Day 113 Monday 30th October 2023
I wish i had pegged out the poles as well as the guy ropes so the tent did not flap so much in the wind. Just before de camping it rained , lightly, again so another damp tent to carry. Left at 7.40am and climbed to the top of the sea wall. Wow. The tide was in and I was so glad i camped land side a...
Day 112 Sunday 29th October 2023
Strangely I missed my tent but glad to get up in a dry room with everything dry to pack. Great to have a shower and cereal breakfast. It was nice to be text by Alan my school friend, if i was still walking. Left at 8 and really enjoyed the momentous occation of walking into Wales. A beautiful mornin...
Day 111 Saturday 28th October 2023
During the night i heard strange science fiction lazer sounds, eventually put this to a car alarm. I had set my phone alarm to 5.30am but it did not go off. No power, but it had plenty last night. Tried to charge with the power pack not luck. What would i do without the phone?. I would have to walk...
Day 110 Friday 27th October 2023
Left the cliff top at 8 10. The path was horrible, narrow and slippery. Left at the 1st path to the road. A real uphill slope energy sapper, but good training. Eventually, after passing what looked like military camp but was a beautiful estate, all houses had a sea view, roads were brick. But I need...
Day 109 Thursday 26th October 2023
The tent was wet when I decamped so extra weight. The ground was sodden but the ground sheet held up again. Out at 9. Entering Clevedon, an ASDA for Mars bars and deodorant, in case I found a cafe. Clevedon was gentle slope up but long. Good exercise. Stopped to photo Joanne's landing spot when she...
Day 108, Wednesday 25th October
First night in my new tent. It rained all night the tent and roll mat worked really well. Still annoyed at the £25, out at 9, onlya few 100 metres and there were great location to wild camp. Had to touch the trig point on middle hope. But the path to the priory was a private road. The gate was open...
Day 107
Have been nervous for the past few days. Am I too old for this adventure. But everything is going well. The walk to the end of the road. The way I start every adventure, here we go again. Expected to wait for 5 miny, but the bus beat me to the stop. Same with the 301 at Bexleyheath Clocktower. Then...
Day 106 Tuesday 21st March 2023
The TV confirmed I had made the right decision to go home on Wednesday. Strong winds at night, no campsites until April, no days off. And my unfit body. Left Greenlands guest house at 9.30. Enjoyed the navigation through the town. At the beach the path went on to the sands. Quite firm. Lots of signs...
Day 105 Monday 20th March
Had a huge breakfast full premier Inn breakfast, hoping it would give me more energy. Left at 10.30. soon as I posted the key I regretted not putting a plaster on the sore caused by the rucksack. Found tightening my trousers to a higher waist worked ok. Route on the river path was boring so listened...
Day 104 Sunday 19th March 2023
Woke up refreshed so decided to take Phil's advice and visit the bird hide.Really glad I did.this whole area is a twitchers paradise. Back at the tent decamped. I had written a note of thanks,in addition Jo came out to say goodbye. I was sad to leave. And hopefully will meet Jo and Phil again. The g...
Day 103 Saturday 18th March 2023
Left the camp at 8. Sleep had done me a world of good. Path was quiet. Quantock Head was quite a climb. My intended site, With the car park and toilets would have been good but was an extra hours walk. Listock was a bench made from sea rubbish. I had spoken to dog walker who after found me using the...
Day 102, Friday 17th March 2023
Over night at the Duke of Wellington pub, decided to correct a mistake from last year, to visit the end of the South West Coast Path monument. Please I did as met someone who was just starting the Minehead to Swanage route, so photo shoot on our moment. Great walking from Minehead, round Butlins, fl...
Day 101 Saturday 28th May 2022
Out of the camp site at 8 am I was really looking forward to going home. The track which was the short cut to the road and town was longer that i imagined so had to confirm direction with the compass. In the backstreets which Goggle said was the way to the bus stop, I was asked if i was ok. Guess my...
Day 100 Friday 27th May 2022
I did not sleep well. It often happens after a long day. Maybe I'm too tired. I only had a very short walk today as I wanted to get to the Minehead Camping and Caravan Club site only 6 miles but had to climb a shed load of contour lines. Phoned Anne at 9 and left the camp site. The hill lived up to...
