the conditions were perfect and I walked the last 11 miles to Swanage in just under 4hrs. Pic is of the lighthouse at Anvil Point

Walk 48

2011-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Weymouth(Kings Statue) to Lulworth Cove 14Miles

Gary dropped me off at the Kings Statue to start the walk(cheers mate!) and I promptly walked along the front the mile or so to the cafe and met him for breakfast...perfect start to any walk! I said my fairwells after breakie and walked out of town up a small incline, the next few miles consisted of reasonably flat terain but unfortunatly the mud made an unwelcome return :(

The hard part of the walk was just after Ringstead Bay where things got a lot tougher, I have to admit I wasn't expecting this sort of terrain as the SWCP website had said this part of the walk was "moderate"! So I walked up and down West Bottom, Middle Bottom, East Bottom, Durdle Door(See Pic) and finally into Lulworth Cove.

On the way down the hill into Lulworth Cove I met a couple on there way home, and managed to scrounge a lift to Wool station, so a big thank you to Jackie and Ian :)

Walk 47

2011-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Portland 14miles

A circular walk today starting from the ferry bridge at Weymouth, cold but breezy day with a 2 mile hike before arriving onto the actual island of Portland. A steep climb to start the walking, but the rest of the island was flat all the way out to the "Bill" (see Pic) and back.I did manage an extra mile of detour/wrong turn but heyho these things happen. A big thank you to Gary and Di for there hospitalityand bed in the evening....Go Green Bay!

Walk 46

2011-01-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

West Bay to Weymouth(Kings Statue) 23miles

A cold but calm day starting off with a drive to West Bay, parked the car for a quid for the whole day! what a bargain :) I intended to walk only 20miles today but mis-calculated the extra 3miles to the bus stop in Weymouth:( The walk started with a hill but the rest was mostly flat with a small detour avoiding the trek accross Chesil Beach, the detour did take me past the very lovely Swannery at Abbotsbury. Pic is of Chesil Beach

Walk 45 - The Return of the MUD!!!

2010-11-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

Seaton to West Bay 17miles

After several days/weeks of rain the mud has made a comeback with a vengance! I started the day in Seaton which has gone downhill since I last walked through it 12 years ago what a dump!

The walk started with a climb and that was the theme of the day!, mainly forest all the way into Lyme Regis then the proper climbing started with a big un out of Lyme and an even bigger un out of Charmouth ( 1 mile long!). Finally the mother of all climbs greeted me at Golden Cap 626ft(191m) which it turns out to be the highest point on the South West coast but the views were spectacular from the top you can see for miles! Finished with Devon today and onto Dorset....rattling thu the counties now!!!! Pic is of Lyme bay

Walk 44

2010-11-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sidmouth to Seaton 10.5miles

A really nice day again today, started with a drive out to Sidmouth then it was uphill anddown dale for the next 6 miles I had lunch ( see Pic) in one of the nicest places so far on any of my walks. Walked via Branscombe and Beer the latter being one of my favourite places in Devon.

Walk 43......The Right Way

2010-11-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

As the logistics of getting too and from Wales are causing me problems I have decided to walk in the opposite direction, the decision was an easy one, as it was 18 deg warm and sunny on a mid October day!

Dawlish to Sidmouth 16miles

Started with a nice easy walk out of the front door! then onto Starcross to catch the 9.50am ferry to Exmouth, the walking to Sidmouth was mostly easy and took just on 4 hours. Picture is of Salcombe Mouth.

Walk 42

2010-10-10T11:54:00.001-07:00

Cadoxton to Llantwit Major 15 miles

Started from Cadoxton in glorious sunshine, first port of call was Barry where I picked up the coastal path that would take me now all the way to Llantwit, I passed via Rhoose on the way where ther is a sign comemorating the fact that this is the most southerly point of Wales. Its a bit strange to look across the bay to England and where only 7 days go I was walking!! the coastal path into Llantwit had a few ups and downs but I managed to finish the walk and catch my train with 40 mins to spare. :)

I would like at this point to say a big "Thank You" to my friend Ken who lives in Rhoose and not only did he provide me with 3 nights quality accomodation, but ferried me to my start point on 2 days and rescued me from Cadoxton when I was nearly on my knees on Friday the "Wet Day" Cheers Ken. :) :) :)

