Crackington Haven to Boscastle 21st March

Tim and Margaret


What a lovely time we had with Margaret; I'm not sure where to start. Her care for us ranged from supplying sun cream to turning out her walking poles! We were also given a lovely, lively, tail-wagging reception from Bonnie, Margeret's dog, who became very attached to Tim.

Bonnie


We sat and talked with Margaret as old friends do, I enjoyed a bath and discovered how sunburnt I was... quite a shock when I looked in the mirror and saw a puce face staring back at me!

We had been advised by Jeannie and Alastair, and several walkers we met on the path, to consider using walking poles. I had tried them a few years ago when a group of us from school had tackled our own version of the Three Peaks challenge and I had found them a nuisance; however, we talked about them with Margaret and she turned out her own set. After a demonstration of how they should be used Tim went off to practice in the hallway... highly entertaining... but he began to master the art.

We had had a long walk that day, and Tim was anxious about the next stage of the path because the guide said how dangerous it can be because the path is not always well defined and crosses shale/slate areas which can be very unstable. Margaret was willing to let us stay a second night so we decided to go just as far as Boscastle over High Cliff, and catch the bus back and also to take the walking poles with us the next day to try them out.

Crackington Haven

Next morning, liberally smothered in Margeret's suncream, and under one or her hats (me - Tim had his own!), we set off with less to carry, but with the walking poles for Tim to try.

The weather was stunning again and we set off towards Crackington Haven via a woodland path which had lovely views of the coast. Back on the coast path the warmth had brought out this little chap...

and soon we were heading for High Cliff - over 700 feet.


The colour of the sea was stunning and we even spotted seals! Tim got on well with the poles and felt that once he'd got the hang of them they helped his walking.

Seal

I must admit that all the sun of yesterday had taken its toll on me and I felt queasy most of the day, but it couldn't mar the glorious sights.

During our first stage of the walk, on our way to Woolacombe, Tim had painfully jarred his knee; now it was my turn - though not jarred. My knees click quite often but with no apparent consequence, especially after about 5 miles, but this time my left knee clicked with a sharp pain and I walked on warily for the rest of the day. I was glad we only had a short walk that day.

We have had many different ways of crossing hedges... here are a couple of the more interesting ones...

Whilst walking this part of the cliff, Tim suddenly called to me, and four swallows flew past going north!

We arrived in Boscastle and it was like a summer's day with folk strolling round happily in tee shirts, families playing and sitting in the sun.

We decided soup was called for, and once again we were treated to a delicious soup and roll. Whilst we were eating, a sea mist had rolled in, so when we emerged from the cafe we were greeted by an eeirie atmosphere with folk standing around in groups staring up at the sky. The temperature had dropped and it was chilly. The warm summer's day had gone and people soon disappeared too.

We caught the bus back to Margaret's chatting to a charming couple who we had met several times on the path.

Easter

I am beginning to wonder if this blog could be arranged like pages in a book rather than as a long vertical line! It would be easier to follow.

Yes, I am back home, and have been since 25th, but am writing up the blog from here - perhaps I 'll put dates in on the titles and that may help.

I'm actually sitting up in bed with my breakfast coffee, writing this!

Since coming home I've managed two rounds of golf (including one birdie!), dug out three compost heaps and dug the patch. Tim is digging a little extra along one side because I've bought some more raspberry canes and am hoping to put them in today.I have potatoes chitting and red onion sets ready to plant today too. It's looking a lot tidier!

Meriel is here for Easter and Tim and Bridgie are back. Phil called in Wednesday eve so we had a full house and Bridgie helped me make three yummy pizzas -base and all!

Bridgie hard at work.

The finished product.

Bude to Crackington Haven 20th March

After another excellent night's sleep and delicious breakfast, we set off at our usual time along by the golf course and into the town. We called into Ripe again to pick up a baguette for our lunch,

and then crossed the canal to set off along the cliff path.

This area was very attractive.

We had absolutely glorious weather again, not the wild wind and crashing seas that we had expected ~ we were being spoilt ~ Tim is wondering if there will be 'payback time' at some point! I'm hopeful we're just being well looked after :-)!

The path from Bude to Widemouth Bay I found a little to close to civilisation, but from there on it became ours again. The geology of this part of the coast is stunning. As a schoolgirl I came to Millook Beach on a Geography trip to marvel at the strata...

and it really is amazing!

Millook Beach

We passed along through Dizzard Wood with its ancient dwark oaks,

and up and down a few more of these!

This is wonderful walking and despite fears for the path because it is shale and in wet conditions is extremely slippery, we had a marvellous walk to Crackington Haven and arrived hot, tired and in need of refreshment.

