Hillesley to Slimbridge (Gloucestershire)

Weather today: Heavy shower am. Sunny Breeezy all day

Daily Miles Covered: 12.1

Total Miles Covered: 289.8

Things of Interest: Bullfinches, The Gloucester Sharpness canal

Personal Comments: We were lavishly entertained last night by James and Tor (short for Victoria). They took us out for a meal and a few drinks at the Cat and Custard pot near to Westonbirt. Whilst we were in the pub (Harry and Wills go in there sometimes) we passed the Macmillan tin around, and we took some good money, well done locals. This morning Tor gave us all breakfast to set us up for the day. Thanks again James and the lovely Tor.
Quite bleak early on, but it soon picked up as the day wore on. Back to Hillesley to start at the Fleece. Following The Cotswolds Way Wooton-under-edge soon came into view, and the showers were keeping at bay. On heading northwest we passed through North Nibley, and went on to ascend Stitchcombe hill, well, it was there so we had to climb it, because I am reading the map. Over to our right we passed through a golf course, as it was nearing dinner-time, we were on the lookout for a chip shop, we found one in Dursley. Meat pie, chips and peas, in a bag! I think it's a quaint old Gloucester custom, but it was very good.
Through Dursley we found a path to take us under the M5 down an underpass, and on to Slimbridge. At the canal we had a cup of tea and waited for Andrew he soon found us, so another day done, and the sun was still shining.

Shortwood to Hillesbury (Cotswolds)

Weather today: Warm spring day, slight breeze, plenty of sunshine!

Daily Miles Covered: 14.3

Total Miles Covered: 277.7

Things of Interest: The approaches to the Cotswold's

Personal Comments: Left Shortwood along the 'Dramway' (an old tram route, east side of Bristol). Left this relatively quiet cycle path to join a busy road to take us over the M4 (no option but to use this route). After 3 miles or so, we escaped the roads to be welcomed back by the 'Monach Way'. This took us north east where we also joined up for a short while with the 'Frome ValleyWay' and then back onto the 'Monarch Way' once again.
This scenic, "friendly" pathway finally intrduced us to the 'Cotswold's Way' which we joined near Horton and swiftly ascended into the very scenic Cotswold's. We walked several miles surrounded with quite stunning views and accompanied on route by repertoires of bird songs.
Finally ending up in the village of Hillesbury (a typical pretty Cotswold's village), we quenched our raging thirst in the "Fleece Inn".
We are staying at Remo Farm tonight, owned by a friend of Andrew (our back up driver), so an interesting night is in prospect!

Clutton to Shortwood (South Gloucestershire)

Weather today: Cool at first, Sunny afternoon

Daily Miles Covered: 13.2

Total Miles Covered: 263.50

Things of Interest: The 2 rivers walk and the Bristol to Avon walkway

Personal Comments: Day off yesterday, so we felt quite ok at 6.15 Tues. am. Having dispelled the myth about the strength of West country cider, we seem to be fine after drinking 4 pints of Thatchers on Sunday evening, didn't feel a hangover at all! Andrew took us back to Clutton and we easily found a disused railway track which took along northwards (the way we want to go) Progressing through villages with strange sounding names like Compton Dando , Chewton Kenysham, for you older people thats KEYNSHAM, Bristol (remember Horace Batchelor of the pools fame) Beyond C. Dando we picked up a track called the 2 rivers way which to us all the way north to the outskirts of Bristol on the east side to a place called Cadbury Heath. With my expertise ( yeah yeah ) I found a path to take us to the Bristol and Avon walkway which again was in our favour going north. The sun was now shining, and as we passed an industrial estate, I thought how lucky I was to be doing something I wanted to do, and not being told what to do. (Thanks JT) Not having much further to go for the day we sauntered along this path for a further 3 miles in the sunshine, with all the world at rest I think its been a good day all round. The Brige inn at Shortwood seemed a good place to end, and it was open!

Wells to Clutton (8 miles from Bath)

Weather today: Stiff easterly wind on hills, calmer at low levels. Still pretty cold.

Daily Miles Covered: 13.1

Total Miles Covered: 250.3

Things of Interest: Mendip Hills

Personal Comments: Onwards and upwards once more. Left Wells with the cathederal bells peeling our departure! On towards Wookey Hole (famous for holes in the ground and caves apparently),and then a steep, steep climb up onto the Mendips. The views from here would normally be spectacular but we encountered very misty conditions but still enjoyed being up there - away from everybody!!
We picked up the 'Monach's Way' which took us further on through this sizeable county with the help of the 'Limestone Link Way' which took us to our final destination of the day which is a place called Clutton, 8 miles or so from Bath.
Rest day tomorrow to catch up on washing and re-stocking for our continuing journey from Tuesday onwards.
Don't let anybody tell you that the UK is small - believe me, it is an enormous place!
Watch this space!