Day 99 Thursday 26th May 2022
Murky rain when I got up at 06.10, packed up and out at 07.40. Walked back to Lee Abbey and was able to phone Anne, Foot was ok. Once I got into the rhythm of walking I did not think about it. Enjoyed the Valley of the Rocks recommended by the camp site manager. Met a walker going in the opposite di...
Day 98 25/5/2022
I had decided not to walk on today, I was concerned about my foot. I had tried to dig out the splinter. I think it had irritated the skin forming a hard skin area so had a permenant feeling i was walking on a small stone. Also, it was raining hard when i woke up and I had walked a long way the day b...
Day 97 24/5/22
Due to the croissant delivery at 8.30, had a slow getting up. Enjoyed seeing the lights of Wales last night. By the time I got to the end of the drive, I took off the rain coat. I was expecting showers, but the coat stayed round my waist.Met lots of backpackers walking the other way.Often sharing ou...
Day 96 23/5/22
On this open plan campsite the flat bit of ground was quite a way from the toilet block.Unusally I did not need to go over night. When packing the tent I noticed the other campers were German. When leaving I could have taken a short cut but didn't know. The track took me to the Bull Point lighthouse...
Day 95 22/5/22
Had thought of a day off after the 17.2 miles, but felt ok. Gave another backpacker the Marshford campsite details. The walk to Croyde was a good test. Great views of Staunton Sands. A hidden gem of a beach.A sky fest was packing up. I would have stayed in Croyde if it was going on. It was fun walki...
Day 94, 21/5/22
Most of the night I was listening to a group putting the world to right. A little annoying. Left at 7.30, on the way out a backpacker going the other way round also wanted to know about wild camping.Perhaps I should write something. Again the walk had views both sides. The Weatherspoons in Barnstapl...
Day 91, Wednesday 18th May 2022
I regretted by passing the coastal path from Clovelly to Bidiford.So decided to go back. I had to get the coach to Barnstaple, stay overnight, bus it to Clovelly. All good plans. The driver from Barnstaple to Bidiford was 5 minutes late, so I missed the connection. 2 hours wait on Bidiford Quay. Got...
Day 90 27/10/20
Although i was warm i still did not sleep very well. My left knee gave off a dull ache. Really annoying. I took the tent down in high winds. Am aware this could stress and fracture the poles so with only the anchor pets in the fly sheet disengaged the poles from the eyelets and this flattened the te...
Day 89 26/10/20
The tent was now very muddy with mud smears on the inner tent, I felt so silly, Why did i not check the ground before pitching?. I respectfully took the tent down , trying to say sorry to it.On the way back to Marsland Mouth a jogger came up the other way, Mentioned he was up early, started a chat a...
Day 88 25/10/20
Up and ready to go by 8.30 when breakfast was served. My room number was on a table in the bay window. I really enjoyed the breakfast, talking to Anne on the phone before Andrew Marr and looking at the blue sky after the heavy downpour. Left the hotel at 9.10 to the remarks from the checkout that th...
Day 87 24/10/20
Almost an interim day. Up at 8, shower, I wanted to make max use of the campsite. Had to leave at 10. I found another crack so will sort it out in the hotel. The coastal path has been altered due to coastal erosion.Watching the waves I can see why. Found another trig point, sheltering was Harry from...
Day 86, 23/10/20
As I took the tent down at 7.30 am, a couple were carefully descending my next ascent. I met them at the bottom. Pleased my packing of the ruck sack went smoothly. They had camped in a field at the top and had started 1/2 hour before.They must have decamped in the dark. Going reverse directions, we...
Day 85 22/10/20.
It was really windy on top of the hill. Gusts with heavy rain. At 8 pm I was convinced the poles would snap. Tried to work out what I would do. Then it calmed. The rain occasionally came down hard. The tent did me proud. On the track at 8.20. , Felt better than expected, after the long walk and litt...
Day 84 21/10/20
Finally got back to Boscastle at 1 pm this afternoon I had walked 13 miles so desperately needed a café. But had trouble finishing the pastie and chips. The plan was to camp near Pentagon falls, this was spectacular but no flat ground. Therefore with 5 ltd of water continued torchering my tired legs...
21/9/2020 Restart delay
Due to Anne needing physio on a sore hip, a friends funeral from church I have transferred my coach ticket to 20th October.
Day 83 24/1/20
Worrid about getting home, listen to the radio from 5, out the tent at 7, packed the ruck sack at 7.20 in enough light, so the head torch could be turned off. The path was much easier. Got to Boscastle Church at 8.30. 2 workmen told me Bude was the best place to get travel home. A dog walker said to...