I loved this water trough in the roadside hedge as we walked into Crackington...
...especially this part of the engraving :-)

We didn't sup the water but filled up with a cream tea then headed up the valley towards Higher Crackington to find our bed for the night ~ a home from home with Margaret.

Some places we remember by the name of the village, others by the name of the farm or house name, but one or two special ones we remember by our host's name, so this is Margaret's.

Cornakey to Bude 19th March

We set off on another gorgeous morning, across the fields of Cornakey farm back on to the coast path. It was sunny and warm with a strong easterly wind (very unusual) with the visibilty limited again because of a blanket of haze and cloud out to sea.

This section of the walk saw seven valleys to descend into and climb out of...

... challenging - but much more do-able with our lighter loads.

Tim is an excellent guide - he reads up all about the walk beforehand and feeds me snippets of information as we go. One such was about Rev Hawker - what an interesting character - this is his hut where he spent time writing poetry and sermons and smoking opium.


The hut is built of driftwood and is almost impossible to see from a distance...


and this was his view!

Further on we came to Higher Sharpnose point, which Tim walked out to ...



... and if only you could see it... his sense of humour is reflected in his pose!


Our walk took us on past the huge 'Composite Signals Organisation Station' at Cleave Camp - around Lower Sharpnose Point




and on to Duckpool.

Duckpool

We were nearing Bude by now and were meeting more people out enjoying the wonderful sunshine. It certainly was a beautiful day.

These parts however, where people were nearby, were not my favourite I must admit. I simply love the wild and rugged parts which are usually devoid of any human hand (bar the pathway!).

Bude has an amazing outdoor sea pool


and these pretty spring flowers planted randomly around giving a lovely scent on the warm breeze.

We were both a little tired and sat and ate pasties in a little park area, followed by tea in a lovely cafe called Ripe Coffee Lounge then off to Teeside to our B&B. Tim had booked this comfy B&B for us which would be ideal for a golfing holiday!

Speke's Mill to Cornakey Farm 18th March

As we trundled on our way from Speke's Mill, Tim spotted Mr Toad here! I awaitBig A's specific indentification :-)

Mr Toad

The path was clearly marked and took us from cliff-top to clifftop. Tim will correct me but I think this was Nabor Point near South Hole.

This picnic table was just perfect and had amazing views in every direction. After another brief stop it was onwards towards Welcombe Mouth. It is really difficult to capture the steep tracks in a photo, but I'll try and include some that give you a little of the idea.


If you look closely you can just spot that picnic table - it seemed miles away from anywhere and was such a welcome surprise!

You can also see that the gorse was out, smelling of butterscotch and/or coconut depending on you nose, and there were primroses, violets, daffodils, and campion amongst others.

Welcombe Mouth

Welcombe Mouth was lovely and one of the few places you could get a car anywhere near to the coast. It was down quite a bumpy track - long may it stay that way! There were some more surfers and sunbathers soaking up the warm sun, and another lovely waterfall tumbling onto the beach. I liked this place.

Welcombe Mouth

Marsland Valley - the border.

On the way down the next valley is Ronald Duncan's hut. A poet who used this as aplace to write - it has the most glorious views.

Ronald Duncan's hut.

We were now nearing the boundary between Devon and Cornwall and I hereby give you permission to laugh ... loudly! Because by this time it was extremely hot, and I could feel myself burning in the sun! I had no floppy hat and decided to improvise. The only thing suitable was my little travel towel... and this was the result...



It was effective... but I doubt it'll catch on as a fashion accessory!

Looking back to Devon

As we looked back to Devon, we could just spot the Writer's Hut on the top of the hill.

Marsland Cliffs and Devil's Hole

There were more wonderful cliffs and then across the valley we could see Cornakey Farm where we were staying that night. We walked across the fields to receive another warm welcome. We had walked about 12 miles and were both a lot happier about our Packs - it certainly made it a lot easier to carry less - even if only a few pounds.

Hartland Point to Speke's Mill 18th March

Wednesday morning was bright and beautiful, with a lovely light and marked shadows. There was no chance of spotting Lundy today though as the visibilty was very poor!

Upright Cliff

The rock formations along this coast are stunning!

Near Dyer's Lookout

Tim took me on a little detour along a beautiful valley path to meet these trees.

Trees near Blackpool Mill

We both wanted to do this part of the walk again as it was so stunning, in fact Tim had walked it in the opposite direction the afternoon before and had discovered these trees then.

After Hartland Quay we were on new ground again and skirted St Catherine's Tor which stands like a pyramid along the coast.

St Catherine's Tor

Our first proper stop for a bite of that brandy-laced cake was at Speke's Mill where this waterfall bounds in big steps down to the beach, and where several surfers were in enjoying the waves.

