After the thunder storms and downpour of yesterday, this morning was absolutely beautiful - blue sky and a slight breeze and the walker was up bright and early, eager to tackle the last part of Cornwall and welcome Devon! We arrived at Bude Info Centre at 8.30 and he set off with a spring in his step.
I had decided to walk to meet him a few times on the coast path, but first I wanted to take the opportunity to have a quick look at Bude. The beach looked inviting with lots of rolling waves and the organised activity centre there was full of children on zip-wires, climbing over obstacle courses and generally having great fun. I did feel sorry for a couple of groups I passed who were obviously being taught the rudiments of canoe paddling on grass before being allowed near the water. They were all dressed in warm track suits, had life jackets on and bright yellow helmets; by this time the sun was beating down! Bude had a relaxed air and I rather liked it.
I set off to Morwenstow and parked on the green by "The Bush Inn". The atmosphere was totally different from when I first came here to pick Bernie up after one of his coastal walks - it was late one October evening, the light was fading, the wind was blowing and the pub sign was creaking as it was swinging backwards and forwards. It reminded me of the moor scene in "Great Expectations" and it was pretty scary. Today, however, the sun was shining and all was well!
Found a campsite near to Hartland Quay, but have to walk miles to the shower. I also made Bernie walk to it from his said finishing point as some of these roads are pretty hairy in a van - so add an extra 2 miles to the total distance!
From Bernie:
Today's walk 15.0 miles (without Les' extra bit!) : Cumulative 155.7 miles
Brilliant! Best day's walking so far!
We've had strong winds for the best part of 10 days, occasionally gale-force, & to walk in nothing more than a stiff onshore breeze made it so much easier. At times there was no more than a breath of wind & then it was very warm; when the breeze did blow it was pushing me along.... perfect!
Bude Haven
Theme of the Day: Huts!
Hawker's Hut
Visited Rev. Robert Hawker's hut, vicar of Morwenstow from 1834 to 1875, nestled just below the high cliff-edge of his Parish. He built it from driftwood & spent many hours here composing poems, sermons & smoking opium! The chimneys of his vicarage are replicas of churches where he served. Fascinating man - if you want to know more, Google him!
Also visited Ronald Duncan's hut above Marsland: a poet & playwright he built his retreat in 1962. Lots of info inside about wildlife etc & always a supply of fresh water for walkers & their dogs!
Duncan's Hut, Marsland Mouth
Highlight of the Day: crossing from Cornwall to Devon at Marsland Mouth - a whole county behind me! Don't feel quite so much of a beginner at this LeJog lark anymore!
Have to ease off on the pasties now & concentrate on Cream Teas!
Beer of the Day: 'Magik', a pale bitter from Keltek Brewery in Redruth - never heard of them before but this is a good beer even without the Merlins dancing around the pump handle!
Hartland Quay
Glen: glad you like the pictures & sorry there are none today.... they will follow soon!
Di: not sure that pints go quite as well with Cream Teas.... but I'll think of something!
You can count me in now you have moved onto Cream Teas :-) I wasn't so keen on the pasty thing you had going! Kirstie
ReplyDeleteWe are thoroughly enjoying reading of your progress and we love the photos. It was the highlight of our day on Sunday too, and Pippa is delighted to be on the world wide web! Richard looked out for you near Bude on Monday whilst on his daily lunchtime walk on the coast path (architects have it so hard, you know!). Congratulations on making it to Devon and we hope the wind is now behind you and that the beer research continues well. We tried to post a comment on Monday but couldn't, so here's hoping this works...
ReplyDeleteHappy walking in Devon!
With our love,
Wendy and Richard, the pair ...!