A month on and I have an interview on Monday - hopefully I will get the job and then I might manage to get some more proper walking done. I feel that this is going to be a long project!
When I first got back I really didn't want to be home but did enjoy getting home and sharing my photos and adventures with others but it was very frustrating to not be able to continue as I wanted!
Thursday 9 June 2011
Postcard 14 Clovelly - Hartland Quay 10 miles
Rise and Shine - today is going to be another strenuous day! We set off from Clovelly in full rain gear - I thought I don't do rain! Anyway fortunately it soon gives way to pleasant walking weather and although the pace is faster Graham kindly trails behind with me and does all the standard tactics to keep me on track! Hiro has now got a crush on Amber and is following her everywhere! This looks at best odd and at worst ridiculous as he is so tiny and having to do 3 steps to every 1 of Amber's!
Immediately we start with hills and steps and for a little while I am coping but I soon fall behind as I stagger up steps and hills sounding like a steam train!
The fantastic thing about walking with others is that you dont have to read maps but the downside is that you haven't got a clue what you are passing especially if you are really feeling like you are having to march!
We go past Blackchurch Rock and I naively ask if it is Hartland Point! I was soon to discover that it wasn't that was much more impressive! We do eventually hit Hartland Point and that is quite a nice point with signal masts and a tea hut about a mile on from that! A very welcome stop! I managed to lose my lens cap for my camera as we approached the lighthouse and when we reached the tea house 2 people that we had seen on our path were at the tea house - it transpired that they had found the cap and realised that it could be mine and had jumped in their car and tracked us down at the tea stop! I was incredibly relieved to have it returned but felt really bad as I had no money with which to buy them at least a coffee for all their trouble.
We reached Hartland Quay which was a wonderfully hidden little pub/ hotel / museum and car park! A very successful end to a lot of walking and walking with 3 others for the past 2 days had shown me that I really do prefer sole walking most of the time if it were not for lack of conversation because Hiro although expressive is not such a good conversationalist!
Immediately we start with hills and steps and for a little while I am coping but I soon fall behind as I stagger up steps and hills sounding like a steam train!
The fantastic thing about walking with others is that you dont have to read maps but the downside is that you haven't got a clue what you are passing especially if you are really feeling like you are having to march!
We go past Blackchurch Rock and I naively ask if it is Hartland Point! I was soon to discover that it wasn't that was much more impressive! We do eventually hit Hartland Point and that is quite a nice point with signal masts and a tea hut about a mile on from that! A very welcome stop! I managed to lose my lens cap for my camera as we approached the lighthouse and when we reached the tea house 2 people that we had seen on our path were at the tea house - it transpired that they had found the cap and realised that it could be mine and had jumped in their car and tracked us down at the tea stop! I was incredibly relieved to have it returned but felt really bad as I had no money with which to buy them at least a coffee for all their trouble.
We reached Hartland Quay which was a wonderfully hidden little pub/ hotel / museum and car park! A very successful end to a lot of walking and walking with 3 others for the past 2 days had shown me that I really do prefer sole walking most of the time if it were not for lack of conversation because Hiro although expressive is not such a good conversationalist!
Postcard 13 Westward Ho - Clovelly
Woken this morning by Ambers owner inviting Hiro and I to join their party for the next 2 days. 45 mins to get ready - I have never moved so fast and Hiro is quite shocked at the momentum!
I was soon to discover that they walk quite a bit faster than me with less stops so this is really going to push my limits!
The route is challenging and although only 11 miles there are lots of hills and steps. Ambers owner (Spencer ) is off like a rocket and leads the way the whole time. Christine is fab and although she is quick I dont feel stressed by trying to keep up with her! Her husband Graham is a sweetie and generously cajoles me to climb the next hill without dying in the process! I am in return feeling incredibly hot and stripping layer after layer much to the amusement of the whole group! Equally I am trying to keep up but at one point I just have to stop and draw breath and have lunch way before they planned! Mental memo to self eat a proper breakfast tomorrow!
I was soon to discover that they walk quite a bit faster than me with less stops so this is really going to push my limits!
The route is challenging and although only 11 miles there are lots of hills and steps. Ambers owner (Spencer ) is off like a rocket and leads the way the whole time. Christine is fab and although she is quick I dont feel stressed by trying to keep up with her! Her husband Graham is a sweetie and generously cajoles me to climb the next hill without dying in the process! I am in return feeling incredibly hot and stripping layer after layer much to the amusement of the whole group! Equally I am trying to keep up but at one point I just have to stop and draw breath and have lunch way before they planned! Mental memo to self eat a proper breakfast tomorrow!
postcard 12 Barnstaple - Instow- Bideford - Appledore
Barnstaple - Bideford What can I say? Tarmac virtually the whole way - painfully boring! The only let up was at East Yelland Marsh where the path went round the marsh and I saw a Lizard - I was so surprised I didnt get a chance to take a photo!
It was very demoralising and I ws losing the will!! Anyway the marsh eventually led on to sand and Hiro really enjoyed the sands of Instow oh and the ice cream! Then it was back on the Tarka Trail again all the way to Bideford up to the Long Bridge by now my feet were really hurting and I didnt want to play!
Bideford to Appledore was far nicer and more interesting winding my way allong the shore and even a few little hills and to be honest if I had parked at Westward Ho! I would have walked it happily as the weather was good and the walking was pleasant!
I then had to book into a campsite and as I arrived there was Amber + owner and other couple! I am sure they think I am following them - Im not it is the only campsite in the area! Still it is a nice site with good showers that dont act like swimming pool showers going off after a few seconds and hot! woo hoo!
It was very demoralising and I ws losing the will!! Anyway the marsh eventually led on to sand and Hiro really enjoyed the sands of Instow oh and the ice cream! Then it was back on the Tarka Trail again all the way to Bideford up to the Long Bridge by now my feet were really hurting and I didnt want to play!
Bideford to Appledore was far nicer and more interesting winding my way allong the shore and even a few little hills and to be honest if I had parked at Westward Ho! I would have walked it happily as the weather was good and the walking was pleasant!
I then had to book into a campsite and as I arrived there was Amber + owner and other couple! I am sure they think I am following them - Im not it is the only campsite in the area! Still it is a nice site with good showers that dont act like swimming pool showers going off after a few seconds and hot! woo hoo!
Postcard 10 rain rain and hail stones!
Today (Monday)the plan was to go back to Lee and continue my walk towards Croyde and further ideally Braunton as that is where Lobb Fields is!
Anyway following a little windy but wet night I decided to set off with the thinking that it could only get better. To get to Lee we needed to walk into Braunton (1 mile) then get a bus to Ilfracombe and then a connecting bus to Lee. As there was only 3 buses a day to Lee it was important to get there asap! By the time Hiro and I got to Ilfracombe we had had 2 rainfalls that were sufficient to make Hiro rather keen on missing puddles and raindrops and diving in doorways seemed to be his ploy! It was clear that he was not enjoying this so we went and bought an all singing windproof, waterproof padded coat! To say he looked even less impressed is an understatement but he wore it with good grace but hardly with an impassioned thank you!
We got on the bus to Lee and as we were driving down to the bay it began to hail great big lumps! There is no way that I was going to go out in that and Hiro was visibly disturbed that he was going to have to go out in it! The bus driver chuckled when I told him I was going back with him! I know it was pathetic but the walk from Lee was deemed to be a little strenuous and approximately 5 miles before I would reach Croyde and I genuinely do not believe in getting wet for the sake of it. So we headed back home!
Walking back from Braunton to the campsite we got soaked to the skin and it seemed to underwrite the sense of not going walking today! As I got back to the tent I discovered that the 2 couples that I had seen through out my adventure was on my site. I stood talking to the 'stay at home wife' moaning for quite some time. It felt good to have a moan but felt humbled that they had gone walking and were getting very wet!
After a reviving cat nap we drove into Barnstaple and I found the only internet access point apart from the library which was charging a rediculous £2.30 per 1/2 hour!!!
So 1 and 1/2 hours later I emerged having completed an application cv and getting back in touch with the real world!
Forcast is better for tomorrow - so bring it on or else I am going home - cant see the point of paying campsite fees if I am not walking.
Anyway following a little windy but wet night I decided to set off with the thinking that it could only get better. To get to Lee we needed to walk into Braunton (1 mile) then get a bus to Ilfracombe and then a connecting bus to Lee. As there was only 3 buses a day to Lee it was important to get there asap! By the time Hiro and I got to Ilfracombe we had had 2 rainfalls that were sufficient to make Hiro rather keen on missing puddles and raindrops and diving in doorways seemed to be his ploy! It was clear that he was not enjoying this so we went and bought an all singing windproof, waterproof padded coat! To say he looked even less impressed is an understatement but he wore it with good grace but hardly with an impassioned thank you!
