Day 115: Bude to Boscastle

We set off this morning in winds of 30 mph gusting to 50 mph. Chris, Louise, myself and Marlow walked, and at times staggered in the wind across the beach in Bude.

At the end of the beach a brave swimmer was in the sea pool. We crossed the canal at the sea lock, a reminder of days gone past.

Apparently, this cottage appears on many postcards from the area.

Chris, Marlow and myself walked along the cliff path and then the road as the cliff path became too slippy as far as Widemouth Bay where we were desperate to stop at the nearest café.

The wind was so severe that at times it held us in our tracks. We used our time at the café to decide on the plan forward as the wind was on the border of being dangerous. In the café we met Julie and Marilyn who are walking the coast path sections at a time. They told us that they had turned round after half a mile because the wind had blown them over. Decision made!

I decided to continue walking, but rather than walk on the coast path, I would walk on the road as I considered this would be less dangerous.

The sea was very angry today with big waves and spray rising to a great height and smashing angrily against the cliffs.

I had a few opportunities to see the coast close up, but when I did, it was spectacular. I met a local lady called Hilary who was returning from church after ringing the bells. Even though it was pouring down with rain and extremely windy, she still stopped to chat with me, thank you.

I had been reluctant to take my phone out of my pocket to take photographs but couldn’t resist taking one of this horse‘s head made from Driftwood.

This sign made me think of Angela. If we had been together, I would’ve insisted that we walked along this footpath.

I had arranged to meet Chris and Louise in Crackington. By this time I was absolutely soaking wet and very tired from constantly battling with the headlong wind. At times I had to pull my hood across my face as the rain was being blown so strongly into my face and eyes. I had had enough for the day and was ready to get in the car.

I arrived at Crackington ahead of schedule and was too early for Chris and Louise. Fortunately, there was a café open and I had soup and a cup of tea. It’s amazing what a rest and refreshment does for you. I decided that despite the weather I should continue on to Boscastle.

I continued on the old coast road which went steeply uphill. I was once again battling the wind and rain. It wasn’t long before I was absolutely soaked through again. At one point I made the mistake of leaving the road onto the coast path by the side of it and was hit full force by the wind. I could hardly stand up. I had contemplated earlier trying to walk on the coast path again. I’m so glad that I didn’t do that.

After 6 miles of hard work in the strong wind and rain, I finally arrived at Boscastle. About a mile before I arrived Chris and Louise passed me in the car pulling up alongside me to check that I was okay.

During this time, I saw the strange phenomena of water running uphill. This was the run-off from the fields which was so strong that it was forcing the water on the road side uphill.

Fortunately, the public toilets in Boscastle were open and Louise helped me strip off my wet clothing providing me with a dry robe. Meanwhile, Chris was doing the most important job of making the tea which was just what I needed.

After all lovely long soak in the bath, followed by an excellent evening meal it was time for support team debrief.