Walk 41

2010-10-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

St Brides to Cadoxton 24.5 miles

A very wet and windy day to start October with, especially when you have to walk the first 6 miles into it along the top of a levee!!!!, the next few miles were along roads into Cardiff where I managed to be drenched 3 times by passing cars and puddles! Then across the barrage at Cardiff Bay (another neat bit of kit) onto Penarth which is nice even though its a bit run down. I picked up a new coastal path just outside of Penarth which took me all the way to Barry Docks, in between the two places I did have to take a detour across rocks from Lanrock to Swanbridge which was a bit stupid of me because I had no clue if the tide was coming in or going out and it was 1/2 a mile! The Camera got so wet today it packed up halfway through the walk!!!! Managed to fall over twice today which is the first time since Bigbury on Sea!!!

Walk 40

2010-10-10T11:39:00.001-07:00

Chepstow to St Brides Wentlooge 23.5 miles

A nice sunny day today, at last I have learnt my lesson re OS map footpaths and I stuck to the roads like glue! Not much to tell today as everything was very flat......the highlight of the day was my trip on the Transporter bridge at Newport....what a neat bit of kit! (see Pic)

Walk 39

2010-10-10T11:23:00.001-07:00

Portishead to Chepstow 19miles

Weather forcast for the day was Rain all the way....thank you for getting that wrong! Walked out of Portishead onto Avonmouth (which was a really grim place) then across the river Avon via the M5 bridge (see Pic) mostly roads again today until the first Severn bridge at Severn Beach, I had my lunch under the bridge which was a bit surreal, the rest of the jourey was across fields to the "old" Severn bridge. The walk across the bridge into Wales was a very strange feeling...hard to explain really......I walked through 3 different counties today Avon, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.......remind me to tell the story of the Ryder Cup tickets.....very interesting if true! Second pic is of the Severn bridge

Walk 38

2010-10-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Weston to Portishead 26 miles

Another milage cock up today, should have been only 17 miles........! The sun shone for most of the day so musn't complain. A very different walk today due to the fact that I lost sight of the sea for most of the day and encountered a few probelms with the OS map again. First problem was early on in the day when I encountered the enquisitive "cow"....well a whole herd in fact!....I chickened out and was seen leggin it towards the gate I had come through persued by 20 or so fresians!!!! The second problem was later on in the day when I followed the OS map public right of way footpath across a field only to be met in the next field by 8ft high maize plants, I tried to hack my way through but 1/3 the way across I gave up, this was a day of doubling back on myself :( this explained why today took 8.5hrs. Todays journey also took me across the M5 twice and the West Coast Mainline twice! Eventually I reached Clevedon and from there on to Portishead was the one of the most welcome of coastal paths I have have ever seen :)

The B&B was fantastic c/w a huge bed, and after a hard days walking I had my first bath in 15 years!!!!!!

Walk 37

2010-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Huntspill to Weston 21mles

After getting a lift to Bridgwater and a bus to Huntspill (only way to get across the river!) I stopped overnight at the Ilex House B&B, now the woman who runs this establishment is the archityple dragon landlady! talk about giving me the 3rd degree as soon as I walked in the door.....and opinionated, don't even get me started!!!!. Today was only supposed to be a 17mile day but turned into a 21mile day due to mistakes on the OS map where in places it shows a bridge across a river and there ain't one :( It was a grey day all round today as I trudged on through Burnham, Brean and then onto Weston. Pic was taken at the top of Brean Downs

Walk 36

2010-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

West Quantoxhead to Combwich 17miles

A great start to the day with crisp clear Autumn skys and a nice cool breeze, ideal for walking. First stop of the day was along the WSCP looking back to Watchet and Minehead (see Pic). I had my first encounter with a Nuclear Pwr Station today at Hinkley point, its a bit strange walking around it knowing one falsemove and I could be microwaved :(...did find myself holding my breath as much as possible LOL....I saw some fishermen right by the NPS....would'nt want to eat their catch.....Blinky springs to mind LOL The whole walk took just 5 hrs, and thank you to the kind van driver in Combwich who took pity on me when he saw I'd missed my bus to Bridgewater and gave me a lift.