We got on the bus to Lee and as we were driving down to the bay it began to hail great big lumps! There is no way that I was going to go out in that and Hiro was visibly disturbed that he was going to have to go out in it! The bus driver chuckled when I told him I was going back with him! I know it was pathetic but the walk from Lee was deemed to be a little strenuous and approximately 5 miles before I would reach Croyde and I genuinely do not believe in getting wet for the sake of it. So we headed back home!
Walking back from Braunton to the campsite we got soaked to the skin and it seemed to underwrite the sense of not going walking today! As I got back to the tent I discovered that the 2 couples that I had seen through out my adventure was on my site. I stood talking to the 'stay at home wife' moaning for quite some time. It felt good to have a moan but felt humbled that they had gone walking and were getting very wet!
After a reviving cat nap we drove into Barnstaple and I found the only internet access point apart from the library which was charging a rediculous £2.30 per 1/2 hour!!!
So 1 and 1/2 hours later I emerged having completed an application cv and getting back in touch with the real world!
Forcast is better for tomorrow - so bring it on or else I am going home - cant see the point of paying campsite fees if I am not walking.
Postcard 9 - moving day Sunday
I woke early and started to make a move - there was only one speed - slowly! I found that I had bitten by some very vicious midges or earwigs they had both been flapping round so I blame them both. Anyway Hiro REFUSED to get out of bed so I wrote postcards, drank coffee etc then realised that time had flown by and it was nearly 10am - kick out time! Quickly we got sorted out and packed then went to start the car- Aaagh the car had no power. Luckily the campsite maintenance bod had jump leads and away we went! We were on our way to Lobb Fields! approximately 5 miles from Barnstaple. We booked in and was given a site at the far end of the 2 fields near a run around spot for the dog. We pitched tent but it still felt a little on a hill and I was conscious that pitching had to be right as I envisaged rolling out of the tent in the night! We we got a new battery then went a walk around Barnstaple and I managed to do a little shopping whilst Hiro got loads of attention! As it was Sunday we even got a couple of bargain pasties and I have to say they tasted fab! On our way back to the car we passed a pub that had live music so we spent a very pleasant hour in there listening to music and enjoying some liquid refreshment - just wish I hadn't been driving!
Once back at the tent Hiro and I moved the tent round as it looked a little less sloped anyone watching must have thought that we were mad rolling about our pitch to find the least sloped or bumpy!
The site is very pleasant and it was ideally placed for our plans for the next few days. It even had a takeaway on site for breakfast and tea!! I was to find the sausage sandwiches very good!
Once back at the tent Hiro and I moved the tent round as it looked a little less sloped anyone watching must have thought that we were mad rolling about our pitch to find the least sloped or bumpy!
The site is very pleasant and it was ideally placed for our plans for the next few days. It even had a takeaway on site for breakfast and tea!! I was to find the sausage sandwiches very good!
Monday 16 May 2011
Postcard 8 Lynmouth to Combe Martin 13 miles strenuous grading!!!
After a night of thunder and lightening (which Hiro slept through- bless him) we caught the bus to Lynton from Combe Bartin. When we got there we vistied the farmers market and bought postcards. Very touristy!!!
We were very close to the railway (basically a lift from Lynmouth to Lynton!) so we headed there to look for the acorn signs - not a one! Then we read the book which suggested we took Hallidday Hill as that was more rewarding and would get us to North Walk anyway. So we followed it - at this point Roaland Tarr and the SWCP become conflicting in directions so we just end up trying to find our own way!!!! Nothing major but time consuming and and scary as I am aware it is going to be a long day!
We found the Valley of Rocks and was in awe of the hight of someof the rocks. Anyway Castle Rock was where it all came together but by that time I had climbed Castle Rock and was looking for a down path the other side - nealry killed myself in the process and lost my highly valuabele UNISON sun hat! It was a short walk to Lee Abbey and Roland T and SWCP came into conflict again but I got there in the end and walked down to a little cottage. Just before Lee Abbey there was a baby deer stuck in a field - there was quite an audience watching the poor thing! Fortunately the park keepers were on the their way to sort it out.
Anyway true to the path we passed all the usual points but the views were fab and going through the wwods we were ready for dinner at the Hunters Inn. To say I was gutted that the kitchen was closed at 3.30 was an understatement! I knew the next bit was going to be difficult and I could really do with being fed before I started out on a 900 foot climb to the top of the highest point of the whole walk.
A lovely couple offered to give me alift to nearer Combe Martin - it was very tempting but I knew that I would have to return so decided to set forth and accomplish my journey - it was now 4pm and I set off determined to get it done!
The only worry I did have was that I needed to have a good pace as the light would go and thenI could end up on the hills in the dark!
The walk from Heddons Mouth to the top of Cleve was not as bad as I thought it would be but around Peter's Rock was really scary! Ironically in the SWCP guide it says that it should not be contemplated if it is not good weather - I was on it and going round before I realised - I must learn to read a map I could have got into loads of trouble! It was at this point that the wind started to blow and I ended up putting Hiro on his lead just to make sure that he didnt blowoff the hill!
I begun to have a lot of sympathy for the girl on the hill down to Hunters Inn who took fright and scuttled down the hill in fear.
I then managed to lose my way as there was a path diversion which meant I walked up the path and then along the road to Combe Martin and ended up at Holdstone Down Fork. Imagine my great disappointment and fear to realise that this was 5 miles from my destination - I was sure I had travelled further and it was now about 6pm :(
However I finally found an acorn that got me back on the beaten path by now I was fully dressed in t-shirt, jumpers and jacket it was windy and very cold!
Along Red Cleve and towards Great Hangman. Now the guide says this is 2 miles - it felt much less however the next 3 miles were definately much further . Down and through Sherrycombe up and over Great Hangman and towards Little Hangman by this time the sun was showing signs of setting and I was having nightmares about getting caught on the hills! I saw the signs to go up to Little Hangman's viewpoint but decided to give it a miss! The sheep were baffled that Hiro and I were out on the hills so late in the evening after all this was their territory at this time of the evening. We found a footpath down to Combe Martin and walked down to civilisation Whew I was getting a little worried about getting caught but I DID IT!!!
I celbrated with a delicious lamb kebab but I wasn't sharing - I have to share my tent with Hiro and I wasnt taking any chances!
We were very close to the railway (basically a lift from Lynmouth to Lynton!) so we headed there to look for the acorn signs - not a one! Then we read the book which suggested we took Hallidday Hill as that was more rewarding and would get us to North Walk anyway. So we followed it - at this point Roaland Tarr and the SWCP become conflicting in directions so we just end up trying to find our own way!!!! Nothing major but time consuming and and scary as I am aware it is going to be a long day!
We found the Valley of Rocks and was in awe of the hight of someof the rocks. Anyway Castle Rock was where it all came together but by that time I had climbed Castle Rock and was looking for a down path the other side - nealry killed myself in the process and lost my highly valuabele UNISON sun hat! It was a short walk to Lee Abbey and Roland T and SWCP came into conflict again but I got there in the end and walked down to a little cottage. Just before Lee Abbey there was a baby deer stuck in a field - there was quite an audience watching the poor thing! Fortunately the park keepers were on the their way to sort it out.
Anyway true to the path we passed all the usual points but the views were fab and going through the wwods we were ready for dinner at the Hunters Inn. To say I was gutted that the kitchen was closed at 3.30 was an understatement! I knew the next bit was going to be difficult and I could really do with being fed before I started out on a 900 foot climb to the top of the highest point of the whole walk.
A lovely couple offered to give me alift to nearer Combe Martin - it was very tempting but I knew that I would have to return so decided to set forth and accomplish my journey - it was now 4pm and I set off determined to get it done!
The only worry I did have was that I needed to have a good pace as the light would go and thenI could end up on the hills in the dark!
The walk from Heddons Mouth to the top of Cleve was not as bad as I thought it would be but around Peter's Rock was really scary! Ironically in the SWCP guide it says that it should not be contemplated if it is not good weather - I was on it and going round before I realised - I must learn to read a map I could have got into loads of trouble! It was at this point that the wind started to blow and I ended up putting Hiro on his lead just to make sure that he didnt blowoff the hill!
I begun to have a lot of sympathy for the girl on the hill down to Hunters Inn who took fright and scuttled down the hill in fear.
I then managed to lose my way as there was a path diversion which meant I walked up the path and then along the road to Combe Martin and ended up at Holdstone Down Fork. Imagine my great disappointment and fear to realise that this was 5 miles from my destination - I was sure I had travelled further and it was now about 6pm :(
However I finally found an acorn that got me back on the beaten path by now I was fully dressed in t-shirt, jumpers and jacket it was windy and very cold!
