Category: Uncategorized

Westward Ho! to Hartland Quay. 21.45 miles, 4,075ft of elevation, 49,033 steps

Quick note first thank all the team In Japan who went over and beyond in their walk and donations which has helped immensely in me reaching my goal today of £20,000. Thanks everyone and let’s keep it going….

So the biggest concern right now it that whilst people are impressed with our walk today, they mention tomorrow’s with fear in their eyes…….

We started off today in relentless rain and in full spirit. Tristan and Aidan had differing approaches to their attire. (As did David and I to be honest – you would not catch me in spandex).

The route is a simple one, and will remain so until the end. Keep the sea to your right and you should be good. However, the weather, the terrain and the various choices of footwear made going tough. Unfortunately the big guy (Aidan) took a tumble and we went down on to the beach for a short detour!

Luckily we were 7 miles from Clovelly! Not the easiest miles and Aidan struggled, however he persevered until Clovelly (our mid way point – with the help of the local road sweeper m) where we left him and Dave to organise a taxi/cab/lift

It was a super tough day with so many ups and downs but the boys I think enjoyed it and Tristan and I headed off towards our final destination.

We cut inland for a bit for a reprieve from the coast and Tristan’s And I smashed the least few me relatively quickly.

Basicallyz

A very long day and one which had its ups and lows………,,but getting us all through the entire event was perfect and the boys did so well in terrible weather. A really good job by al

Eventually we were done – well and truly. I do hope tomorrow is a bit kinder but let’s see. Good luck to England in the meantime

Lots of funny moments today, all good and eventful. I will leave you with this image of a stile but no fence along the footpath…..

Big thank you to Dave, Lizzy and Gavin in the bar who donated all their money in their wallets. So many nice people

Barnstaple to Westwood Ho!. 19.01 miles, 919 ft of elevation, 42,457 steps

A very memorable night yesterday shared with my brother in our small double bed and an opportunity to again take a shot of it ‘ welcoming frontage of our beautiful B&B’.

To be fair we all walked out of there alive so we can’t complain. We were perhaps lacking in nutrition but luckily Paula isn’t fussy so we did our best and set off with the sun shining and in good cheer.

No comments on David’s outfit please, I have been assured there is a definite technical reasons for each item!!! The majority of the first part of our walk was along an old railway line and so was easy walking. As we neared the Torridge estuary we got close to the breakers out to sea but then had to walk back in land to cross a bridge. The sun was shining though, David bought some lemon bon bons, and it was all going well….

Then we got hit by a major squall and we got soaked. The smiles disappeared and then the lorries started appearing in Pashley back home.. All was looking bleak.

Our finale ended up with me sprinting over the the road for a reasonable k

Paula was rightly determined to put the hours in and despite the last horrendous downpour we were down almost on the dot of 19 miles – awesome job (indeed some would say a ‘proper Job’. We had a super sprint to the end to avoid the worst downpoor if the days.

Highlight for Schooner without a doubt is the plastic sofa. bliss. He will definitely be giving this place 5 stars …..

North Morton to Barnstaple. 19.97 miles, 1,831ft of elevation, 45,697 steps

I woke to sunshine and a lovely breakfast shared with Dave who was down for a funeral and wake. Before leaving. I used the last of my Nik Wax on my shoes although to be honest they are no longer waterproof as they have been force dried too many times on the radiator.

I also saw this in the pub garden which I thought was interesting, although no ideas what it is. Answers on a postcard as I am not sure if this is a smoker or a fancy bbq.

As we walked out of North Morton we were quickly in to pheasant country again and the cavalcade of vehicles that accompanies a shoot. We eventually got down to what is clearly the beaters shelter and saw the graffiti written by each shoot over the last two years. Today’s team seemed fairly short in number but good to see a couple of regulars on the list not least the two Michaud’s. Husband and wife perhaps?

Today was just a lot of fun. We were relaxed for time and so took it easy. Schooner really was in pheasant heaven and the weather was good. Stops for coffee and a couple of phone calls added to a lovely day.

We went past some long forgotten towns like East and West Buckland (although the school seems to be thriving), a beautiful, imposing church at Landkey- although not much else there, and I had a chat with a really engaging vicar in his little Suzuki Jeep 4×4.