Walks 35-41......153 miles....1 Week

2010-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Walk 35

Made my way to Blue Anchor via Train and Bus, I met a really nice couple on the bus(Jackie and Dean) who were on ther way to Minehead to start the SWCP, I wished them well and thought back to my first day......at least I did'nt have all that camping gear to carry! I had a nice short 7 mile walk to West Quantoxhead which was dry and sunny :) Stopped at a really nice B&B c/w 32in LCD TV in my room! Picture is of W.Quantoxhead church.

Walk 34

2010-09-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Porlock to Blue Anchor 11.5miles

Started the day by driving out to Porlock and parking in the town, then realised I had no water so I went in search of a shop and I found one in the high street run by a guy who comes from New York City! and has been living in deeepest darrkest Somerset for 25years...just totally did not expect the accent! really nice guy and he runs the traditional sweet shop in Porlock if you want to look him up!!!

The weather was very windy today, which managed to blow me up the one and only climb of the day at Bossington, it was a nasty a good mile long :(. The rest of the journey t Minehead was pretty uneventful and finally I made it to the start/finish of the SWCP ( see Pic) The next part of the journey is down to my map reading skills!!! oh dear...........

I walked on to Blue Anchor with the intention of catching the steam train back to Minehead, but just as I was walking into BA the steam rose above the staion and the train chugged past me at the level crossing minus 1 unhappy walker :(.....however this story has a happy ending because stuck in the traffic was a guy in a camper van who obviously saw that I was lookin a little forlawn and he souted over to me "do you need a lift to Minehead?" wayhayyyyyy what a result. So a bit thank you to Alan and his campervan.......hooorarrrrr.

Just for the train spotter amongst you all.......the second pic for you :)

Walk 33

2010-09-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Lynton to Porlock 13miles

I drove to Lynton today, parked up and then hopped onto the cliff railway down to Lynmouth, the cliff railway was built by the Victorians and is completly water powered .....enviro friendly!

The first 2 miles of the walk out of Lynmouth was uphill! the rest of the walk was through forest so I didnt see the sea for most of the day! In amongst the forests I managed to cross the county border into Somerset (hooray! another county other than Devon and Cornwall!) The weather was glorious again and the walking (other than the first bit) was really very easy and flat. I finished the day off with a ride on the open top bus from Porlock to Lynmouth the views were stunning! however it took me 3 days to get the bugs out my teeth :)

Walk 32

2010-09-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Ilfracombe to Lynton 18miles

A bit of a challange today as most people complete ths part of the walk in 2 sections.......I can see why, a lot of up and down valleys ( Great Hangman was really a tough one) right up until 2 miles before the end of the walk! I managed to complete it all in just on 6hrs ( so I didnt miss my bus!) It was another fantastic autumn day and I even had to resort to sun tan lotion:) Picture was taken from Little Hangman looking back towards Ilfracombe.

Walk 32

2010-09-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Croyde to Ilfracombe 13miles

Today was the 1st September and what a glorious autumn day for walking!, sunshine all the way. Luckily the tide was out so I got to walk the whole of the 3 mile stretch along Woolacombe Bay (see Pic). Also, a first wildlife sighting today...at last, 2 seals were basking in the sea in the warm sunshine.

As I walked around the Bull Point lighthouse I had my first sighting of Wales (the country not the mammal!) Stopped in a lovely B&B in Ilfracombe even had my own dressing gown....what luxury! :)

Walk 31

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Westward Ho! to Croyde 13 miles

It started raining the moment I put my boots on ....and stopped 4.5hrs later just as todays walk was over :( oh well you cant win em all! The journey was split into 2 walks incorperating 3 buses. The first part of the walk was W/Ho to Appledore then a bus to Barnstable and onto Braunton, 2nd part of walk was from Braunton to Croyde, really easy walking all day today and a fantastic beach at Saunton Sands ( see Pic) to walk accross

Walk 30

2010-09-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Clovelly to Westward Ho! 13 miles

Started today with a very pleasant train journey to Barnstable followed by a bus journey to Clovelly...still did'nt pay to get in! Weather was very nice again, first 5 miles of the walk was through a forest and very flat at last!. Photo is of Peppercombe bay. The rest of the walk was spent walking up and down valleys....you'd have thought I'd be used to it by now. Stopped the night in Westward Ho! in a very nice B&B... even had my own lounge! Oh yes a word on Westward ho!....Yuuuuch :(

