Chris and Louise kindly provided me with breakfast before we set off for the drive to Hartland Quay. The weather was much improved from yesterday and the sun was trying to make its way out. As we arrived at the Quay, the full force of the waves were hitting the wall.
We managed a video for my Instagram story. However, there was a distinct lack of signal. My GPS tracker wouldn’t connect with my phone which was a bit of a pain. Eventually, I managed to send out messages directly from the GPS device.
Chris was joining me on my walk today, which was great to have some company and allow me to find out more about the Brainstrust.
A footbridge had been washed away and so we had to do a diversion of about 2 km before we could get back on the coastal path. The weather was improving all the time and we had to remove a few layers of clothing.
The scenery became more and more spectacular as the day went on. It’s difficult to decide which photographs to put here as there were so many amazing views.
We stopped for a brief lunch break at where Louise had parked and brought a flask of tea. Tea is a magic cure.
We had already made several assents and decent this morning. This afternoon was full of many more. After the first ascent and decent Chris decided that he probably should call it a day. A brave decision and the right one. I watched as his tiny figure disappeared in the distance as a red dot.
I carried on on my own and met the lovely Imogen and Matthew and we had a great chat at the side of a sign post indicating different mileage to Plymouth 87 and 300 miles.
Later I met Clare and Amelia. Clair was completing the final stretch of her round England coastal walk. Then she heading off to Wales and finally Scotland.
It was a long walk to duck Bay. But before I got there I met an elderly couple who must’ve been in their late 70s or even 80s walking up a steep ascent. Power to them.
I finally met up with Antony and Sally who had come to meet me and walk back to Bude. They completed the round Britain walk last year doing over 5700 miles. We spent a long time talking about logistics and other walkers. The time passed quickly and we arrived at Duckpool where Louise and Chris had parked up and provided more tea.
Antony, Sally and myself carried on to Bude past GCHQ and more extremely dramatic scenery.
The sun started to set in the sky and we took some fun photos.
Just before Bude we bumped into Chris and Marlow.
We said goodbye to Antony and Sally and then met up with Louise, in a pub.
After suitable refreshment, we went back to Louise and Chris’s house where I had a leisurely bath. Dinner was chez Louise which was fantastic.
Best bits: amazing scenery, meeting Antony and Sally
Worst bits: poor Chris struggling on the ascents
Distance:16.8 miles
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