My first view of the sea was a long range sighting of Woolacombe over a gate. Soo many memories of family holidays but sadly not a stopping off point on the walk. Eventually we arrived into Barnstaple – no sign of the sea yet but we knew we were close due to the ice cream vans and seagulls

Schooner and I took a detour into town to get a haircut before seeking out our accommodation.

So tonight My brother David, and Paula from the office, have come down to join the next leg. We were all booked in to Barum House for the night. I had wanted them both of the potential quality of establishment as the price suggested something basic. Unfortunately I don’t think this photo does it justice – this car is a burnt out wreck, right outside the terraced house in which we are staying.. (I shall have to take another photo in the morning). To give you an idea, imaging staying overnight at your mates house. Your mate who is still a student……. well that’s where we are tonight.

And here is the bed that David and I are sharing (the master suite…..). I think we may have an early start tomorrow.

Winsford to North Molton. 20.02 miles, 2,625ft of elevation, 33,335 steps

We had a wonderful conversation with the locals last night about how Thick was going to get back to his car. Once they had stopped laughing, we concluded that the most realistic option, and the only one to get him there before lunch time was for him to walk the 16 miles back. However , after time was called, the landlord offered to drive him back after breakfast whilst I headed off with the two dogs toward Withypool.

The sun was shining and the day was good. I had two dogs who were encouraging each other to run amock and we travelled along a beautiful valley with enough pheasants to keep everyone happy. We had an interesting drop down from the moor to Withypool through a field of bullocks who were very interested in us and I did feel a bit like Dick Whittington. Pipi was very nervous but we made it without incedent!

Withypool was stunning and I was soon up on the moor again walking along the Two Moors way towards Simonsbath. The sun was out and it was a lovely walk with rabbits galore for Schooner.

After Simonsbath, I had a long slog up to Kingsford cross and the top of the moors again. It rained (no surprise) again and the mist came down but yet again by mid afternoon it turned nice and I worked my way down in to North Milton. I got caught up in the end of a shoot with beaters, dogs everywhere and then eventually a cavalcade of Range Rover’s with the posh chaps on board.

It was a long day, but we got to the Poltimore Inn about 5 and Schooner made a beeline to the fire. A lovely evening again and a promise of STARS making the charity of choice for a local quiz night (thanks Nick).

On to the seaside tomorrow and my first proper view of the coast since I have started. I think the walking will be tough but at least the navigation will be easy!!!!

Monksilver to Winsford. 16.22 miles, 2,956ft of elevation, 34,395 steps

I had left this part of the navigation and planning to Richard (Thick) during my melt down In Cardiff. And he has planned how to get to Barnstaple by Wednesday. Being a recruit of the year at the London HAC (Honourable Artillery Corp – old bean, for those not in the know!!) I felt I was in safe hands.

I had thought I had lost weight but then Thick turns up and I realise I still have a long way to go…. Along with Richard came his dog Pipi (a long haired viszla). Great company for Schooner and he quickly forgot about the long walk in his excitement of having a friend and they played and ran all day….

We have skirted, and toyed with Exmoor today walking along the Coleridge way, through tiny villages like Roadwater (lovely cottages), Kingsbridge (with a very interesting pub sign for their local ‘The valiant solider’ – built along the lines of scrap heap challenge from recycled farm machinery and a dodgy paint. We eventually went up on to the moors to a trig point at Lype hill. As is normal. We were in a cloud and so had no view.

As Thick was leading the charge, we actually finished quite early and have had time to relax, have a bath (not together) and catch up on some emails.

It is sad to see that the typhoon in Japan has led to a number of casualties and the flood damage from such heavy rain has been widespread. What an amazing response from the rugby team and such a fantastic result to bring some happiness in amongst the difficulties.

For me, a log fire again, sleep for the dogs and not long now until I see the coast and a real sense of nearing the end. Mixed feelings. I will miss the fresh air, the walking, the people and the enormous sense of purpose. My feet however will definitely be pleased to have a rest.

North Petherton – Monksilver. 20.49 miles, 3,051ft of elevation, 44,015 steps

For those eagle eyed of you, Lucy has been a saviour and given me a quick jump across the dykes from Street to Notley Petherton, about a 8 mile detour. Very naughty but nice…..