Walk 29

2010-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Elmscott to Clovelly 13miles

A bit bleak for the first 2 hrs today with driving horizontal rain, with only 5 up and down valleys on this section things are getting gradlually easier. Picture is of Spekesmill mouth waterfall which is on of the biggest in Devon. Lundy Island came into view today just after Hartland Quay and kept me company for the rest of the journey. Finished the day in Clovelly....and no I did'nt pay to get in.....bloody cheek :)

Walk 28

2010-09-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Bude to Elmscott 13miles

A nice day for walking ( no shirt day!), all the beaches up the coast were packed with holidaymakers. This sections of the SWCP had been described to me by many people as the toughest part of the whole path and with 12 up and down valleys I tend to agree. At Welcombe I pased back into Devon so thats it now for the whole of Cornwall! I stopped the night in Elmscott YHA.....I know after all I said in a previous blog.... but what can I say, I was desperate and as its peak season I had no alternative. Anyhow the YHA turned out to be very nice, met some people from around the globe.....the beds are still bloody awful :(

Walk 27

2010-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Boscastle to Bude 17miles

I had been warned today was going to be very tough walking, and this was bourne out by the first hill of the day out of Boscastle! a catagory 1 climb :( in honour of the guys on the Tour de France I have decided to catagorize all of the climbs on the walks around the country) Cat 1 being very long and very steep, Cat 5 being mearly a nuisance pimple!, today as I found out quickly was a long series of Cat 1 climbs all the way to Widemouth Bay. Part of todays walk included the highest point in Cornwall at the top of High Cliff, and boy was it windy up there! The final big climb of the day was at Dizzard Point and at a third of the way up I had a "moment" when for the first time on any of these walks I wanted to give up...seriously after 12-13miles of treking up and down these valleys I'd just about had enough.....but I plodded on and reached Bude with and hour to spare before my bus to Camelford.

A foot note to this Blog is that I left Boscastle at 8.55am with a target time for my bus at Bude of 3.25pm (6.5hrs), I spoke to Steve at the B&B who had walked the path a few times and he gave me the "look" of you will never make it mate.......5.5hrs later I'm talking to the someone in Bude asking where the bus stops........maybe on that last hill when I wanted to give up I should of checked my watch and then I would have realised why I was tired.............!

Walk 26

2010-07-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Port Issac to Boscastle 15miles

Parked the car in Camelfords "free" car park and took the bus to Port Issac, the bus ride was a complete "white knuckle" ride the driver was using the narrow lanes as though they were all one way in our favour!

A very tough walk today with a lot of up and down valleys, weather was perfect for walking with a nice tail wind. Lots of people on the path today to chat to and different nationalities for a change ( Canadians, Americans, Germans Etc), everyone was really friendly and its nice to see the path getting used. Walked thru Tintagel whcih was heaving, and then onto Boscastle (v.nice...see Pic) I stopped overnight at the bridgehouse B&B which doubles up as a tea room in the day time!

Walk 25

2010-07-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

Padstow to Port Issac 12miles

After a 2 month break from this trek it was nice to see the coast path again! I started on the other side of the bay from Padstow at place called Rock, the first landmark was the beach at Polzeath which is fantastic, pure flat white sand, just lovely. The coast path has dried out nicely now which has bought out every rambler/tomdickandharry onto the coast path ( even another group of school kids, though they were moaning about having to walk 8 miles!). The terrain was pretty easy going untill Port Quin and then it was a 4 mile slog up and down steps and hills, I'd forgotten how tough this can be! Final port of call was Port Issac (See Pic) very nice....did'nt get to see Doc Martin though :(

Walk 24

2010-07-11T02:59:00.000-07:00

Mawgan Porth to Padstow 17miles

A really nice days walking today, not to hot not to cold and very flat! 6miles outside of Padstow I went past a group of young school kids and thought "thats nice kiddies on a bit of a ramble" but no they were going all the way to Padstow....nice that the education system gets em exercised!!!