Along Red Cleve and towards Great Hangman. Now the guide says this is 2 miles - it felt much less however the next 3 miles were definately much further . Down and through Sherrycombe up and over Great Hangman and towards Little Hangman by this time the sun was showing signs of setting and I was having nightmares about getting caught on the hills! I saw the signs to go up to Little Hangman's viewpoint but decided to give it a miss! The sheep were baffled that Hiro and I were out on the hills so late in the evening after all this was their territory at this time of the evening. We found a footpath down to Combe Martin and walked down to civilisation Whew I was getting a little worried about getting caught but I DID IT!!!
I celbrated with a delicious lamb kebab but I wasn't sharing - I have to share my tent with Hiro and I wasnt taking any chances!
Postcard 7 Combe Martin to Lee 8 miles 'ish
Today, due to the bus service being non existant between Lynmouth to Combe Martin during the week I decided to do the next stretch first and then to back track to Lynmouth the following day (Saturday)
So I thought that today was going to be an easy day - not too far, but there was to be a stretch that would be quite strenuous near the end.
Up and at them - we were going to leave early to make up for our lazy day yesterday! The path was virtually outside the camp so there was no getting lost today! It was a bit hilly but nothing like the previous days or was I getting fit? The path took us through Watermouth Valley Park and this was a truly beautiful spot. As we walked along the edge of the site we saw some very dramatic cliff edges and some really stunning little islands dotted about in front of some secluded coves. It was quite overwhelming to realise that there were so many little coves that could only be accessed by sea. Now I know that many would say that this fact is written in many a book but to actually see it was quite a thunderbolt!
At Watermouth harbour the tide was in so we had to take the road route but it wasnt far but very busy. Much of the walk was shaded by trees but the temmprature was rising.
Further along we got to Rillage Point where I saw a large black bird sunbathing and drying his wings whilst sitting upon a large rock that was way below me! I was later told that it was a shag! Anyway at this point, in attempting to work out where I was, I checked the guide that mentioned the coastguard cottages I looked all along the coast and couldnt see them so thought I had either missed them or that I hadnt got quite that far. It was only as I turned to follow the path that I spotted them further up the hill behind me DOH!
We walked into Hele where there was a little caravan park right in the middle of the village on the edge of the cliff. We then climbed up and over Hillsborough and dropped slowly into Ilfracombe which brings you into the working harbour. Hiro was fascinated with the wonderful smells and being fete'd by all onlookers. He is beginning to feel like a superstar! We walk up into the town to find a cashpoint and some late breakfast it is then that I realise that it is nearly 12 and I am quite surprised that it is that late!
Anyway fry up for me and sausage and mash for Hiro (who thinks it is his birthday!) We are now ready to set off again but not before I buy some shorts from a charity shop as it is now so hot that I am beginning to burn!
All sorted we head for Woolacombe knowing full well that we have to get there for 5 or we wont be able to get back to Combe Martin - the busses are beginning to become a difficulty to my journey.
We set off towards Woolacombe which takes us past the unusual shaped theatre. As we go up the hills and out of Ilfracombe it was fortunately blowing enough to keep us sufficiently fresh and invigorated. We kept going upwards passing the bay where the male and female bathers had their own cove and a guard to protect the womens honour!
Hiro and I pressed forward feeling in good spirits towards seven Hills where we met 4 women who were walking our way. We got got chatting and these Austrian women were totally besotted with Hiro who naturally flirted in his own cheeky way. We fell into walking along together and continued towards Lee which was a half way marker. By the time we got there it was 3.30 and the worst part was still to be done - It was marked as strenuous and there was 5 miles to be done! Knowing my wonderful pace of walking I decided to call it a day and join my new found friends in a cream tea in the Grampus Inn - although a pleasant enough and helpful pub the crockery left a lot to be desired! Together we joined forces and got taxis back to Ilfracombe and then I got the bus back to Combe Martin - not as far as I would have liked but given the bus service as far as I could reasonably go without getting into difficulties - a little frustrating but I could pick it up at a later point.
Regardless thanks to a very relaxed cream tea and long conversations I got back to the site at 8pm - Race you to bed Hiro!! Another long day tomorrow woo hoo!
So I thought that today was going to be an easy day - not too far, but there was to be a stretch that would be quite strenuous near the end.
Up and at them - we were going to leave early to make up for our lazy day yesterday! The path was virtually outside the camp so there was no getting lost today! It was a bit hilly but nothing like the previous days or was I getting fit? The path took us through Watermouth Valley Park and this was a truly beautiful spot. As we walked along the edge of the site we saw some very dramatic cliff edges and some really stunning little islands dotted about in front of some secluded coves. It was quite overwhelming to realise that there were so many little coves that could only be accessed by sea. Now I know that many would say that this fact is written in many a book but to actually see it was quite a thunderbolt!
At Watermouth harbour the tide was in so we had to take the road route but it wasnt far but very busy. Much of the walk was shaded by trees but the temmprature was rising.
Further along we got to Rillage Point where I saw a large black bird sunbathing and drying his wings whilst sitting upon a large rock that was way below me! I was later told that it was a shag! Anyway at this point, in attempting to work out where I was, I checked the guide that mentioned the coastguard cottages I looked all along the coast and couldnt see them so thought I had either missed them or that I hadnt got quite that far. It was only as I turned to follow the path that I spotted them further up the hill behind me DOH!
We walked into Hele where there was a little caravan park right in the middle of the village on the edge of the cliff. We then climbed up and over Hillsborough and dropped slowly into Ilfracombe which brings you into the working harbour. Hiro was fascinated with the wonderful smells and being fete'd by all onlookers. He is beginning to feel like a superstar! We walk up into the town to find a cashpoint and some late breakfast it is then that I realise that it is nearly 12 and I am quite surprised that it is that late!
Anyway fry up for me and sausage and mash for Hiro (who thinks it is his birthday!) We are now ready to set off again but not before I buy some shorts from a charity shop as it is now so hot that I am beginning to burn!
All sorted we head for Woolacombe knowing full well that we have to get there for 5 or we wont be able to get back to Combe Martin - the busses are beginning to become a difficulty to my journey.
We set off towards Woolacombe which takes us past the unusual shaped theatre. As we go up the hills and out of Ilfracombe it was fortunately blowing enough to keep us sufficiently fresh and invigorated. We kept going upwards passing the bay where the male and female bathers had their own cove and a guard to protect the womens honour!
Hiro and I pressed forward feeling in good spirits towards seven Hills where we met 4 women who were walking our way. We got got chatting and these Austrian women were totally besotted with Hiro who naturally flirted in his own cheeky way. We fell into walking along together and continued towards Lee which was a half way marker. By the time we got there it was 3.30 and the worst part was still to be done - It was marked as strenuous and there was 5 miles to be done! Knowing my wonderful pace of walking I decided to call it a day and join my new found friends in a cream tea in the Grampus Inn - although a pleasant enough and helpful pub the crockery left a lot to be desired! Together we joined forces and got taxis back to Ilfracombe and then I got the bus back to Combe Martin - not as far as I would have liked but given the bus service as far as I could reasonably go without getting into difficulties - a little frustrating but I could pick it up at a later point.
Regardless thanks to a very relaxed cream tea and long conversations I got back to the site at 8pm - Race you to bed Hiro!! Another long day tomorrow woo hoo!
Postcard 6 moving day - to Combe Martin
Well today was supposed to be walking from Lynmouth to Combe Martin but it meant getting up early, driving to Combe Martin, setting up tent then getting the bus to Lynmouth. EASY? I dont think so!! For a start the very nice man in the tent next door spent ages talking to me. I was on go slow and Hiro just stayed in bed and had to be physically moved!
Anyway the upshot was that we left very late!! The car nearly died going up Porlock Hill - now that IS a very big hill! The poor car nearly collapsed going up it- I have no idea how cars got up there pulling a caravan! There were some nearly as bad hills to follow as we drove to Combe Martin. Yet again, I was getting a wake up call about the task in hand!
Anyway we do get to the campsite and I am escorted to the pitch which is numbered and given instructions as to where I can park the car and pitch the tent. Only one problem - the pitch slants in 2 directions I quickly realise that this is going to make sleeping in the tent an act of sleep climbing to stay in the tent and on the thermal mat - not ideal methinks!
It then starts to spot with rain - OK I think Hiro it is time for a cat nap Hiro? - He is in bed already! By the time we wake up it is 2pm - bit late to start walking even a short one! So we decide to do some sightseeing. We visit the Tourist Info Centre where we meet a lovely pair of ladies and we have a long chat about walking, busses and good places to eat! My kind of conversation! In addition one of the ladies was very knowledgeable about the stretch that I would be doing next!
