A Good Day

Well today was a good day. Also my longest day at over 31 miles.

I am not a whiner so I didn't want to talk about the fact that for the last two days I have had lower back pain.

Today I have managed to rectify things by adjusting my rucksack so it is a lot higher up on my back.

Last night I was drowning my sorrows with my pint, tonight it will taste a lot sweeter.

One little whine..... I have my first blister! I was expecting one at some stage, it is good that I have gone 240 miles before it has happened .

Have rung Jenny and she has told me what to do. It's a good job I did as I was going to burst it, she told me not to.

Bath

I am looking down over Bath.

It really is a Grand City, if I had decided on any 'rest days' I would definitely have took one here.

Wild Garlic

An abundance of wild garlic.

I had bought a nice cheese sandwich for lunch. Put a load of the garlic leaves on and suddenly it was transformed.

An Ice Cold Foot Spa

My Foot Doctor (Jenny) has encouraged me to give my feet 'the cold water treatment'

It was really cold to start with but once they had 'numbed out' it was nice.

Thanks Jen

A Great Road Name

An Early and Mystical start

Up before the dawn this morning. I am taking advantage of staying in a travel lodge, with nobody to disturb I can have an early start.

I am walking through the mystical town of Glastonbury at first light. There is hardly a soul around and the Tor is overhead.

Can't see any naked frolickers in the fields....mind you it is a bit chilly.

Taunton to Glastonbury

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/125364860

Burrow Mump

This view is of Burrow Mump with it's ruined church at the top of the hill.

It is also central to where the flooding occurred this winter. Most of the waters have gone and I managed to walk half of my intended route, I diverted to the main road for the rest

Autumnal view in Spring

I have a nice start to the day again along the canal.

It is a lovely day and I know I shouldn't moan but I don't want it to get too hot. Hot is ok for a short walk, but the distances I am doing it makes it harder.

This was an unexpected view. The colours are amazing.

The Somerset Levels

Today was always going to be an interesting one, even more so since the recent floodings.

My plan is to go along the canal to Creech St Michael and then footpath to Burrowbridge (if you remember this was where most of the news reporting was done).

It's then through Middlezoy and navigating along King's Sedge Moor and Butleigh Moor. Finally bypassing Street and onto Glastonbury.

We will have to see. May have to resort to Plan B....or even Plan C!

The weather is looking good again, forecasting a balmy 17 degrees.

AND, my B&B have just made me some Pancakes.. Yummy.

The First Week

The first week is over and it is hard to believe that I am in Somerset.

I have covered around 185 miles and it has been tough. I went into this as a half decent walker with blind faith in my ability, I now have more confidence in completing the task.

I will see Sue in three days time and in a further two days will have people walking with me.

Only five weeks to go!!

Tiverton to Taunton

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/124942773

A day on the canal

Well not quite all day, probably 10 miles.

The weather is lovely today and it's flat!! No big hills today!! It will still be a long day but the legs will get a bit of a break.

Sue and I do enjoy walking along the canals. It's nice and easy, always pretty and never far from a Pub.
A perfect combo.

A £200 DONATION !!!!!!

A big big thank you to all of my buddies in the 'Poets'. You are all very generous.

It is Saturday morning and I am missing my golf. See you all in May.

Bed for the night

The B&B last night was cheap and cheerful. Well actually it was rather more 'cheap' than cheerful! The bed was clean and I had a shower so I was ok.

I asked if he did an early breakfast. To him 8.30 is early. I said that a bowl of cereal would do and could I have that at 7.00.... He reluctantly agreed and said that he would come down and open up for me.

He appeared at 7.10 in his dressing gown. I thought it best not to mention that he was late! I got my cereal but there was no pot of tea.

It was a sad story, his wife had recently left him and his staff had disappeared a couple of days ago.

My simple walk in the countryside now seems like an easy day.

Sent from my iPhone

Moretonhampstead to Tiverton

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/124689127

Thoughts for today

Well today has been a long one again and very good.

The most amazing thing for me is the body's ability to recuperate. It was really tough yesterday and last night my legs were very tired and to be honest I was concerned about today.
It was again very hilly but I have achieved 30 miles and feel better than yesterday! How does that happen?