Walk 23

2010-07-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

St Agnus to Mawgan Porth 19 miles

Had a nice early start today (6.30am) due to the tide at the River Gannel just outside of Newquay, there is a footbridge you can only cross 1 hr each side of low tide....I made it with 57mins to spare! Walked on thru Newquay which was very busy with surfers and shoppers!

I saw another snake today, this one was very dead so I got a good close look at it, apparently though not deadly to humans if you do get bitten by an Adder you need to go to hospital pretty sharpish :(

Walk 22

2010-07-11T02:45:00.000-07:00

Gwithian to St Agnus 17miles

I Started out early so I could visit the seal colony at Gwithia Bay, I had been told there are up to 80 seals on the beach!.....I arrived at 8.30am .....No Seals! typical. Walked on through the rain via Portreath and Porthtowans, later on the tin mines started up again!

Walk 21

2010-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

St Erth to Gwithian

6 Miles

Nice easy walk of 6 miles today, bit of a grey day and the photo is of Port Kidney beach looking towards Gwithian. Those of you keeping score on this epic! journey I have just passed the 300 mile mark and according to estimates( the whole journey is supposedly 3600miles!) that is 1/12th of the total distance....not far to go now!!!!!

Walk 20

2010-06-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Pendeen To St Erth

20miles

I was up early as today was my first veture into new teritory! according to the SWCPA website the journey to St Ives(15 miles) was graded as " Severe" so I was ready for a long slog! My start point was Portheras Cove (Pic) very nice...mentally ready for the walk of walks!!!....well what can I say.....bit of a disapointment really, had a bit of rock climbing on the way and there was a few large up and downs but I ended up arriving in St Ives 3 hours ahead of schedule! so I walk another 5miles onto St Erth.

I did however have a close encounter with a Snake on my journey from Portheras, I was just about to step of yet another rock when I happened to look down and there slithering accross the SWCP was non other than a 12in Adder...bit of a shock really couldnt get my camera out in time though!!!!

Walk 19

2010-06-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Lands End to Pendeen

10 Miles

Barely a breath of air or a cloud in the sky, after a long journey back to Lands End(4.5hrs) involving a car, 2 trains and a bus! At last I was on my way north :) first stop was beautiful Sennan Cove (see Pic) I managed to walk the whole length of the beach c/w a bit of rock climbing at the end!!

The rest of the journey was a disapointment due to the ravages of Cornwalls past...Tin Mining...though I understand its part of the cornish heritage I just wish it could be tided up a bit! My evenings accomodation was in a village called Higher Boscaswell just south of Portheras Cove

Walks 14,15,16,17 and 18

2010-04-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Walk 14

Falmouth Docks to Maenporth - 3 miles

Had to work today first then took the train to Falmouth Docks, I walked the 3 miles to Maenporth in horizontal driving rain and got very very wet which thankfully is the first time! Stayed at the Avalon B&B at the end of the beach(see Picture 7) it was by far the best accommodation on any of the walks 5 stars, breakfast was overlooking the beach with the sun shimmering of the sea....what more could you ask for?

Walk 15

Maenporth to Coverack - 16miles

The day started off really well with blue skies all the way to Helford, didn't have to wait to long for the ferry either..bonus! Then walked onto Gillan Creek where it proceeded to pee down! Had a bit of luck a Gillan Creek, as there is no "official ferry crossing" I decided to stand on the river bank with my "little lost boy look" (works every time!) and a bloke shouts over to me "y'awlright" and I said "any chance of a lift across this here creek" no problem came the reply that'll cost you £2.50.......best £2.50 I've ever spent!!! it meant that I avoided a 3 mile hike down and then up river to cross at the bridge. Later on I had to walk thru a disused quarry at Rosenithan....it was really surreal I thought I was on the set of the Prisoner..........I'm not a prisoner I'm a free man!