Anyway Combe Martin is a pretty harbour with a very long high street - 2 miles long - granted it is really a long street with shops and services interspersed between many houses! We visited the 'pack of cards' pub which is a very wierd place. History has it that a Duke won the money to build the house in a card game. The pub allegedly has 4 floors, with 13 doors on each floor and 52 windows to symbolise the deck of cards.
Either way it was a funny place which seemed to be a locals pub for a handful of people.
I am still feeling tired and had found it hard to put up the tent as I felt stiff and was starting to have a very irritating cough - anyone would think I had been smoking 40 a day for the last 30 years! So I had another coffee then strolled back to the tent to make tea and have an early night. All to be ready for tomorrows walk!
Hiro is SOOO not objecting!
The best bit about the camp site is that they have a bath albeit at an extra £2 a paddle! I promise myself that I will have a bath before I leave!
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Anyway the upshot was that we left very late!! The car nearly died going up Porlock Hill - now that IS a very big hill! The poor car nearly collapsed going up it- I have no idea how cars got up there pulling a caravan! There were some nearly as bad hills to follow as we drove to Combe Martin. Yet again, I was getting a wake up call about the task in hand!
Anyway we do get to the campsite and I am escorted to the pitch which is numbered and given instructions as to where I can park the car and pitch the tent. Only one problem - the pitch slants in 2 directions I quickly realise that this is going to make sleeping in the tent an act of sleep climbing to stay in the tent and on the thermal mat - not ideal methinks!
It then starts to spot with rain - OK I think Hiro it is time for a cat nap Hiro? - He is in bed already! By the time we wake up it is 2pm - bit late to start walking even a short one! So we decide to do some sightseeing. We visit the Tourist Info Centre where we meet a lovely pair of ladies and we have a long chat about walking, busses and good places to eat! My kind of conversation! In addition one of the ladies was very knowledgeable about the stretch that I would be doing next!
Anyway Combe Martin is a pretty harbour with a very long high street - 2 miles long - granted it is really a long street with shops and services interspersed between many houses! We visited the 'pack of cards' pub which is a very wierd place. History has it that a Duke won the money to build the house in a card game. The pub allegedly has 4 floors, with 13 doors on each floor and 52 windows to symbolise the deck of cards.
Either way it was a funny place which seemed to be a locals pub for a handful of people.
I am still feeling tired and had found it hard to put up the tent as I felt stiff and was starting to have a very irritating cough - anyone would think I had been smoking 40 a day for the last 30 years! So I had another coffee then strolled back to the tent to make tea and have an early night. All to be ready for tomorrows walk!
Hiro is SOOO not objecting!
The best bit about the camp site is that they have a bath albeit at an extra £2 a paddle! I promise myself that I will have a bath before I leave!
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Postcard 5 Porlock Weir to Lynmouth 14.3 miles moderate grading
Well I slept well but Hiro looked a little less refreshed having slept in the car however I think he would have happily curled over and gone back to sleep given the option!
Anyway because we wanted to get an early start we set off as early as we could and left Porlock around 7.30am.
We walked back down to Porlock Weir this time by road. The sun was already shining and as we walked we quickly warmed up and got moving. However when Hiro met 2 dogs on the beach he was rather snappy - most unlike him so think he hadnt yet got his happy head on!
Once we got down to the beach to start the official route we set off on a 2 mile walk up through woods to Culborne Church - this is the smallest church in England still holding regular services- it only holds about 30 people! It was gently nestled in a tiny valley and looked quite beautiful and serene.
Further on in the walk going through the woods I saw the sisters fountain which is amazing as it seems so far from anything civilised. In all honesty it is a mamorial ediface with a double trough just behind it! However the idea that this fountain is so distant from the rest of the world makes it all the more romantic!
There had been a couple of high bits near the edge as we walked along but I was soon to learn that there was worst to come! On this walk it had to be near Countisbury where the coastal path goes round the Foreland point - you have a choice between going round the point or going over the hill to the county road where a pub and the church can be inspected. I sat at the signpost for about 10 minutes panicking over which way to go. For me the choice was over a steep hill (and I was really tired by then ) or going round the edge of the point. I madly, chose the latter and soon discovered this really did mean on the edge of the hill I was terrified and it seemed to go on for ever!
At the bottom of the very long hill I walked into Lynmouth and realised that the only real way to get the bus was to go up the lift to Lynton - this felt like a step to far. It was at this point I was called over by the 3 people I had seen the day before in Bossington with the robin who had just finished their walk - they must have just been in front of me for most of the walk! As we sat and talked over a drink they kindly offered to me a lift back to Porlock this was a double bonus as it meant I didnt need to catch the bus and I didnt need to go up the bloomin lift! Woo hoo how lucky was that?
Back at the tent I was shattered and Hiro and I decided to have an early night! - Again the wind was to blow! We also were going to move camp the following day.
Anyway because we wanted to get an early start we set off as early as we could and left Porlock around 7.30am.
We walked back down to Porlock Weir this time by road. The sun was already shining and as we walked we quickly warmed up and got moving. However when Hiro met 2 dogs on the beach he was rather snappy - most unlike him so think he hadnt yet got his happy head on!
Once we got down to the beach to start the official route we set off on a 2 mile walk up through woods to Culborne Church - this is the smallest church in England still holding regular services- it only holds about 30 people! It was gently nestled in a tiny valley and looked quite beautiful and serene.
Further on in the walk going through the woods I saw the sisters fountain which is amazing as it seems so far from anything civilised. In all honesty it is a mamorial ediface with a double trough just behind it! However the idea that this fountain is so distant from the rest of the world makes it all the more romantic!
There had been a couple of high bits near the edge as we walked along but I was soon to learn that there was worst to come! On this walk it had to be near Countisbury where the coastal path goes round the Foreland point - you have a choice between going round the point or going over the hill to the county road where a pub and the church can be inspected. I sat at the signpost for about 10 minutes panicking over which way to go. For me the choice was over a steep hill (and I was really tired by then ) or going round the edge of the point. I madly, chose the latter and soon discovered this really did mean on the edge of the hill I was terrified and it seemed to go on for ever!
At the bottom of the very long hill I walked into Lynmouth and realised that the only real way to get the bus was to go up the lift to Lynton - this felt like a step to far. It was at this point I was called over by the 3 people I had seen the day before in Bossington with the robin who had just finished their walk - they must have just been in front of me for most of the walk! As we sat and talked over a drink they kindly offered to me a lift back to Porlock this was a double bonus as it meant I didnt need to catch the bus and I didnt need to go up the bloomin lift! Woo hoo how lucky was that?
Back at the tent I was shattered and Hiro and I decided to have an early night! - Again the wind was to blow! We also were going to move camp the following day.
Postcard 3 arriving at Minehead the start of the adventure!
Well Hiro and I managed to find our way to Minehead without too much mishap! We made our way to Porlock, set up camp and then decided to get food and stuff in preparation for our adventure.
We went into Minehead and visited the Tourist Information Centre who were very helpful in providing bus timetables and advice for our first few days. We also managed to get the first 4 path guides to set us up for a clar outline of where to go.
We then went to the local supermarket and stocked up on dog food etc.
Our final mission for our visit to Mindhead was to find the start of the SWCP which was at the far end of the town and gave us our first idea of what this adventure meant. There was a large hill that was going to be our first challenge the next day.
At the campsite we talked to our neighbours who advised that the wind comes in all directions so there was no best way to point the tent. I was invited to join them for a drink and in the ensuing conversation I discovered that the site had many regulars to the site and that this bode well in terms of it being a nice place to be. Long may it continue!
We went into Minehead and visited the Tourist Information Centre who were very helpful in providing bus timetables and advice for our first few days. We also managed to get the first 4 path guides to set us up for a clar outline of where to go.
We then went to the local supermarket and stocked up on dog food etc.
Our final mission for our visit to Mindhead was to find the start of the SWCP which was at the far end of the town and gave us our first idea of what this adventure meant. There was a large hill that was going to be our first challenge the next day.
At the campsite we talked to our neighbours who advised that the wind comes in all directions so there was no best way to point the tent. I was invited to join them for a drink and in the ensuing conversation I discovered that the site had many regulars to the site and that this bode well in terms of it being a nice place to be. Long may it continue!
Postcard 4 Minehead to Porlock Weir 11.5 miles of moderate grading
Well the wind blew so hard all night I thought the fly sheet had come loose!! But 6am and everything is bright and calm. I showered, had breakfast and eventually caught the school bus to Minehead. The kids were amazing and so polite it was scary!! I have been on school busses before and this was nothing like any that I had been on before!