There were big changes in the weather again. I started and ended in appalling conditions yet the middle section was nice.

When I think of Devon it is the green rolling hills and they didn't disappoint.

Finally, the sight and sounds of newly born lambs.. They were everywhere.

Off for a pint....medicinal of course.

Exe Valley Way

My final stretch today along the Exe Valley Way into Tiverton

Bickleigh Castle

They must have known I was coming!

My Kit

Well it is raining cats and dogs again today so it is a good time to assess my gear.

The most important thing recently has been my Brolly! You may think it strange for a hiker in full waterproofs to be carrying a brolly but it is a lifesaver. It protects your gear and just makes you happier.

My leather boots are 'Meindl', fantastic, my feet are very happy.

Galvin Green leggings and Berghaus top....both very good.

My favourite item is my 'Icebreaker' base layer. A lot of money and real quality. It is Merino wool and advertised as 'non smell'. This is my 6th day......nobody has complained yet!!

Oh, and just for Vicky. My 'Tilleys' are nice and clean and dry every morning.

Victoria

Many thanks to Victoria Millwood my landlady last night.

Victoria is as she put it from my part of the woods...Wolverhampton. She is the girl from the 'posh' side of town, Tettenhall.

www.bedandbreakfastplus.co.uk

Gunnislake to Moretonhampstead

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/124413508

A Battle

Well today was a battle. But what a Glorious battle.

Dartmoor is awesome, and it wasn't at its worst, but it did try a little bit. Very strong winds and snow showers. The mist and the desolation, but I enjoyed the challenge and have come through the other side.

When I was planning the trip Dartmoor was a must.

It has also been a slap on the face and a reality check. I was feeling quite smug with myself last night but today had been tough and there is a long long way to go.

Moretonhampstead

My home for the night. A great view for the weary traveller.

Clapper Bridge

The weather has changed and it is brightening up.

I am at Postbridge and this is the famous medieval clapper bridge.

Snow

I was expecting to see snow at some stage but it's still a bit of a shock!

It should be an interesting day.

Can any one beat my Lunch?

Have left Tavistock and beginning the climb up to Dartmoor. A little perturbing as all the cars coming down are covered with snow!

Have just looked through my gourmet lunch. And check this out..

Smoked Salmon and Rocket Roll.
Chicken and Sweetcorn Sandwich.
Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich.
Salmon Mayonnaise with Cucumber Sandwich.
Cheddar and Rhubarb and Ginger Jam Sandwich.
3 Scones.

A Feast. So, can anybody beat that?

I might just turn round and spend another night in Gunnislake.

Many thanks Myles

Across the River Tamar and into Devon.

Check out my activity on Strava

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/124168643

Goodbye to Cornwall

I have only been on the road for 4 days but the time has flown by.

I am right on the border, and early tomorrow morning will sadly be leaving Cornwall.

I have travelled just over a hundred miles and it has been glorious. Except of course the torrential rain on Monday, mind you one day out of four is pretty good.

It has been great staying with Izy and Lynton. Meeting up with Bob was a bonus. The Sea was special and I was pleasantly surprised with the rolling hills and moors.

My B&B is again very good. The Bridge House in Gunnislake. I was greeted with a Cornish Tea .. 3 homemade scones, jam and lashings of clotted cream and a large pot of tea. It really 'hit the spot' but I have to confess that I could only manage 1!
Myles is a great chef and I had an excellent evening meal.

www.CornwallBedandBreakfast.org

Not to forget my 'luxury' packed lunch for my day on Dartmoor.

People can be so nice.

St Neots

A very pretty village....village of the year 2004.

I have never been a religious guy but I do like the architecture of our churches.

It really feels an 'English' thing.

As a walker it is good to see the steeples in the distance helping to guide you along.

I found the Ponies

On the look out

Up on to the moors today.

I have seen a herd of deer, hoping to see ponies, and who knows maybe the 'Beast of Bodmin'

Cornwall is Hilly!

I was expecting Devon to be the 'hilly' county. Cornwall has surprised me, it is seriously hilly.

Many thanks to Libby and Mike. The old schoolhouse was great and they were good hosts. I would recommend you give them a visit.