Due to other disused quarries I had a fair bit of inland walking today and I got to thinking that I should change my blog to coastalwalkwithabitinland.com :) Arrived at the B&B at 3.15pm, had a choice of rooms(nice) and tea and bicis was served in the conservatory! (v.nice) During tea I got into a conversation with the landlady of the B&B re the lack of mobile phone reception and she suggested that as I was on Orange the best reception is in the "phone box" down the road!!!! sort of defeats the object of having a mobile really doesn't it

Finally, on Easter day the local people in Coverack go onto the beach to "build a cross" for Easter.........don't be naughty in "that" village if I were you :)

Walk 16

Coverack to Porthleven - 24 miles

The longest walk in a single day so far.........................Started out at 8.30am it rained so much that at one point even my pants were wet! The conditions were treacherous under foot which caused me to slip over twice today. Walked via Lizard point ( picture 5)and its funny but you very rarely see anyone on these walks but 2miles before and 2 miles after the Lizard the paths were heaving...loadsanumbties in trainers though!...can't believe people would want to be on the path in footwear like that! Picture 4 is of Porthleven beach which is 3.5miles of pure sand. it was a shame that the tide was in as I could of walked the whole length all the way into town. Stopped overnight at the Harbour Inn, very nice but too loud! Note to myself.....24miles is too much in one day! could hardly walk 20mins after getting up from lying down on the bed!!!!!

Walk 17

Porthleven to Mousehole - 16miles

At last a nice day....no rain and sunshine all the way! Walked across a lovely beach in the morning at Praa Sands (see picture 2) stopped for an ice cream and watched the surfers...hard life this walking! :) Walked via St Micheals Mount,(see picture 3) what a truly stunning piece of architecture! The walking today was very easy and it was the first night that I won't need to wash my socks!! Accommodation is the Penzance YHA, first time in 20 years I have stopped in a YHA.....when I arrived I was impressed...Cafe, bar and restaurant how things have changed in 20 years....

Walk 18

Mousehole to Lands End - 14miles

Well what can I say....possibly the worst nights sleep for many a year! I now realise why I haven't been to a YHA for 20 years...having to share a "dorm" with 5 other blokes who proceeded to snore and fart the whole night through!!!!!! never again....when I handed my key back at the end of my stay the girl on the front desk checked I had paid etc and then said " OK Mr West you are free to go" didn't realise I was staying in Stalag 42!!! :(

The Walk to Lands End was very nice except...for the bloody rain! oh well got away without it for 1 day, the going was very easy underfoot and very very busy 2 miles out from Lands End.

The picture really speaks for itself..........its north from now on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walk 12 & 13

2010-03-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Walk 12

Mevagissey to Portloe

12 miles

Set myself a bit of a challenge on this walk as I had to do my post round on the same day as this walk! talk about a glutton for punishment.... woke up at 5.30am, breakfast then a 25mile journey to work, preped my round and delivered by 9.10am, home at 9.45am, train to St Austell @ 11.16, bus to Mevagissey arrived 2pm walked 12.3miles arrived at B&B at 5.58pm ( my aim was to arrive at 6pm!) Weather was fine and calm, not too much mud this time but did see a shetland pony on the way ( he must have been a bit lost :) Picture is of Caerhays Castle Nr Portloe...picture is a bit dark due to the fact the light was fading a little by the time I took it!

Walk 13

Portloe to Falmouth

14 miles

After a wonderful nights sleep at the B&B in Portloe I was up and ready for the walk ahead, today was a little strange as I had to order a taxi for 2-2.30pm in advance to pick me up at Place! (see picture of the yellow house)

The walk itself was pretty easy with the added bonus of walking (at last!) across not one but three beaches which was a nice change from mud! (picture is of Pendover Beach) Weather was fine and calm again though a little chilly due to frost in the morning.

I arrived at Place just before 2pm and had to wait for my taxi to St Mawes, reason for the taxi is that the ferry does not start running until Easter :( Once at St Mawes it was then a wait for a ferry to Falmouth then a short walk to the train station and home talk about untilising public transport!!!!

Walk 9, 10 and 11

2010-02-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

Walk 9

Freathy to Looe

12miles

The weather was fantastic 6deg and very sunny, had a detour around the MOD firing range at the start of the walk...yes they were firing..thought I was in Iraq!. The going was easy untill Portwinkle then it was all up and down to Looe. Just before I hit Looe I had the misfortune of going thru Millendreath...well what can I say................DUMP, talk about "last one out switch the lights out" please! The B&B at Looe was great, a room with a view! Also a mention for the curryhouse in Looe called Moonlight, fantastic food. The Bottom picture is looking back from Looe harbour.