Anyway we got into Minehead , took the obligatory photos and set off. The main hill of the day was North Hill and it took over an hour to climb through the woods! Mind you I did stop a couple or three times. We then walked steadily in glorious sunshine and eventually came down at Hurlestone Combe - this is a dry valley and just keeps going down and down. We stopped at a tea room for a baked potatoe and decent coffee! - Both of which I was grateful for. In the wonderful sunshine of Bossington I sat sand watched as a cheeky robin flew down to the table next to me and litterally pecked the strawberry jam off the scone of a cream tea! He then jumped to another table and when shooed he returned to the original table and as the owner of the tea sat with the pot of jam the robin dipped his beak into the pot and emerged with jam dripping from his beak! Everyone was amazed at the little fella. It transpired that the three people at the table were also doing the SWCP and were staying in Porlock too.
We then walked on to Porlock Weir following the marsh route. Part of the area is a nature conservation area and there are some very dead trees on the marsh which gives it a very lunar effect. The path then goes along the shore which is very pebbly and was quite difficult to walk in comparison to the rest of the walk.
When we got to Porlock Weir Hiro and I had a very pleasant sit down to watch the world go by before walking through the woods up to Porlock to the campsite via the 'all sorts' shop to get meths for the cooking stove. Hiro was wonderful and when we got back to the site he was starving and quickly wanted to go to sleep. I wasnt far behind him to be honest - Ironically as soon as we got to the site the wind kicked up again and I knew we would be in for a windy night! However Hiro refused to come into the tent that night - I have a feeling he was a little scared of sleeping inside a plastic bag!
Tomorrow we need to get an early start as the last bus from Lynmouth is 5pm and I really dont want to miss that!
ps in the book it says 9.5 miles but the walk back to the site was a further 2 miles.
Anyway we got into Minehead , took the obligatory photos and set off. The main hill of the day was North Hill and it took over an hour to climb through the woods! Mind you I did stop a couple or three times. We then walked steadily in glorious sunshine and eventually came down at Hurlestone Combe - this is a dry valley and just keeps going down and down. We stopped at a tea room for a baked potatoe and decent coffee! - Both of which I was grateful for. In the wonderful sunshine of Bossington I sat sand watched as a cheeky robin flew down to the table next to me and litterally pecked the strawberry jam off the scone of a cream tea! He then jumped to another table and when shooed he returned to the original table and as the owner of the tea sat with the pot of jam the robin dipped his beak into the pot and emerged with jam dripping from his beak! Everyone was amazed at the little fella. It transpired that the three people at the table were also doing the SWCP and were staying in Porlock too.
We then walked on to Porlock Weir following the marsh route. Part of the area is a nature conservation area and there are some very dead trees on the marsh which gives it a very lunar effect. The path then goes along the shore which is very pebbly and was quite difficult to walk in comparison to the rest of the walk.
When we got to Porlock Weir Hiro and I had a very pleasant sit down to watch the world go by before walking through the woods up to Porlock to the campsite via the 'all sorts' shop to get meths for the cooking stove. Hiro was wonderful and when we got back to the site he was starving and quickly wanted to go to sleep. I wasnt far behind him to be honest - Ironically as soon as we got to the site the wind kicked up again and I knew we would be in for a windy night! However Hiro refused to come into the tent that night - I have a feeling he was a little scared of sleeping inside a plastic bag!
Tomorrow we need to get an early start as the last bus from Lynmouth is 5pm and I really dont want to miss that!
ps in the book it says 9.5 miles but the walk back to the site was a further 2 miles.
Sunday 1 May 2011
Hi Ho Hi Ho It's off to minehead we go!!!
How scary is this - Finally it is time to get packed up and go to Minehead to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 10 days of walking and having a chance to prove myself.
The only drawback is that it is forcast RAIN grr!
Watch out for the new postcards on my blog as they are definately going to be posted very soon but at the latest in weeks time!
The only drawback is that it is forcast RAIN grr!
Watch out for the new postcards on my blog as they are definately going to be posted very soon but at the latest in weeks time!
Monday 25 April 2011
One Week to Go!
Well I am going to take the plunge and disappear for almost a fortnight starting at Minehead. Today I booked the first 5 days of campsite and that means I am definately going! I am so excited I can hardly sit down. I put the tent up to air in the garden from my last adventure and it just made it worse! I am going to go to Minehead on May day Monday and I am taking my son's dog with me - poor thing isnt going to know what has hit him but it will be fun!
Thursday 14 April 2011
back home and a little saunter!
Well it is 3 days since my adventure and I went a walk along the coast line from Ramsgate to Margate via Broadstairs (9.2 miles) and it took me forever!! Well 5 hours mind you I was hardly pushing myself and stopped many times to take photos and chat to other doggy people!
However I must admit I was rather shocked that it had taken me so long - doesnt bode well for the SWCP! The good news is that my blisters feel non existant so that is a bonus - however think I need to make a point of buying some Compeed or else it could really impact upon my walk.
Still my sons dog Hiro loved it!
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Practice Walk Hastings to Brighton 11 April
Good morning campers!!!
Well I slept very well last night woke up once and didnt even think about the mummy sleeping bag!
It took ages to move and very slowly I started to pack up. But at least I could do it standing up! This was to be the last day of my adventure! I felt very tired but considerably cheered when my neighbours emerged saying that they had slept badly as they had shared a sleeping bag in a bid to travel light! Blokey then admitted it had been a hard travel the previous day - they had walked from Eastbourne but had walked all the way. I suddenly felt incredibly smug as I had carried my back pack - perhaps not as far but it was heavier and they were 20 years younger he he he!
Anyway coffee less and only museli AGAIN I set off with the plan to get the first cafe I find at Newhaven 2 miles down the route. I go past the forgotten village of Tide Mills and into Newhaven and find Walleys Cafe is a fantastic workmans cafe a BIG breakfast and coffee I am ready to really start my journey after all it was only 11.30 by then.
Now just let me find my way - only let me sort out my pack better as it is already bugging me!
I don't know whether it was because I was tired or had badly packed my rucksack but the bloomin tent was not staying where it should. And to make it worse I couldnt find my way regardless of the map or anything! So I called at a charity shop and bought two belts which eventually helped once I got them set ( must buy bungeees!) and accosted an older lady who cheerfully told me the direction and said that she had walked that route a couple of years back! Cor this should be easy!!!! Thank heavens cos yesterday was definately hard work. Funny how people can be deceptive!
It was easier and relatively well signed but it did seem a long route. Thankfully the wind was in my face and it was hot and there was lots to see and people to chat to. My only difficulty was in trying to work out where each cove was and get my head round the distances!
I was really glad to get to the Saltdean Lido and felt really relieved once I had soaked my feet in food bags with water and meths! If you havent tried it - do! It worked a treat and really eased off the blisters. By now I had a 2inch square blister on my left foot and one of equal diameter on the right but it crawled under my toes - not very comfy! But the soaking did work and as I put on my boots I felt that I had new feet - well until I had walked about 200 metres and then I felt the squelch of a burst blister but funny enough it was easier than before! Gory I know but it was all part of the pleasure of the journey!
About 10 minutes later the weather had changed to needing a jumper and a decidedly stormy looking sea - how quick was that? 2 miles later I came to the Brighton Marina IT IS HUGE and a full village - I walked up over the hill above it and I was grateful having to walk through might have tempted me to stop as I hate town walking! Only downside was that the bus I would need to take back to Eastbourne was passing me every 10 minutes!!!
But I did walk to the pier entrance just so that I could honestly say that I had walked to Brighton - but I was seriously glad to get on the bus and aim for home.
This stretch was aproximately 12 miles therefore in total 34 miles not as much as I thought but to be honest a very creditable adventure!
Given that I had travelled 22 of these miles with my back pack I feel that it was quite a test! And none too shabby at that - I weighed my pack when I got home and it was a 29 LB weight so my packing was not too over the top - unfortunately my own weight was not impacted but hardly the end of the world!
Well I slept very well last night woke up once and didnt even think about the mummy sleeping bag!
It took ages to move and very slowly I started to pack up. But at least I could do it standing up! This was to be the last day of my adventure! I felt very tired but considerably cheered when my neighbours emerged saying that they had slept badly as they had shared a sleeping bag in a bid to travel light! Blokey then admitted it had been a hard travel the previous day - they had walked from Eastbourne but had walked all the way. I suddenly felt incredibly smug as I had carried my back pack - perhaps not as far but it was heavier and they were 20 years younger he he he!
Anyway coffee less and only museli AGAIN I set off with the plan to get the first cafe I find at Newhaven 2 miles down the route. I go past the forgotten village of Tide Mills and into Newhaven and find Walleys Cafe is a fantastic workmans cafe a BIG breakfast and coffee I am ready to really start my journey after all it was only 11.30 by then.
Now just let me find my way - only let me sort out my pack better as it is already bugging me!