Moorlinch to Wells

Weather today: Same old easterly wind, light rain most of the day

Daily Miles Covered: 15.5

Total Miles Covered: 237.2

Things of Interest: Somerset levels

Personal Comments: We waved goodbye to The Crown Inn at Catcott, where once again we got mains hook up for van, and a free stay on the car park. A special mention for Steve Roby, who gave us a donation, bought us a pint, and paid for our meal, all in the name of Macmillan Cancer support, well done Steve.
As we left Moorlinch it was a grey day, a day you wouldn't want to go walking if you didn't need to! Along the A361 for a short while, until we came to a suitable path to take us away from this madness. Sanity returns as we progress through fields which technically are below sea level. With the wind making it hard work, we find ourselves again near to the A361, this time we bite the bullet and follow it to Glastonbury.
Once there we see people dressed rather strangely ( I should talk ) Druids, and Hippy types, ah well each to their own. Near the centre we see a sign to the "best fish and chip shop" in the southwest, so we have to go in and stoke up. We didn't linger, as it didn't feel right, maybe it was because the sun wasn't shining. Leaving the town uphill we once again we find the A361 briefly this time. Turning off it we walk northeastwards for a dead straight 3 k., with the evil wind still in our faces. Climbing slightly, we see our first glimpse of Wells cathederal, and what a magnificent building it is, this is our destination for the night. Once in Wells it is market day, so we stroll down the main street taking photos. I entertain the masses by going base over apex slipping on a drain, I landed on my back, good job I had a rucsac on. I hope the wind disappears for tomorrow.

Hawkridge Reservoir to Moorlinch

Weather today: Strong, cold easterly wind. Cloudy with rain mid pm.

Daily Miles Covered: 14.5

Total Miles Covered: 221.7

Things of Interest: Sedgemoor Drainage system near Bridgewater

Personal Comments: Left Hawkridge reservoir (near Spaxton) kitted out for a bad day of weather. The easterly wind was strong in our faces all day as we battled eastwards towards Bridgewater. Glad to get Bridgewater behind us, (not the most prettiest of places!) we headed towards the "Samaritan's Way" which took us over the M5 and out onto the Somerset Levels. This area is a network of canals and ditches designed to drain sea water in this 'below sea level' area. A well known drain that we passed is called "Sedgemoor Drain".
We travelled through the village of Sutton Mallet and ended our walking day at Moorlinch - no too far from Glastonbury.
The highlight of the day was buying some new reading glasses to replace the one's I lost on day one - the lost glasses crisis is over!!
As it's Friday, we might have to find a local pub later tonight and sample some local cider. Cheers!

Washford to Hawkridge Reservoir (via Quantocks)

Weather today: Biting easterly wind all day

Daily Miles Covered: 12.2

Total Miles Covered: 207.2

Things of Interest: The Quantock hills, and views to die for.

Personal Comments: Usual early breakfast, and off to meet Dave, Andews friend, who tags along with us for a couple of miles. We leave the cider farm, and thank Jill for her hospitality. We set off with wind proof clothing on, I consider gloves to wear but because of map reading, I put it off until later. We reach Williton quite soon and progress through the by-roads to reach the other side of town with no problems. Here we say goodbye to Andrew, for a while. When we reach Chilcombe via various paths, there is nothing for it but to attack The Quantocks. Let me tell you people some of these paths uphill many not be too long, but they are steep. The views looking back down the valley bottoms of a patchwork England, fields of various colours, how do they make it for the money, fantastic, I wish you all could see what I saw
Once on the top, with the wind increasing in strength, I can see there being no brass welders out of work today! Moving slowly with the wind full in our face, it reminds me of an Aesop's fable we learnt at school, about the wind and the sun and the man with an overcoat on, there is no way the sun will win today.
Lunchtime comes and we escape the bitter wind behind a tall hedge. Robins are about, so we feed them with bread, I think they liked it. Pressing on through a forest to take us ever downwards, we see stags, the bound over fences 6ft. high, I wish I could do that. At the end of the forest, the sun is still shining, the wind is less fearsome on the valley bottom.
A couple of more miles takes us to the reservoir where Andrew picks us up. We motor back to Crowcombe, Andrew sets us up on a pub car park f.o.c. I know but what can you do when you're weak willed!

