Good starts and the unexpected

Not quite the start we anticipated. After an amazing weekend in France celebrating our friend Lara’s 50th, we headed off on the train from Milton Keynes. The date was August 22nd – we had a few changes, but no hiccups getting to Minehead – Hooray!

We then caught the bus to Portlock where we were staying for 2 nights at Sparkhayes campsite. We had a lovely meal in the Royal oak as well as a very warm welcome. On 23rd we got the bus back to Minehead and had our obligatory photo at the start of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) and off we went!

We soon realised what a difference our heavy packs make, especially on steep ascents and descents – of which there were many. But it was peaceful, the views were stunning and we quickly found a rhythm – slow but steady. We completed 10 miles to get us back to Portlock – the showers were VERY welcome and we were ready for bed early. Especially given the next day was a long walk plus our first pack up and walk day.

Day 2 was a 17 miler to Lynmouth. It should have been about 13 miles but we missed a marker and ended up doing a larger circuit back to where we started… but it was through beautiful woods so not all bad! We stayed in woods most of the day, many ups and downs, sometimes arduous but with little streams, waterfalls and glimpses of the sea. To say we were tired at the end is a massive understatement, but we were very proud of ourselves.

Days 3 & 4 were Lynmouth to Combe Martin, which we might have done in one day if we hadn’t over done it on day 2. We stopped halfway overnight after a wet walk with lots of walking along the edge of cliffs – not for the faint hearted (but very beautiful!) This walk included the high point on the path – Great Hangman and we were glad to get that under our belts.

We have been bowled over by the places we’ve visited so far. Lynmouth and Combe Martin particularly are beautiful. We felt like we were getting into our stride and looking forward to the next day.

However, it wasn’t to be just then. We had a phone call from my daughter to say her Dad was dying. So, of course, we headed home to support her. (Thanks to Paul’s daughter and son in law who came and picked us up after driving through the night.)

But we arrived back at Combe Martin on 5th September but needed to bring the car so we could get back to Stafford in a few weeks. Paul took the car to Bude and made his way back on public transport – no mean feat with 4 buses to catch! But now we are ready to head off again on 7th September towards Ilfracombe – can’t wait!