Day 128: Treen to Penzance

Best bits: radio interview, heel cup resulting reduced pain, lovely card and present from staff at cafe

Worst bits: not much really, bit of mud

Distance: 10.5 miles

Happy International Women’s Day. We were up early this morning to do a live interview on BBC Scotland ‘Out of doors’ program. This was a follow-up from the one I did just before I set off back in November. It went well and for anyone listening to it on iPlayer it’s 1:11 into the show.

Bridget took me back to Penbearth next to the place I finished yesterday and we arranged to meet for lunch at Mousehole, pronounced mowsil.

It had been raining incessantly all night and this morning but then stopped just as I was about to set off. The small hamlet at Penbearth was gorgeous and even had a little honesty sweet shop.

It was quite blustery and the sea was very active with big waves smashing over the rocks. The going was relatively easy in the morning with a few muddy paths from the rain overnight. There were several ascents and descent too.

I tried out a new heel cup in my boot and it was much more comfortable. It made me realise just how painful it has been as I now didn’t have a sickly feeling as I walked and I wasn’t limping as much. Here’s hoping this will work longer term. I certainly wasn’t as physically drained when I finished today.

I had to cross one section of a beach which comprised completely of huge boulders the size and shape of space hoppers, so I had to step carefully. As I put my weight on one large boulder it started to topple and I could feel the muscles in my hip tightening. However, I managed to traverse successfully.

The rain stopped and the day brightened up and became warmer. I stripped off a layer as I was sweating from the physically of the ascents and descents.

The path today was very close to the edge of the cliffs on many occasions. One wrong move could be your last with the sheer drop down onto razor sharp rocks and the pounding waves below.

I didn’t see many people this morning other than a couple of runners. Then as I was scrambling down some boulders on my bum! I literally bumped into these three lovely young ladies, Lucy, Amber, and Clem from Hampshire. They were enjoying a digital detox few days and some walking.

Then I met Debbie and Woody. Debbie asked if I was Tracey! Yes I am. Apparently I had met her friends Sara and Martin yesterday and given them hearts. They were the ones marking the running route. It’s a small world.

After being close high up on the cliffs suddenly I was next to the shore and the waves were crashing so close to me that I could feel the spray. The noise of waves sounded like cannons.

It was getting close to lunchtime and suddenly there was Bridget waiting at the top of the muddy path. We walked back together and at the top of a climb we found a bench so we took the opportunity to take a breather.

Fancy being caught resting! We spent a while chatting to these wonderful fun folk, Kerri, Cordelia, and Harry.

Finally after much chattering we arrived in Mousehole, a lovely quaint village. By this time I was desperate for a cuppa and something to eat.

We had a lovely lunch at the Mousehole deli and kitchen. the staff there were so wonderful and gave me a beautiful card and two bars of local chocolate, which by the way was gorgeous. Thanks so much guys, you are stars.

I walked back the final 3 miles to Penzance which was mainly on the road and promenade. By the time I arrived at Priscilla the sun was out and Bridget was in full on cleaning mode.