Dunkery Beacon to Washford

Weather today: Bright with the return of a cold easterly wind

Daily Miles Covered: 17.6

Total Miles Covered: 195.00

Things of Interest: Wild Red Dear, Wild Exmoor ponies, steam train (West Somerset Railway)

Personal Comments: Left Dunkery Beacon (The highest point of Exmoor) with an easterly wind 'biting shrewdley!" Followed the Macmillan Way to Wootton Courtenay, then up through a steep forrest to Dunster. A quick pastie and carton of tomato soup then marched on, climbing steeply up through another forest rewarded with views over Minehead and accross to South Wales. Continuing along the Macmillan Way, we traversed more fields and tracks where red deer and wild ponies roamed.
Travelling further eastwards, we ended up at a hamlet called Washford where there was a cider farm next door called 'Torre Cider Farm' where we were greeted with a pint of the stuff as a reward for a 17 plus mile walk.
A pint of strong cider on top of a 17 mile walk? - I hope this blog ends up ledgible!
All in all, a good hard day's walking with plenty of tough climbing!

Poltimore arms to Dunkery Beacon

Weather today: Beautiful sunny day, s.w. gentle breeze.

Daily Miles Covered: 12

Total Miles Covered: 177.4

Things of Interest: Exmoor National Park

Personal Comments: Back to the Poltimore Arms, after spending a pleasant evening at The London Inn at Molland, with Mine Host Toby and customers, Neil especially, who gave us a donation. Uphill most of the way at the start, to level off for a spectacular view across Devon and Somerset. We leave Devon soon, it seems we havent been in it for long. We find a path to take us along the contours, we like these, unlike our old adversary, the coastpath which crosses them.
We soon find ourselves traversing Exmoor, what a wonderful place to be on a spring day, with no clouds in the sky, I feel alive. I call these "days of your life". Wild ponies and buzzards are ever present on Exmoor, we see many, but no red deer yet. Onward to Exford where we meet Andrew and co. having a cider, I decline. The sun is still beating down so I top up my sun tan cream, knowing full well I could get burnt under a light bulb!
A stiff climb after lunch takes us back to the top of Exmoor, going with the contours again, we soon arrive at Dunkery Beacon, the end of todays walk, what a lovely place to be on this sceptered isle, roll on tomorrow.

Barnstaple to Poltimore Arms (Start of Exmoor)

Weather today: Bright, sunny intervals but still a cold wind.

Daily Miles Covered: 12.4

Total Miles Covered: 165.4

Things of Interest: Distant views of Exmoor becoming nearer by the step!

Personal Comments: Continued our trek after day off. Left Barnstaple and passed through attractive Godleigh, Stoke Rivers and Brayford villages to end up at a crossroads where a remote pub called the Poltimore Arms represented a safe haven and watering place for the night before tackling the high summits of Exmoor tomorrow! On walking up the the pub door, a "friendly" sigh said 'closed all day monday' - what day is it today? - yes, Monday!!
Never mind, driver Andrew comes to the rescue - we're off tonight to a little village called Molland where a working farm run by Maggie Woodward has been made available for us for an overnight stop over. - Oh, and there is a pub nearby called the "London Inn" which we might be forced to take refreshments in!
Pretty tough walking today, especially the last two miles up a steep hill as we commence our climb up Exmoor.

Woolfardisworthy to Barnstaple

Weather today: Showers early, Sunny all day after 10.00am.

Daily Miles Covered: 20.6

Total Miles Covered: 153

Things of Interest: The Tarka Trail, family cycle trail with sea views.

Personal Comments: Left Woolfardisworthy with leadened skies, showers of hail and rain, it didn't inspire us much. We had to get to Barnstaple, so the quickest route would be via bridlepaths and country lanes. Inadvertently we came across the A39, we soon left it as it was a case of, your life in their hands. We progressed on ever eastwards until we came to the River Torridge, which would take us into Bideford. Lunchtime was by the river, eating our sandwiches and a compulsory banana (Phil says it will give me energy!) Little Egrets seem to love the tidal rivers and this place was no exception.
Over the river bridge, we picked up the Tarka trail, with 12.5 miles done we thought Barnstaple would be a mere 3 miles away, wrong. The next marker we saw was 7 to go, we looked in disbelief at each other, knowing full well that would take us over 20 for the day, ah well.
Andrew phoned to tell us that he ws near The North Devon Leisure Centre, so we pressed on. At Fremington Quay we thought about an ice cream, or maybe a pasty until we saw a sign saying 50p. for tap water to cover staff costs!, so we filled our water bottles with tap water at a toilet next door and on we went.
Barnstaple was now in view, under the A39 and on to the town centre, again Andrew had the kettle on and a most welcome cup of tea was had. The night stop was a campsite at Berrynarbour, but before that the van came to a grinding halt, luckily it was just outside Ye Olde Globe pub, so what can you do?, I know it's a tough job but we went in anyway! Watered and fed we motored to the site for an early night and 8 hours sleep, tough day.

