TIME OUT

Well, made it about a third of the way (maybe a quarter depending on the route ahead). Chilling with friends and family for a week now, so good to see the inside of a house and have a conversation.

I'll be back on the road in June, where I'll be completing the remainder of the walk in one long slog. I'm in fairly good shape so far, and averaging 15-20 miles a day compared to the meagre 8 when I started.

Will pop some photos up over the next few days. Thanks to everyone who left messages by phone or email the last few weeks, and sorry I haven't responded. Communication has been a bit tricky, I will catch up over the next week.

A few people have wanted to join me along the next leg - do let me know, the more the merrier.

Back in June then for the Cotswold Way.

DAY 18 - BRIDGEWATER TO CHEDDAR

Think it's 18 anyway, losing track. Crossed what I think was the
Somerset levels and met my first other end to ender, a sound Kiwi who
aims to pull it off in 6 weeks. There be a storm coming, but no
matter, I'm here til Monday, then Bristol where I'll be signing off
until June, when I'll be back to finish the job. Now, time to tune in
to Sir Tel for some quality tunes.

DAY 17 - ROADWATER TO BRIDGEWATER

Well and truly out of the moor now, crossed the Quantocks and part of
the Coleridge way today. Got caught in a storm which is going to
happen all weekend. Looking forward to some down time soon before the
Cotswolds. This is the first non-tourist town I've seen so far. Back
to reality, now where's the takeaway?

EXMOOR UPDATE

Smidge of signal here so quick update. Went through Exford yesterday,
about 6 miles from Roadwater now. Did about 25 miles yesterday. Have
herded sheep, seen red deer, fallen in bogs and climbed the hill. Sun
just out after grim weather. Thanks for support all. Onward!

DAY 14 - BARNSTAPLE

Well I have enjoyed a rest and restocked as tomorrow I do Exmoor.
Leaving at dawn as I want to break the back of it before the weather
turns. Good chance I'll have to rough it, and no reception, so I'll
sign off now for a few days. Best stick to the path methinks. I have
to be out of there by Saturday, not missing Eurovision. Don't believe
the hype, the Irish turkey won't win.

DAY 13 - BUCK'S CROSS TO BARNSTAPLE

Finally finished my section of the coastal path. Saw a chough a few
days back (google it) which has impressed the locals no end. Now that
I've made some ground and look suitably haggard I'm getting donations
and free grub and camping, all good stuff. After 5 day's hard graft
I've taken a hotel to wash, chill and plan the next stage - Exmoor.
Tomorrow I transfer to an outskirt campsite, after that, will
disappear for a few days.

DAY 11 - BUDE TO BUCK'S CROSS

Sun is shining and all is well. Today I finally made it to Devon.
Cornwall was both stunning and grim, depending on the weather. I now
smell a lot like a sweaty dog rolling on a rotting mackerel. Tomorrow
Barnstaple, where I will be entering tea rooms and demanding cake and
fine wine.

DAYS 10 AND 11 - WADE BRIDGE TO BUDE

Well the last few days have been stormy, been pretty rough. went to
boscastle yesterday, the flooding there a few years back was crazy.
This should be my last night in Cornwall, thanks be to the pasties.
Onto Devon and Exmoor. Sconetastic.

DAY 8 - NEWQUAY TO WADEBRIDGE

Made a bit of ground today, back in the saddle so to speak. There are
plenty of posters about the beast, but so far I've only seen the odd
threatening stoat. Phone now back on normal time. Tomorrow as yet
unclear, but will avoid main moor as 86 yr old dude with banjo told me
I would surely die, and I'm tiring of near death experiences. Onward!

DAY 7 - NEWQUAY

Well bit of a right off today as had a spot of sunburn and was
generally knackered, have lost about a stone in the last week! All
mended now, back on track tomorrow.

DAY 6 - PERRANPORTH TO NEWQUAY

Weather here is perfect. Watched the sun set last night on the sea,
the Cornish beaches on a hot day are as good as any. They just need
Farmer's Union iced coffee. Having a night out in Newquay later.
Tomorrow heading inland to make some time up, done the coast, bring on
the moors.

DAY 6 - PORTREATH TO PERRANPORTH

Long day today, blazing sun. Came inland on massive detour,
unexciting. Camping tonight
in proper seaside town. Feet are not happy, I'm going to buy them a
beer in the sunshine to cheer them up. Tomorrow Newquay!

DAY 5 - ST IVES TO PORTREATH

After a sunny holiday break in luxury got back on the road and did 20
miles to the hostel here. And now they tell me it's a mile to the pub!
Thick fog surrounded me all day. Passed a pub called the Bucket of
Blood that serves a pint of Doom ale, then had tea at Hell's Mouth.
These people have issues. Tomorrow Perranporth.

DAY 3 - PENDEEN TO ST IVES

Made it. It transpires that this section of the coast path was devised
by sadists, so after the fifth particularly gruelling ascent I left
and came in land. Still racked up 15 odd miles. St Ives is idyllic, so
I'm staying two nights in a cosy bb on the harbour. Signing off until
Sunday!

DAY 2 - SENNEN TO PENDEEN

Day cut short by gross navigational error. Atlantic still stunning.
Dining and camping in good pub. Try to St Ives tomorrow. Loving nice
locals, sunshine and food. Hating evil locals, mine shafts and fake
paths. Here comes my pie.

DAY ONE - LANDS END TO SENNEN

Just a short stroll today as getting here was a mission. Weather is
great, views spectacular. Time to boil up some tea and pop the radio
on. Thanks for all the good luck messages.

Training

Last few days of heavy training and the weather looks to be good. My
next post will be from Cornwall, I take the sleeper midnight tuesday.