Walk 10

Looe to Par

18miles

Nice and flat on the way out of Looe, weather fine again. Todays biggest problem was Thirst(did'nt take enough water! had to drink from a stream in the end which not supprisingly tasted better than tap water) and MUD talk about heavy going...there were places that it was that thick I expected to be passed by a Hippo!. I went thru some of Cornwalls finest fishing villages on the way Polruan, Fowey and Polperro to name but a few. Stopped in Par overnight at a lovely B&B who washed and dried my socks due to there muddy condition! Par itself is spoit by an enormous factory that is perched on the edge of there massive beach, refused to take a picture of that monstrosity! The 3rd picture is of Polperro.

Walk 12

12miles

Par to Mevagissey

Walked past the enormous factory...Quickly! then it was on to Carlyon Bay over another golf course(5th one so far not been hit by a ball yet!) weather was fine, encountered the usual amount of mud and a supprisingly a lot of steps today..infact at one point the hill I had to climb had 171 steps, that I belive is a record for me in one go! I also went thru Charlestown where there are 3 Square Riggers in the harbour(see top picture) these are regularly used on film sets and TV progs. Mevagissey (2nd Picture) was and is the nicest of the ports I have been to so far, especially out of season!

2010-02-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

Walk 8

Plymouth to Freathy

11 miles

Started from Plymouth with a ferry ride and the sign on the photo was there to greet me when I got across the water! Cornwall here I come :) Had to cut the walk short today due to the fact I had to take the doggy with me (see other photo) the going was very easy and the weather was cold but calm...I think the dog coped well as he has never walked more than 2 or 3 miles in one go...infact I dont think he was lagging behind at the end due to tiredness...I just think he was bored :)

2010-02-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Walk 6 and 7

Bigbury on Sea to Plymouth

27 miles

My first walk with a stopover.

First part of the walk was from Bigbury to Newton Ferrers (16miles). this included having to wade across the river Erme, so shoes and socks off and into the ICY water up to my thigh...current was a bit quick in the middle as well! Stopped over night in Newton Ferrers (see bottom photo) went to the pub in the evening and a BIG shout for the lovely people in the Dolphin Inn that made me welcome as soon as I walked in the door, thanks for the game of darts...double 2...my favorite! oh yea the food was great as well!

Second part of the walk was from Wembury to Plymouth (11 miles) thanks to Jill at the B&B for the lift round to Wembury this is due again to the fact that the ferry only runs in summer. I saw a few Exmoor ponies running wild. Second photo (top) is of Wembury church...aparently a very popular location for having your wedding!

2010-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

Walk 5: Salcombe to Aveton Gifford

16.5 miles

Chucked it down with rain for the first 2 miles, then sunshine all the way. Easy/Medium walking, a few hills but the killer was the extra 4 miles you have to walk due to the fact that the Bigbury Ferry only runs during the high season! It took 4hrs and 40mins not bad for an old timer! :) Photo is of Burgh island, the white building is a hotel and the most expensive room is £600.00 per night...oooooooooooowwwch

2010-01-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

Walk 4 : Torcross to Salcombe

14.5 miles

Nice and easy walk, got a little lost just outside Torcross and had to battle my way through some "undergrowth" to get back on course! Weather was calm and no snow! I had a pleasant walk to the Start Point lighthouse (see photo) but unfortuantley it was shut :(

2009-12-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

Walk 3 : Dartmouth to Torcross

10.5miles

Bit of a uphill hike on the way out of Dartmouth, weather was decent (at last). This picture is of Blackpool Sands which is about halfway point, sat and had my lunch here whilst watching a treasure hunter with his metal detector...some hope!

2009-11-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Walk2 : Torquay to Dartmouth

19miles (again!)

Easy walking from Torquay to Brixham....but once past Berry Head OMG....a friend said to me last week that this is the hardest part of the southwest path and all I can say is "i'm glad its over"

The picture was taken whilst I enjoyed my lunch........I can think of a lot of ways to spend a Wednesday, but this takes some beating............enjoy

2009-11-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Walk 1 : Dawlish to Torquay (it was going to be Paington but I ran out of steam!)

19miles

The walk was relentlessly uphill and down dale right from the outskirts of Dawlish to the fringes of Torquay. No real let up along this route so be warned!