Bude to Woolfardisworthy

Weather today: Heavy rain easing off. Cold wind. Occasional sunny periods

Daily Miles Covered: 15.6

Total Miles Covered: 132.4

Things of Interest: Thousands of primroses filling the hedgerows.

Personal Comments: Set off in heavy rain heading north east away from coast. Passed through Poughill, Stibb, Kilkhampton. Serious walking heading north east ending up at a place called Woolfardisworthy!
Good bye Cornwall - we are now in Devon. Our first pub in Devon - "The Farmer's Arms" was frequented with folk speaking in a strange accent! We felt like invading aliens but soon were able to translate and communicate! Decent folk - helpful with pointing us to the best source of "free" camping accomodation.
Must mention Wendy from 'Fashion Direct' in Bude for her kind donation.
Having left Cornwall, we must thank all the people (too many to mention) for their generous donations for our charity. Cornwall has left a very good impression on 2 Lancashire lads! - Thank you Cornwall!

3miles n.of Boscastle to Bude

Weather today: Showers, sunny

Daily Miles Covered: 12.9

Total Miles Covered: 116.8

Things of Interest: St Jennys church Crackington Haven, beautiful.

Personal Comments: Left Home farm where we stayed with Jackie and Robin Haddy www.homefarm-boscastle.co.uk she made us a super English breakfast and let us camp foc, lovely people. Andrew dropped us off at the point where he picked us up last night, and ofF we set. Crackington Haven is the first port of call during a heavy shower. We left the coast and went inland, going down a leafy lane we met Malcolm Ure a builder extrordinaire he gave us a donation for Macmillan see you in Milngavie for a pint Malc.
The coast path again is unforgiving. As we ascend more cliffs the steps up are sometimes 2ft., there must be some big people in Cornwall. At a point on the path Bude comes into view, still seems a long way off. As the showers increase the primroses heads droop even more, they will recover. I heard the first willow warbler of the year after lunch, a sign of things to come.
After Widemouth bay it becomes a lot easier the cliffs seem to lessen, and at Bude the sun comes out. So to celebrate we go for a pint, just one mind. Another day done.

Tregardock Farm to 3 miles north of Boscastle

Weather today: Sunny, warm, slight sea breeze - suntan lotion day!

Daily Miles Covered: 11.9

Total Miles Covered: 103.9

Things of Interest: More and more very scenic, dramatic coves. Tintagel Castle

Personal Comments: Left Tregardock Farm and headed once more to the coastal path to tackle yet more severe cliff climbs! At this rate, muscles will appear on muscles! My body might never forgive me for this punishnent - it's great really! Ended up at a very attractive place called Trebarwith Stand and continued on our travels passing through Rocky Valley, Tintagel and Boscastle. (They are still repairing the storm damaged there 3 years on) We finished the day 3 miles north of Boscastle near Newton Farm. Staying tonight on a farm back in Boscastle - might have the odd shandy later!

Rock to Tregardock farm (via Port Isacc)

Weather today: Cool dry sunny n. wind

Daily Miles Covered: 13.6

Total Miles Covered: 92

Things of Interest: Port Isacc what a quaint sea-side village, narrow streets and nice shops.

Personal Comments: After a welcome day off, doing nothing but walking about (I know), there was no wi-fi access last night, sorry to all our readers! We are back in town now, so here goes. Easy walking to New Polzeath via St. Enedocs church, we visited John Beteman's grave, we didn't linger! Apparently the church was buried for some years by wind blown sand until they re-discovered it, amazing. After New Polzeath we left the coast path for the fields and byways. The gorse bushes now are in full bloom, and the smell of coconut as you pass them by is heady, beautiful.
The coast path is unforgiving in its way, up and down relentlessly, no good for 2 walkers well stricken in years, but we manage. We make Port Quinn by lunchtime, there is nobody there, do they not know who we are? no. Pressing on we arrive at Port Isacc, what a lovely place this is. Let me tell you people, Benidorm, forget it, Lanzarote forget it,get yourselves down to P. Isacc (ok GB!)
Andrew the resorce manager, has again got us into a hotel for the night at Port Gaverne, just around the corner f.o.c. curtesy of the owner Graham Sylvester, commendable. A few shandies, a nice bar snack, a bath, and 9 hours sleep, fantastic.

Newquay to Rock

Weather today: Extremely windy. Hail showers. Bright spells. Cold

Daily Miles Covered: 14.2

Total Miles Covered: 78.4

Things of Interest: Crashing waves battering high dramatic rocks!