I don't know whether it was because I was tired or had badly packed my rucksack but the bloomin tent was not staying where it should. And to make it worse I couldnt find my way regardless of the map or anything! So I called at a charity shop and bought two belts which eventually helped once I got them set ( must buy bungeees!) and accosted an older lady who cheerfully told me the direction and said that she had walked that route a couple of years back! Cor this should be easy!!!! Thank heavens cos yesterday was definately hard work. Funny how people can be deceptive!
It was easier and relatively well signed but it did seem a long route. Thankfully the wind was in my face and it was hot and there was lots to see and people to chat to. My only difficulty was in trying to work out where each cove was and get my head round the distances!
I was really glad to get to the Saltdean Lido and felt really relieved once I had soaked my feet in food bags with water and meths! If you havent tried it - do! It worked a treat and really eased off the blisters. By now I had a 2inch square blister on my left foot and one of equal diameter on the right but it crawled under my toes - not very comfy! But the soaking did work and as I put on my boots I felt that I had new feet - well until I had walked about 200 metres and then I felt the squelch of a burst blister but funny enough it was easier than before! Gory I know but it was all part of the pleasure of the journey!
About 10 minutes later the weather had changed to needing a jumper and a decidedly stormy looking sea - how quick was that? 2 miles later I came to the Brighton Marina IT IS HUGE and a full village - I walked up over the hill above it and I was grateful having to walk through might have tempted me to stop as I hate town walking! Only downside was that the bus I would need to take back to Eastbourne was passing me every 10 minutes!!!
But I did walk to the pier entrance just so that I could honestly say that I had walked to Brighton - but I was seriously glad to get on the bus and aim for home.
This stretch was aproximately 12 miles therefore in total 34 miles not as much as I thought but to be honest a very creditable adventure!
Given that I had travelled 22 of these miles with my back pack I feel that it was quite a test! And none too shabby at that - I weighed my pack when I got home and it was a 29 LB weight so my packing was not too over the top - unfortunately my own weight was not impacted but hardly the end of the world!
Practice Walk Hastings to Brighton 10th April
Good morning world!!!
Well last night was different first of all I have decided that I dont sleep well in a mummy sleeping bag -I wriggle too much! Next I ended up making up a hot water bottle a total of 3 times! Ok have a laugh I took a little hot water bottle with me - I always have a hot water bottle! Anyway I was cold!
It was 7.0 when I did get up and had my cereal - I had been advised by an internet friend to consider making up packs of museli or porrage with powdered milk so it just needed water and that proved to be good advice! 2 cups of coffee and a large bowl of museli and a bannana baguette did the tirck I packed up my camp and got ready for the heavy end of the walk!
I decided that the map was telling me to go virtually through the entirity of Eastbourne and it would be all street walking and I needed to find somewhere to dummp the car - SO I CHEATED! I took the car to the far end of Eastbourne and started my fully loaded back pack for my first ever gallvant and I had picked Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters to do it!!! My goal was for Seaford - this was in the end pure fantasy!
Beachy Head was my first goal and I was surprised to find it so close to Eastbourne granted it was all uphill but it was very enjoyable and as it was the first time I had ever been ther Iwas pretty impressed! I must admit I didnt get too close to the edge - Ive never been that keen on cliff edges -something to do with the height thing! Anyway the pub was nice and the visitor centre was kind and a little dubious that I was heading for Seaford (at that point I was in blind enthusiasim that I would do this!!!)
I carry on full of the joys of spring it is hot and I am down to t-shirt and thankful I am on a cliff top with the wind blowing gently in my face. I reach Belle Tout Lighthouse and onwards to Birling Gap - how can a distance just to THERE seem so long? By the time I get there all I want to do is jump in for a paddle but 2 things stop me 1. you have to go down a really high set of steps and then back up and 2. there are a really high set of STEPS which puts me off from heading for the shale beach.
By now I am realising that this is no walk in the park - ok so technically it is the 7 sister park but you know what I mean!
Hill 1 sees me stop for lunch - out comes my trusty stove and beans and coffee here we come as well as a little sun bathe/ catnap!
hill 2 I can do this but it is going to take some doing hill
hill 3 what do you mean there are 3 more to go???
hill 4 I just gave up a lovely young German boy came up the hill I think he thought I had collapsed on the hill going down! We held a really good conversation about the route and how there are no refreshments at the Exceat end - hardly an incentive to finish that part of the route! Anyway keep going there are only 2 more to the end!
hill 5 sees me asking a couple if it is much further to go and then asking someone else if it really is still 2 more to go! Mind you the second person I asked was ex army friendly and rather nice!!!! so it was worth asking if only for a chat!
hill 6 seemed like forever and then
finally number 7 and down the hill to Exceat as the tide is inconveniently in and therefore I cant walk across the river :(
As I walk to Exceat there is a sign for Foxhole campsite so I trail off up this farm track to find noone available to let me stop so back down the path and along this unmotorised path to the pub - the Golden Galleon! I was just deciding whether it was worth asking if there was anywhere else to camp but it was rather busy being as it was a red hot summer Sunday evening. But the Gods were upon me and a bus comes trolling up heading for Seaford and I decide that this is giving me amessage! I catch the bus and get off just outside of a Tescos -ahhh food! a £2 special which I devour before checking out where the campsite is - 1 and 1/2 miles beach side walk grrrr. I try to catch a bus who says "bus doesnt go there" so it is walking again I go - by now my feet are killing me and I know I have a blister on my feet and it is hurting!
I walk along, find the campsite and pitch up - have you ever tried to pitch up on your hands and knees? Well I had that experience! Still after a shower and a chat with the next tent I start to get ready to do beans for tea only to discover that my matches are wet and by that time I feel that I could do a quick'ish walk to a shop - errr no that is back to the Tesco's which is 1 1/2 miles back where I came from - Sod it I will drink water and eat museli and think nice thoughts!!! By 8.30 I am asleep with 2 layers of clothes tonight 'cos I cant have a hot water bottle - now I was really sulking about that!
Never mind tomorrow is another day!
Found another site (Saturday Walkers Club) that says that Eastbourne to Exceat is 9.2 miles and has a 10 out of 10 for toughness! Add to that the walk to the campsite (which was all en route) I have done 10 3/4 miles - it seemed a lot further but it was all hills and not much else - fantastic views though and I am proud of having done it - bit gutted about missing the Exceat to Seaford stretch but still you cant do everything! Now done a total of aproximately 23 miles
Well last night was different first of all I have decided that I dont sleep well in a mummy sleeping bag -I wriggle too much! Next I ended up making up a hot water bottle a total of 3 times! Ok have a laugh I took a little hot water bottle with me - I always have a hot water bottle! Anyway I was cold!
It was 7.0 when I did get up and had my cereal - I had been advised by an internet friend to consider making up packs of museli or porrage with powdered milk so it just needed water and that proved to be good advice! 2 cups of coffee and a large bowl of museli and a bannana baguette did the tirck I packed up my camp and got ready for the heavy end of the walk!
I decided that the map was telling me to go virtually through the entirity of Eastbourne and it would be all street walking and I needed to find somewhere to dummp the car - SO I CHEATED! I took the car to the far end of Eastbourne and started my fully loaded back pack for my first ever gallvant and I had picked Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters to do it!!! My goal was for Seaford - this was in the end pure fantasy!
Beachy Head was my first goal and I was surprised to find it so close to Eastbourne granted it was all uphill but it was very enjoyable and as it was the first time I had ever been ther Iwas pretty impressed! I must admit I didnt get too close to the edge - Ive never been that keen on cliff edges -something to do with the height thing! Anyway the pub was nice and the visitor centre was kind and a little dubious that I was heading for Seaford (at that point I was in blind enthusiasim that I would do this!!!)
I carry on full of the joys of spring it is hot and I am down to t-shirt and thankful I am on a cliff top with the wind blowing gently in my face. I reach Belle Tout Lighthouse and onwards to Birling Gap - how can a distance just to THERE seem so long? By the time I get there all I want to do is jump in for a paddle but 2 things stop me 1. you have to go down a really high set of steps and then back up and 2. there are a really high set of STEPS which puts me off from heading for the shale beach.
By now I am realising that this is no walk in the park - ok so technically it is the 7 sister park but you know what I mean!