After a night of heavy rain, we actually started in the dry. Another fruitless walk round a field for a non existent path delayed us but we were soon marching up towards the Quantocks.

However, once up there the mist came down and we had to rely on my fantastic navigation through a featureless field – not a worry as we were spot on of course.

Schooner was tempted by the doggy hotel and spa but lunch and some B&B biscuits from the night before persuaded him to stay with us.

I did take a photo of Lucy at our lunch spot but I caught her mid crisp so have decided to miss that photo out….

By the afternoon we had some lovely weather, the sun came out, Lucy was loving the extra miles and we got to our destination the ‘white horse’ in the wonderfully named Stogumber at 4:30pm after a round 18 miles. Perfect timing as the pub had just opened and the locals began to flock in.

A couple of pints of ‘proper job’, Lucy was on her way back to her car and I set off up the road to Monksilver and the ‘bit posh that is’ Notley Arms pub. It has lived up to its reputation. Roast dinner and a right posh bed. Which is where I am going right now.

Lucy, thank you so much for joining me today. So pleased you came, in particular when the weather looked so poor this morning. Turned out alright didn’t it…and just a couple of extra miles…..

Compton Martin – Street. 19 miles, 1,578ft of elevation, 38,303 steps

After finally leaving the ‘ring of bells’ after my marvellous breakfast and chat with two fisherman and Stuart the pub manager, I set off late at 10:00am. Via a trip to the delightful post office which took me back to my youth (am I really that old – but he did have one of those sponges for counting money), I hit the hills and made my way up the the start of the Mendips.

First view of the day was Blagdon Lake which my new fishing buddy’s were on – it certainly looked calmer than it would have been yesterday.

The walking was fairly easy, mostly a mixture of muddy fields and tiny country roads. I was on the Monarch Way (as we were yesterday). Not quite so well sign posted as Offa’s Dyke but certainly better than some of the paths I did with Catherine.

With my head down and in mine own thoughts it came as a surprise when I suddenly looked up to see such a wonderful view of Glastonbury and it’s Tor, the sea out to the West and the Quantock hills in the far distance.

Here I bumped in to a lovely couple Paul and Lynn from Cardiff and they kindly stopped for a chat. We talked about Grace, STARS, and also Maddy and her time in Cardiff Uni. Point of note is the museum of Wales just outside Cardiff (St Fagan’s). Thank you both also for your donation.

It appears that I decided the camera cannot do justice to the views, and so no photos were take on my phone until I got down in to Wookey Hole.

What a strange place. It clearly was once a beautiful old village but has been taken over by some ‘Disney’ want to be and there are ‘resort’ placards and bunting everywhere and the most bizarre pirate crazy golf and shop and experience show and basically just horrible. Enough!

The Tor at Glastonbury then just taunted me for the next few miles. As it seemed appropriate, I listened to Emily Eavis, (daughter of the Glastonbury legend Michale) in an inspiring episode of desert island discs. I then tried to find a way to listen to the Jay Z set on Spotify but sadly failed. I just love the fact that she took a successful formula and shook it up to its core with such a fundamental change. She recognised that people can embrace change and recognise evolution, can love all sorts of genre of music amongst other things. I am not really a fan of Jay Z but love her and respect him for shifting the dial.

However, there clearly still seem to be those living in the clouds of the first concerts from the 1970’s. Free love or just a hippy mess of old converted horse boxes and flowing skirts…… love it, I could go on for hours.

Finally after skirting Glastonbury through its industrial estate, I made it to the ’Royal Alfred’ in Street.

As is often the case I arrived thirsty and tired and the first pint always goes down very quickly. I met some lovely locals, including Paul, and after some generous pints, I sit here writing my blog and waiting until it’s time to have my kindly purchased rum before bed.

Lucy Rouse is joining tomorrow so I need to make sure the route is fixed and not too much of an unknown. Still can’t believe I let the boys off with such a short walk yesterday.

Bristol to Compton Martin. 15.4 miles, 1,837ft of elevation, 35,158 steps.