Personal Comments: Extremely windy today - had to grab Frank before he was blown 400 ft. over the cliffs! Passed spectacular coast lines including Bedruthin Steps, near Mawgan Porth. Met a charming Cornish gent called Basil Worden who willing donated to our charity as soon as we mentioned the reason for our long walk.
Off to Trevelvar tonight to stay with Andrew's fellow farming friend - never anything dull where Andrew is involved!

Perranporth to Newquay

Weather today: Clear blue sky, cloudy occasionally, cold n. wind

Daily Miles Covered: 11.1

Total Miles Covered: 64.2

Things of Interest: Long deserted sandy beaches (beautiful)

Personal Comments: Usual early start from Perranporth, 9.00am. Progressed over the dunes, where a man with a dog warned us of adders, possibly, I wondered if they could multiply quickly in this cold wind! Lots of signs telling us it was MOD. land and KEEP OUT, ok. Holywell bay was deserted so a quick intake of banana, off inland to Crantock. This is one of those English villages that you would love to live in. I'm not saying they are posh, but some people have thatched garages! Newquay is soon in sight, and luckily the River Gannel is low because the tide is out, otherwise its a 2.5 mile trek around (yippee), and we cross easily via a wooden bridge.
Lookout Newquay we are here. Lots of shops as you know, but not many selling chicken balti pasties so...........After that we had a severe wind problem (no not that) we got blown into The Mermaid pub and had to have a pint of doom bar bitter to recover, mmmmmmmmm.
Andrew soon arrived and wanted to watch The Grand National, no telly in this pub, what do we do?, leave it to Andrew. Off we go, the first hotel we see is The Windward, he goes to the door, the lady says come in, in no time time at all , the telly is on and we are watching horses.
We tell her about our trip, then she says you can park on the car park free overnight, brilliant.
She tells us of her charity so we give a donation, then lo and behold, Sue, we are on first name terms now, says sack the van you can have free B&B that will be our contribution to your trip. How kind is that. I will sleep well tonight. Well done Sue and Paul

Portreath to Perranporth

Weather today: Overcast, fairly mild. Slightly clearer in the afternoon

Daily Miles Covered: 12.3

Total Miles Covered: 53.1

Things of Interest: Manx Shearwaters, several hardy surfers, loads more closed down tin mines

Personal Comments: We continue to move ever forward. The coastal path is similar to a helter skelter in parts - great for building up the muscles! Very early days yet but holding up so far. Had another bout of "pasti-itis" today so I had to have another pastie! - Newquay becons tomorrow.

St Ives to Portreath

Weather today: Misty quite warm

Daily Miles Covered: 17.5

Total Miles Covered: 40.3

Things of Interest: A very tame kestrel, and about 50 grey seals on a beach far below

Personal Comments Feeling refreshed we leave St Ives at 9.oo, on to Carbis bay where the sun does it's best to shine. Skirting the estuary, the wild flowers are in profusion. Andrew stays with us for 4 miles, and has had enough, and catches the bus back to St. Ives. Close to lunchtime in Hayle, we again suffer from pasty-itis, (a serious complaint) so we call at Phipps shop, and were they good?
Leaving Hayle, we feel like 2 Lawrence of Arabia, walking on the dunes, still very misty. A mis-calculation sends the miles soaring, and when we see a sign with still 6 to go, have you every seen 2 grown men cry.
As we near Portreath Andrew has the kettle on so a welcome cup of tea goes down well. Another day done!

Pendeen Watch to St. Ives

Weather today: Sea Mist, low cloud all day until 4.00pm.

Daily Miles Covered: 13.1

Total Miles Covered: 23.25

Things of Interest: Visibility really poor - affecting sitings. However we did see first Chiff-Chaff of year plus a big grey seal.

Personal Comments: Arose 6.30, gear packed away and sandwiches made for 8.45 start from Pendeen Watch. Slight delay due to a wheel spin on grass on camp site - rectified by the placing of chippings under wheels. Followed coast path to Portheras Cove - brave women seen swimming in sea! Inland to Morvah - met Kevin and Mary, local cyclists on route. Passed through Zennor and back onto the coastal path where we faced a very difficult 6 mile trek up and down severe rocky paths and finally arriving at St.Ives.
After our pint (only one!) in the "Sloop Inn" ( where a generous chap called Peter Eadie gave us a donation) plus a cornish pasty we were taken back to the "Tinner's Arms" where the hosts Graham and Catherine were waiting to take us back to their home, a few miles away where they served up a fantastic meal and pampered us like true heroes which of course we are? - even a hot bath was on offer!