Saturday, 7 May 2011

Day 9 - Port Isaac to Trethevey

Misty and wet this morning - couldn't see the fantastic view of Bodmin Moor, but it did slowly begin to clear and even though the walker was sent forth into the rain, it was all clear and sunny by 10 am. I drove to Tintagel and was amazed by the number of coaches arriving already.

I set off to meet Bernie on the Coast Path, but thought I ought to look in the Tourist Information Office first, so walked 1/2 mile up through the village, only to find it was closed because of lack of staff! Anyone fancy a job down here? I have also seen lots of adverts for bar staff!
 
 
Lots of walkers today, some not quite attired appropriately for walking cliff tops - one woman had flip -flops on - hope she survived her walk! There were also lots of dogs with their owners playing on the beach and by the number that have walked by our van this evening, they are all camping here!
 
 
Today's campsite is right on the Coast Path and at the top of a windy cliff, so I can just push Bernie out in the morning and say " Go to it!"!
 
 
From Bernie:
Today's walk 11.0 miles : Cumulative 122.2 miles
 
 
The third time I've walked between Port Isaac & Tintagel & on the other 2 occasions I've walked from the north. Both times I was sure it would be an easier walk the other way round.... it isn't!

Cliff-top to sea-level & back again far too many times & in this morning's light rain the loose slate was treacherous. It took me nearly 3 hours to cover the 6 miles to Trebarwith Strand but what a brilliant walk! The sun soon broke through & the views were stunning.
 
 

Looking towards Tintagel from above Trebarwith Strand
 
 
Met Russell & Liz, a couple walking the South-West Coast Path for the South-West Childrens' Hospice & exchanged Blog addresses: best of luck & I'll be on your site as soon as I've finished writing this!
 
 
Beer of the Day: 'HSD', another St. Austell ale & one I hadn't tried before. I'd been deterred before when walking by its description as their 'strong Cornish bitter' but it was the only one they had at 'The Port William' that was new to me. It's excellent - best beer since 'Zennor Mermaid'!
 
 

 
Stack left by quarrymen in Tintagel Quarry - Gull Rock in the background
 
 
Highlight of the Day: crossing the top of Bossiney beach, close to my finishing point, I stopped to check the campsite location, at the same time giving way to a young surfer (20 - 21?) & his girlfriend; he thanked me & asked where I'd walked from - when I told him Port Isaac he responded with 'Wow!'... quickly enough & genuinely enough to put a spring into my knees I hadn't felt all day! Thanks!
Finished today at Trethevy; 2 miles before Boscastle, our intended finishing point. Les found this superb cliff-top site on the Coast Path & it seemed daft to carry on so we parked up & settled down to barbecue number 3!
 
 

 
Tonight's camp-site at Trethevey - spectacular views from the van
 
 
Sarah & Chris: thanks for the donation & I'm glad we're keeping somebody amused. Hope today's picture evidence is enough to assure you of my survival.... I've finally reached that happy time in my life when I'm worth more to my wife alive!
 
 



Enjoying my pint of HSD at 'The Port William'


1 comment:

  1. some more great photos of the coast sounds like it is going very well

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