St Erme to Cardinham

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/123906056

Today was a good day. I went a little farther than planned but feeling ok, all of my bits appear to be working properly.

Cardinham is a beautiful place. It has a humongous hill leading up to it, just what you want after 28 miles.

www.cardinhambb.co.uk

Nancegollan to St Erme

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/123874026

If you notice at the end of the route you will see me bombing up the main road. Izy and Lynton picked me up and I forgot to stop Strava!

My first footpath

It's always good to get away from the roads.

This is the old A30 that most of you will have been stuck in a traffic jam on. It is now a nature reserve and very pretty.

All Gnomed Off

I couldn't come to Cornwall without taking a photo of a Gnome.

This is how I will look when I finish!

England's Green and Pleasant Land

The photo probably won't do it justice but the first stretch today between St Erme and Mitchel has been amazing.

And it's not raining!!

Family and friend

I have been staying with Izy and Lynton for the last three nights and they have put up with my funny ways and looked after me really well. I will be sad to leave but look ahead to the real life on the road and my first B and B.

My friend is Bob Gould (fire service days).... (He is the one with the Alice Cooper T Shirt). It was really good to see him and have a laugh about the old days.

I had a problem with the rain yesterday and my phone got really wet. It seems fine now but I may have lost my Strava info on the route.

Yesterday I walked from Nancegollan to St Erme which was 25 miles.

Cornish Place Names

I love all of the Cornish Place Names.

Today I have been through Nancegollan ,Lezerea, Porkellis, Penmarth, Penhalvean, Threemilestone and Shortlanesend to mention a few.

It has been tough today with the weather. Physically however I feel great. I shall dream of a sunny day for tomorrow.

And the other side of the Lane

A host of flowering solar panels.

What would Wordsworth have thought?

One Side of the Lane

Engine House

A very 'Cornish' photo to start my day. The remains of an Engine House to one of the Tin Mines.

Today is totally different to yesterday with heavy rain at the start and forecast all day. As my sister says.... It always rains in Cornwall.

This was my route today

Check out my activity on Strava
https://www.strava.com/activities/123298798

St Michaels Mount

I am looking down from Marazion at one of the most iconic views on the Cornish Coast.

I adore the sea. I love the sound, I love the smell, I love everything about it. Both of my sisters live by the sea and I am jealous.

I am now turning my back on the sea and heading inland.

Never mind, with a fair wind I will see it again in 24 days .... Gretna Green .

Wow! What a Start.

It's 8am and the place is deserted. Just one crazy person with a long way to go!

The sun is shining and it is blowing a gale.. I can just about stand up!

Lucky the wind will be on my back to blow me on my way.

The adventure begins

Weight

I am ready to go and just want to get started.

Jumped on the scales this morning and I am 12 stone 11 pounds. I could do with perhaps shedding a few pounds but I have to be careful not to lose too much weight.

As a rough calculation I will need to eat my way through 5,500 calories a day!! Mind you I am a foodie, and look forward to that with some relish.

The difficult part is finding 'quality' food 'on the road'.

I chatted to Ed about this. He lost 3 Stone on his walk!.He said that he thought he was eating plenty with 2 big meals a day plus snacking.

I guess that I will have to eat, eat and keep on eating.

Anonymous Donor

If you are wondering who my anonymous and largest donor is, it is Vicky...my sister who lives in America.

Vicky loves hiking and has just started up again after a foot problem.

The photo is on a hike called 'pipeline' in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We have hiked it together several times and it is amazing.

Many thanks Vicky for your very generous donation.

Closer in. Some place names are missing due to font size.

Up North

Compilations from Ed

Southern Half

What to take?

Lots of people have shown concern about how heavy my rucksack should be. I had it all worked out at 25 lbs and was happy with that. On reflection the daily toll would apply a big strain on my hips and knees. I have ditched loads of stuff and the weight is now a mere 15lbs.

So what am I taking? The photo shows my extensive wardrobe for the six weeks!

Ladies,...a lesson on packing for ones holidays.

This is obviously additional to my walking gear and waterproofs.

Other items are water, food, maps (which I have cut down) toiletries, a small first aid kit and my phone and battery pack.