Well, yet again it started out fine. The weather was good, we picked up Sam who had got his grandfather to drop him at a random hotel that no one was staying at and we were off. Hooky doing the navigation, all was good.

It took us a while but we finally got out of the suburbs of Bristol. footpaths were swapped for some very wet fields and making our way up on to the hills gave us a great view back in to the city. As a local from Uni, here is Sam pointing it out to us.

We had some footpath disasters that slowed it all down a bit and also some very heavy squalls that got us all fully drenched. Otherwise, other than some strange Guy Fawkes in Winford it was a straight forward walk.

Clearly not all the brightest round here but we all get the message. We were soon approaching Compton Martin and we had a little panic when my B&B booking at the ‘ring of bells’ said they were not open during the week until 6pm. However after a phone call confirming all was good, we had a spring in our step – Fridays were all day opening. The pints awaited us and what a welcome. A proper pub.

A lovely open fire, decent beer, crisps and picked eggs, a wingback chair. I am still here at 7pm having not moved since 4. Bliss.

No better place for an afternoon nap

Let’s spare a thought for Stuart who is meant to be here with me but is actually in a big hole, trying to fix a leak….

My beer tonight is for him

This pub just gets better and better. Just look at this room…. as Stuart is not with me they moved me to the double room and gave me a discount. Result!

Chepstow to Bristol. 15.49 miles, 1,181ft of elevation, 36,435 steps

I started this morning all a bit stressed and worrying about the next few days ahead. But thanks to Thick taking the lead in sorting out Exmoor and the run in to Barnstaple, and the lovely company of Mandy today it’s actually been a great day.

The sun shone (for the first mile or so) as we made our way from Chepstow station (me having returned back from Cardiff) toward the Severn Estuary bridge (old one).

Of course, once we got to the bridge it started to rain and got heavy at times. The bridge walk, whilst quite intimidating, was in fact a breeze and despite the wobbles every time a lorry went past, with the cracking pace Mandy set we were over in no time.

We walked the southern bank of the estuary which at times was very rural and others very industrial

Eventually we made our way in to the suburbs and got to Rachel Mannings parent house in the suburbs of Bristol.

Tea and a washing machine awaited and we had a lovely afternoon chatting whilst the socks and pants got washed properly (rather than being used as a floor mat in the shower). All set for the last two weeks. Thank you Martin and Suzanne.

Unfortunately, Stuart has had to postpone his walk due to work commitments so we went in to the city to meet up with Nick, Hooky and Sam from the office for a sausage feast (no sniggering please – this was genuine).

Mandy – like Tommy Underwood, thank you so much for joining me on a tough and on paper un-exciting day of walking. It was great to catch up – and how many other people do you know that have walked over the Severn estuary.

Monmouth to Chepstow. 18.63 miles, 2,736ft of elevation, 30,242 steps

A lovely end to today with a detour in to Cardiff to see Maddy in her new uni digs and take her and Kate our for dinner. Maddy was glowing with confidence and excitement about the years ahead – good on you Mads.

The day started with breakfast at the surprisingly good Queens Head, with Trev and Chris, our last stop before we finish Offa’s Dyke at Chepstow this evening.

As is often the case the day started with a steep climb up out of Monmouth once we crossed the river Wye. The route very much follows the river but often takes you up on to the ridge above to add some additional climbs and amazing views. The best of these at Devils Pulpit.

It was a lovely days walk and we took it relatively easy until we reached the outskirts of Chepstow

The walk down in to Chepstow was a series of very frustrating switchbacks and was probably 2 miles longer than it needed to be. Then we spent 45 minutes waiting for a train to take us to Cardiff and Newport (for Chris). It has been great having Chris along and we have had three really enjoyable, diverse days on the trail. I would highly recommend Offa’s Dyke to a anyone. It’s clearly laid out, well trodden, lovely stop offs on route and stunning in its unspoiled surroundings.

The low was really down to a bit of fatigue and a hole in my planning. Up late yesterday and tonight trying to fix my route from Bristol to Barnstaple has made me stressed and am knackered having not had a rest day since Glasgow over a month ago. Onwards and upwards.

I am meeting Mandy tomorrow who has very kindly agreed to do the all with me to Bristol which over the Severn Road bridge.