Hill 1 sees me stop for lunch - out comes my trusty stove and beans and coffee here we come as well as a little sun bathe/ catnap!
hill 2 I can do this but it is going to take some doing hill
hill 3 what do you mean there are 3 more to go???
hill 4 I just gave up a lovely young German boy came up the hill I think he thought I had collapsed on the hill going down! We held a really good conversation about the route and how there are no refreshments at the Exceat end - hardly an incentive to finish that part of the route! Anyway keep going there are only 2 more to the end!
hill 5 sees me asking a couple if it is much further to go and then asking someone else if it really is still 2 more to go! Mind you the second person I asked was ex army friendly and rather nice!!!! so it was worth asking if only for a chat!
hill 6 seemed like forever and then
finally number 7 and down the hill to Exceat as the tide is inconveniently in and therefore I cant walk across the river :(
As I walk to Exceat there is a sign for Foxhole campsite so I trail off up this farm track to find noone available to let me stop so back down the path and along this unmotorised path to the pub - the Golden Galleon! I was just deciding whether it was worth asking if there was anywhere else to camp but it was rather busy being as it was a red hot summer Sunday evening. But the Gods were upon me and a bus comes trolling up heading for Seaford and I decide that this is giving me amessage! I catch the bus and get off just outside of a Tescos -ahhh food! a £2 special which I devour before checking out where the campsite is - 1 and 1/2 miles beach side walk grrrr. I try to catch a bus who says "bus doesnt go there" so it is walking again I go - by now my feet are killing me and I know I have a blister on my feet and it is hurting!
I walk along, find the campsite and pitch up - have you ever tried to pitch up on your hands and knees? Well I had that experience! Still after a shower and a chat with the next tent I start to get ready to do beans for tea only to discover that my matches are wet and by that time I feel that I could do a quick'ish walk to a shop - errr no that is back to the Tesco's which is 1 1/2 miles back where I came from - Sod it I will drink water and eat museli and think nice thoughts!!! By 8.30 I am asleep with 2 layers of clothes tonight 'cos I cant have a hot water bottle - now I was really sulking about that!
Never mind tomorrow is another day!
Found another site (Saturday Walkers Club) that says that Eastbourne to Exceat is 9.2 miles and has a 10 out of 10 for toughness! Add to that the walk to the campsite (which was all en route) I have done 10 3/4 miles - it seemed a lot further but it was all hills and not much else - fantastic views though and I am proud of having done it - bit gutted about missing the Exceat to Seaford stretch but still you cant do everything! Now done a total of aproximately 23 miles
Practice walk Hastings to Brighton 9th April
Awake at 6.30am and ready to face the world and enjoy a bright sunshiny day! I can hear the sea lapping on the stony shore at Eastbourne and I get out the map with my coffee - suddenly I realise this is for real and I have 3 days of walking in front of me and I have to sort everything as I am going to be camping and stuff this is really going to be a test of the bright idea! The first job was to pack the rucksack and see what is actually in it - and when I do I feel quite confident that I might just do it rather than survive it! All I need to is go and buy a tent and a torch/light and some food for my first camp meal.
After a very enjoyable breakfast - full English is the only way. I jump in the car and head off to buy a tent and find a campsite. This is as basic planning as you can imagine.
Milletts here I come and I am going to buy a tent - not just look but actually buy! It is 8.45 and I am virtually banging on the door of Milletts as they open. "Good morning! Can I help you" for once I dont look like a rabbit in the head lights "Yes" says I, "I want a tent just for me and not too heavy as I am back packing. Oh and not too pricy as I am only just trying this out" Away he goes and finds me a tent - " This will be perfect - the backpacker - last years model £30 and any of this selection at 1/2 price and do you want a mallett as the ground might be a bit hard?"
"Yes please! The tent will be lovely and yes to the mallett and the wind up light it will be a perfect 1/2 price thing!" Little did he know that I wanted a light and that I had been ruminating over the backpacker for ages!!!!
9.05 I am out of the shop feeling even prouder of myself than you could believe.
940 I am at a campsite where the warden is slightly confused that I want a pitch for one night and it is only me!!!!
Now to set up the tent and to be honest it went up easier than I thought. For a first time but it still took me a good three quarters of an hour!
I leave the tent and get a bus to Hastings for the first part of my adventure. I am only taking a day pack as the tent is already up. I know where I have to head to and it is also the first day of a proper walk in ages so I think I should break myself in gently.
I get off the bus and find the tourist information to buy a card to keep as a record of my journey and to ask just how far it is to walk and whether I can actually walk along the coast all the way. "ummm errr yea I think so and it is about 16 miles I think!" So I was none the wiser I had thought that it was about 12 so 16 is only a little bit further isnt it???? I gave up there and ended up buying post cards from a souvenir shop but on asking about the actual whereabouts of the picture I was vaguely answered that it must be in the old town and that is just dodwn the road- I am talking about a cliff lift - are you really telling me that we are a nation that doesnt know where significant points in our own town are??? This is depressing!
Anyway the campsite is at Pevensy Bay which is a bit closer so it must be do-able. I had never realised just how long a beach can be! I walked virtually the entire way on a promenade with just a few detours onto the actual beach.
At Bexhill I walked along a fair stretch of the shoreline when I met a little boy in tears on a bike shouting to his mum. Obviously I thought he was tired and had lost the will to ride his bike ( I later found out it was a sulk to get an ice cream - trust me to interfere!) Anyway I dared him to race me to mum - that distracted him enough to get on his bike and ride! Then he followed me as I walked on and I said he still hadnt beaten me as he hadnt gone past me next thing he is off like mad and going way in front of me and his mum is now catching up and walking along with me as he is going at a rate of knots! Mum tells me that it is walkable to Cooden but she wasnt sure about any further. He was dead chuffed that he beat me as he had taken it that I was racing him to the next road - miles away!!!!
Next person I met was a lady ex Deal resident who chatted about the coastal path that was now on the beach. Who informed me that it isnt that far to Eastbourne and that she has once walked it and it is a lovely day out. And that most of it is proper promenade after Normans Bay. I pass Coodens Beach Hotel and instantly recognise it as the place I did my first training on my old job and had cursed it then but now I was looking at it with fresh eyes!
I then found Normans Bay which was very annonomous (I now realise that it is a nudist beach!) And not one naked body was seen - gutted! Still I was flagging so too much excitement might have upset me!
The last stretch of my walk that day was Beachlands which was tiring and I was getting sure that it wasnt just me but that this was now over 10 miles that I had walked. I called into a caravan park and bought an ice lolly and asked directions by now I was convinced that I had missed Pevensey Bay but no it is a mile down the road and you cant miss it! I now rememered that I had not bought any bread or anything for my tea apart from a tin of beans this was not promising to be a tasty and well earned meal!
I finally got back to my abode tent sweet tent at about 5.30 and felt shatttered - I had been walking since 12 and not really stopped. It had been warm and slightly hard to do with all the shingle and stony paths but I had done the first part of my mission and I was alive! Amazing how a wash and a cuppa revives you! Nipped to Asda got food and a cup for my coffee - something I forgot!
Just googled the Cooden Beach Hotel and found this walk!!! http://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_3/walk_66/index.shtml
Grr why didnt I find this before - consolation is that it marks my walk as 12 miles and that Beachlands is very heavy going!
Practice walk Hastings to Brighton 8th April
The next 4 blogs are all part of the same blog but I want to be clear on how the weekend went.
Friday - planned D day to go walking with a friend who calls off ot 2pm with horrible cold/flu thingy and had kept thinking she was getting better but not!
I spent the next 2 hours growling, feeling sorry for myself and thinking how gutted I was and to make it worse the family had rearranged their plans for me to be able to go away! So I then decided that I would look at whether I could get accommodation cheaply as I only had a 3/4man tent if I were to go - Anyway by 7pm the B&B was booked and off I went. Planning what to pack was a little hit and miss - things had already been stuffed together over the week as I had believed I was going but joint stuff was still to be grabbed as this one was going to be solo!
I still didnt have a walking tent and I didnt have a light of any format so this was going to be a learning curve. It took everything to remember to get the directions to Eastbourne. As it was I had to go back to the house twice as I forgot my camera and my phone charger all lifes little essentials!
I booked in and fell asleep in very quick succession and dreamt adventureous thoughts.
Cooking pots and stoves! should have blogged it as the 4th April
Well last week I went to my brothers in Kings Lynn and we went to a car boot. Now normally I am the last person to succeed in the wonders of car boots but this time I really won out! I got a brand new Trangia-esque stove and pots! Still with the tissue paper etc I was so made up with it as I had been researching what to buy and this was on my wish list but my eye on the budget had made me hold off.
Anyway this week we had to try it out - when I say we I mean my family who all decided that it was essential that I try making a drink and then fried egg sandwiches! Blow me it was a success although perhaps I should have washed the kettle out first and it had the new taste on it!
Well it has been videod so I will add it when I find out how! Now all I need is a tent and ... and ... and ...!
Anyway this week we had to try it out - when I say we I mean my family who all decided that it was essential that I try making a drink and then fried egg sandwiches! Blow me it was a success although perhaps I should have washed the kettle out first and it had the new taste on it!
Well it has been videod so I will add it when I find out how! Now all I need is a tent and ... and ... and ...!
Thursday 17 March 2011
SWCP book arrived
the South West Coast Path Association Book has arrived and I am so excited it looks even more brilliant than ever!