Speke's Mill Waterfall

Must do some work now to pay for all this tramping over the countryside - more later!!

Stage two - Bedford to Hartland 17th March

Well, here we go!

Stage two began, for me, on the early train from Bedford. If you have a through ticket to Exeter they let you travel on the early commuter trains so I didn't have to wait till 9.30! Therefore, 7.28 saw me trundling down to London with the suited and booted!I did get some odd looks with my walking boots and rucksac!


My intention was to catch the 9.06 from Paddington which would get me in to Exeter in time for a connection to Barnstable, which in turn would mean I could catch a lunch time bus to Hartland, meet Tim and then walk along the coast to the farm.


However, the train was delayed out of Paddington (the best laid plans...) although in the circumstances noone cared as there had been a fatality on the line earlier in the morning (at Culham) and folk were very sober.

Barnstable

In the end I had a couple of hours meandering around Barnstable, enjoying a pasty and caramel slice, and caught the school bus at 4.30 which arrived at Hartland about 6.


Yvonne and Tim came to collect me, we got to the farm, dropped our bags and ran (almost) out to catch the sunset on Hartland point.

Sunset at Hartland Point

Simply beautiful. We had another excellent night's sleep and we set off about 9 next morning on the path we had walked before to Hartland Quay.

Back home from Stage Two!

Book One is complete...

I've just arrived home, and will settle to write up details of the walk from Hartland to Padstow over the next few days. Suffice it to say, it was brilliant and we are suntanned!

It's good to be in touch again!

Stage Two!

Over the last week or so it has been good for the soul to see lighter mornings and evenings - in fact, today it is beautiful - blue sky and bright sun and it's going to be up to 16 degrees :-).

I am so keen to be walking again - Tuesday is the day which, hopefully, will begin with an early train journey to London. It's the exact reverse of the journey I had back; travelling on tube to Paddington, train to Exeter, a little train to Barnstable, and bus to Hartland. Tim is hoping to meet me there about 2.30 and we're going to walk back along that stunning piece of coast to West Titchberry Farm. I haven't had time to do any walking for a week or so, so may find I'm even stiffer this time!

I have managed to reduce the weight in my pack, although it is still a bit heavier than I would ideally like. The cake was such a success last time, that I've made another... (going to give Tim his half to carry this time!!) I would like to take the little flask again but it adds the best part of another pound even when empty!

I have been so relieved this week, to have stopped teaching, because Lincroft has another Ofsted. I've been in to lend a hand with preparation - it's on Weds and Thurs, but it just creates such stress levels - I am so glad to be out of it! Please spare them a thought - especially Phil - also folk like Susan, Katy, Hilary, Paul et al, who you may have met and who have specific areas of responsibility.

It has been good to catch up with Tim - he's been home this weekend, returning to Sheffield today.

Meriel's redecoration work should begin tomorrow.

Here's to the next blog will be from Cornwall!!

I enjoyed another walk today, over to Sharnbrook but a different way.

It was lovely to see the river flowing fast by Pinchmill Islands,

and I spotted this house which looks as if it should be lived in by someone very rich and famous!!

The walk was about almost eight miles, and with walking yesterday, my legs noticed it. I was glad of the bath when I got back!

Tim and I have marked the 17th March for the beginning of the next stage and we begin again at West Titchberry Farm near Hartland Point. Roll on the 17th!

Golf Club Fire

I've just walked over to Sharnbrook and I came back through the golf course. There was a weird atmosphere, three men playing the course but otherwise deserted.

The clubhouse shows some damage from the front, especially when you look at the roof line,

but through the window you begin to see much more of the impact, this is looking through into the dining and bar area...

Then around the back you see the full extent of the fire.

Devastating, and upsetting to see close to - and they had just refurbished the men's changing rooms.

Food and fire

I was treated, last Friday, to a special meal. Phil had wanted to cook for me for my birthday but because I was away we put it on hold... so Friday was the day. He created a lovely meal of delicious delicate flavours, a Thai beef stir fry - I had eaten half of it before I thought to take a pic!

It was delicious - he is a superb cook - I could barely boil potatoes at his age!

The other main event was a fire at Pavenham golf club last evening. As Katy was taxiing children back from an after school meeting at Sharnbrook Upper to Lincroft, she saw flames and masses of smoke rising from the direction of the golf club, she rang to let me know. Just across the road from here is a little path that runs up the back of several house towards the church so I went up there, and there was a clear view of the fire.

There were several fire engines - at least 5 - and it looked spectacular (not sure if that's quite the right word!) because it was dark. The pictures come from the local radio website (Heart Radio). No reports of anyone injured which is a huge relief.

I guess it was fortunate that it happened at this time of year - because it was almost dark and there would have been noone around.