It has proper walk advice and info on campsites so I am pouring over it with great fascination!
Just had a text from a friend checking I am still up for a walk between Hastings to Brighton - I have just checked the map and think I am going to have to really focus on how to make this practical - using cycle path advice it looks like it is nearer 60 miles than the 40 I thought it would be - GULP! Still it is good practice and all that Ha Ha Ha!
Must get the OS maps out and try my map reading and planning! The good thing about that is that it goes along Beachy Head and Seven Sisters!
It has proper walk advice and info on campsites so I am pouring over it with great fascination!
Just had a text from a friend checking I am still up for a walk between Hastings to Brighton - I have just checked the map and think I am going to have to really focus on how to make this practical - using cycle path advice it looks like it is nearer 60 miles than the 40 I thought it would be - GULP! Still it is good practice and all that Ha Ha Ha!
Must get the OS maps out and try my map reading and planning! The good thing about that is that it goes along Beachy Head and Seven Sisters!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
maps and bags!
well today I bought myself a rucksack at a bargain £30 half of the normal price I am so chuffed it has taken 3 shopping forays to get to this point and it was on special! So I am feeling well pleased with myself.
As to the maps this is my umpteenth foray and every time I cant seem to bite the bullet to buying a single map never mind the 7 that I actually need :( This is not good and I must show a little more steel in my body) - remember spending money is not a crime especially if you know you have to do it!
As to the maps this is my umpteenth foray and every time I cant seem to bite the bullet to buying a single map never mind the 7 that I actually need :( This is not good and I must show a little more steel in my body) - remember spending money is not a crime especially if you know you have to do it!
Monday 14 March 2011
job disappointment
This is a litlle postscript to remind me in the future that it is not all fun and games!
The job I was offered had a couple of T&C's that I didnt like - suffice to say I have turned down the job! I am gutted as I thought it was the answer to all my problems!
Hey ho at least it was before I started rather than after!
The job I was offered had a couple of T&C's that I didnt like - suffice to say I have turned down the job! I am gutted as I thought it was the answer to all my problems!
Hey ho at least it was before I started rather than after!
Sunday 13 March 2011
Postcard 2 Tiverton - Interview, Walk and home we go!
After a restless night in the barn I get up to sunshine and a hot shower. The barn is completely empty of people. The bunks are made of trees complete with bark and the floorboards are bare and enviously rustic! The kitchen has a lovely log burner and I am going to go back when it is a rainy, thundry day just to burn logs and drink coffee whilst looking out of the barn door! I pad aboout in basic tshirt and leggings apart from when I leave my ironed trousers in the living area - I just dont do organisation.
Eventually I set off having taken photos of an amazing vista- Amazing is the only adjective I can think of and is now my officially over used word!
I get into Tiverton without crashing from seeing beautiful views across the valleys. I have breakfast and then go for the interview - no time for nerves I want to go exploring!
First the town - lots of shops and supermarkets but I want to walk! A very helpful travel information centre lady suggests a 3 mile walk along the Great Western Canal. Very beautiful - lots of trees coming into bud, snowdrops, daffodils and crocus in full bloom - but no water! Its a canal - where is the water?
After much dog walkers chat and picture taking of the flowers and plants I suddenly realise this IS the first day of an awesome adventure and there are hills everywhere around!!
Now whilst this is not exactly the SWCP it is a good taster for it and I am STARVING! I cant stop grinning and as I head back along the proper canal which was up the road and to the right!
I can only feel excited and at the same time in awe of my need to PLAN and prepare for this. Hey I even need to learn to map read - the sea on the right is not going to suffice!! BRING IT ON!
The journey home was uneventful but it gave me time to think and consider just what I am letting myself in for. GULP
Eventually I set off having taken photos of an amazing vista- Amazing is the only adjective I can think of and is now my officially over used word!
I get into Tiverton without crashing from seeing beautiful views across the valleys. I have breakfast and then go for the interview - no time for nerves I want to go exploring!
First the town - lots of shops and supermarkets but I want to walk! A very helpful travel information centre lady suggests a 3 mile walk along the Great Western Canal. Very beautiful - lots of trees coming into bud, snowdrops, daffodils and crocus in full bloom - but no water! Its a canal - where is the water?
After much dog walkers chat and picture taking of the flowers and plants I suddenly realise this IS the first day of an awesome adventure and there are hills everywhere around!!
Now whilst this is not exactly the SWCP it is a good taster for it and I am STARVING! I cant stop grinning and as I head back along the proper canal which was up the road and to the right!
I can only feel excited and at the same time in awe of my need to PLAN and prepare for this. Hey I even need to learn to map read - the sea on the right is not going to suffice!! BRING IT ON!
The journey home was uneventful but it gave me time to think and consider just what I am letting myself in for. GULP
Post card 1 Dulverton 10/03/11 My first visit to a camping barn- Norhtcombe - fantastic and beautiful
every little journey in preparation to the great start date will have a postcard:
Right I am off to Tiverton for an interview and so I leave my home in Kent at 5pm. Interview clothes, camera, bank card, boots - oh and heels for the interview all bunged into the back of my car. Who needs to plan for an interview?!!
All goes well until the M25 and I see the A3 and NO M3 so I think "I must have to take the A3 to get onto the M£ after all that is how it works on the A2 to M2!!" Nope I end up heading for Portsmouth and no space to stop and read the road atlas! So I end up going across country heading for ANYWHERE near the M3 - Woo hooo Ive found it - Now I need to find the A303 - yeah right that means going north (which is the opposite direction but eventually I get back on track and head for Andover - Oops watch out for the road works with no signs that I understand!
Finally I almost reach Honiton now I just need to get to Tiverton and it is only a couple of miles to Dulverton - check it on the map it is only THIS l---------------l far! A couple of miles out of Tiverton - err wrong it is 15 miles and then I have to find a farm track - HELLLOOOO there are loads of them!
I finally get to the camping barn and there is a farm house right next to it in darkness - now do I knock on the door? Wait for them to come out? break in? or head for a 24 access at Exeter - 10 mins of dithering and I decide that Exeter might be the best choice - dispite the fact it is now midnight! So I start the engine and get just round the building as a bloody great landrover appears - am I gratefull or what? Out jumps Paddy who says 'Oh have you just arrived?' So I explain that I am new to Camping barns and therefore dont understand the etiquette to which he replies 'open the door! light switch is on your right!' DOH this is what happens when you are new to this game!
Anyway the camping barn is amazing but cold I fall in love with the place but most of all I love falling asleep - tomorrow is another day!!
An interview and an amazing view from the farm.
the who what and why!
Last year for my 50th birthday I had a list of things to do- including walk 50 miles by my birthday so last Easter I started to walk the 50 miles from Faversham to Folkestone! This was part of the Saxon Shore walk and I thoroughly enjoyed it - so much so that I ended up doing the rest of the Saxon Shore walk - 160 miles.
Granted the last 4 miles was in fog on the 30th December but I know the sea was there 'cos I could hear and smell it!
Any hoo in my enthusiasm for walking the Saxon Shore I discovered that there are other walks that go round the British Coastline! The biggest being the South West Coast Path and it fascinated me both by its length, its variety of terrains and 'COS ITS THERE'!
This April I am decamping to Devon and thanks to getting a job with sympathetic shifts I intend to walk the whole length by hopefully the end of August!
Before anyone thinks that hey that is a long time and of course you should be able to do it I have a number of obsticles that will get in my way but my blind faith will see me through! I hope!
I am very overweight, I walk slowly, I am lousy at reading directions and useless at understanding maps! On the good side the SWCP is near the sea and I wont go far wrong if I bear in mind that the sea stays on the right!
Added to that I need to interrrupt my travels with work and I have not yet got my kit together and it is only 3 weeks away!! AAAgh!
Oh and I refuse to do it for charity as this is for me - it is ALL about me!
Granted the last 4 miles was in fog on the 30th December but I know the sea was there 'cos I could hear and smell it!
Any hoo in my enthusiasm for walking the Saxon Shore I discovered that there are other walks that go round the British Coastline! The biggest being the South West Coast Path and it fascinated me both by its length, its variety of terrains and 'COS ITS THERE'!
This April I am decamping to Devon and thanks to getting a job with sympathetic shifts I intend to walk the whole length by hopefully the end of August!
Before anyone thinks that hey that is a long time and of course you should be able to do it I have a number of obsticles that will get in my way but my blind faith will see me through! I hope!
I am very overweight, I walk slowly, I am lousy at reading directions and useless at understanding maps! On the good side the SWCP is near the sea and I wont go far wrong if I bear in mind that the sea stays on the right!
Added to that I need to interrrupt my travels with work and I have not yet got my kit together and it is only 3 weeks away!! AAAgh!
Oh and I refuse to do it for charity as this is for me - it is ALL about me!
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