Day 82. 23/1/20
Slept really well with the sound of the surf and river. Walking at 8.30. Looking forward to Tintegel. Took 15 minutes to get to the top of the first hill out of the valley. Phoned Anne. The many steep hills eventually gave way to more level paths, after one decent of 200 steps. My legs were heavy. D...
Day 81,22/1/20
A good site reasonable radio and phone signal. Glad I had brought a book to read as this helped me to wind down to sleep. Worth carrying the weight. Laid in till 8, black on the walk at 9.The night had been an astronomers dream. In addition cloud cover in the morning so not too cold. Carefully too t...
Day 80, 21/1/20
Woke a few times with ideas for the tablet. Ate as much as I could for breakfast, then decided to refresh my tablet to factory settings. Still did not work. My Apollo 13 Luna module was my Nokia 1. Felt really good back, blue sky, easy roads. Just off the main road was a Better leisure centre. I had...
Interim 20/1/20
Have arrived in Wadebridge ready to restart the walk tomorrow. A bit nervous but weather looks good.The hotel was up the top of the hill on the A39. Which was on the way from the last position on the map. Tried to re use this web site. For some reason the tablet came up with not secure site. In summ...
Interim 14/9/18
I have now finished walking till next April. It has been a great experience both mentally and physically. Finishing on a high and plan for next year, I can now repay my debt to Anne, push my swimming, start local voluntary work and my other retirement plans. And support Welling United.
Day 79, 11/9/18
I intended a lie in as the walk was short and easy, and I had done well the last couple of days. The radio reminded me it was the anniversary of 9/11. Flashbacks galore of that event in history. A very warm damp, misty day. When I took the tent down it was a dry interlude. Celebration, my inner tent...
Day 78 10/9/18
The night had been interesting listening to a family with the loud dad saying " I didn't do anything." Many times at different levels of volume. It was also quite windy. Listening to the news I found the left earphone did not work. It became a problem when the interviewer was on the right earphone a...
Day 77 9/9/18
Another long breakfast caused by a lot of talking. On leaving at 8 a couple of hugs. In town I had to back track due to my compass reversing so north is shown by the south needle. I will now have to send 2 compass back for re magnetising. Another long beach walk. Passed by a dad and buggy running a...
Day 76 8/9/18
After a boring evening, the breakfast conversation made the stay. The hill to the coastal path from Portreath was good cardiovascular exercise. I was on my way. The heather was in full colour. I passed a young Belgium backpacker, on her own for a week, last year with her father stayed and loved Corn...
Day 75, 7/9/18
Amazed how well I slept, it was good to be back in the tent. The coastal path was on the dunes. They are covered by anchoring plants but the path was loose sand. Only took a short while to go for the beach. Tide was going out so sand was firm and flat. Perfect, huge beach few people. Surfers,dog wal...
Day 74, 6/9/18
The day felt different to my aborted trip on the 13th August. Bexleyheath train was more crowded Battersea power station was picturesque with the cranes and blue sky. The tannoy in the gents at Victoria was so clear I could imagine the notice " the next cubicle to be available with be... in.... minu...
Day 73, 16/8/18
I had camped in the only place I could. I was under the tree. It rained. My tent is great against the wind, but taught, therefore the water drops from the tree was hitting the drum with me inside. With yesterday's experience of the full camp site, it would only get worse over the bank holiday, I dec...
Day 72, 15/8/18
Getting a little concerned that I sleep so well on Youth Hostel mattresses. Breakfast was enhanced by catching up on emails. Left YHA Lands End on the wrong path only 100m but enough to be embarrassed. Today was an experiment. Anti fog solution on my glasses and anti persperent wiped on my forehead....
Day 71 14/8/18
It has been 7 weeks away from the coastal walk, in that time I helped take swimmers to Holland, 2 weeks with Anne's sister and brother in law, took up the hobby of garden furniture making and 2 birthday parties, so now feel healed to attempt the north coast of Cornwall. From Penzance Youth Hostel to...
Day 70 17/6/18
I slept really well. Proud of my preparation for today's push for Lands End. I left half an hour later but enjoyed the breakfast conversation with James and Emma. Normally I didn't worry about departure except today I could get my photo taken at the Lands End post. Felt good when I left. The weather...
Day 69 16/6/18
First time in ages it was raining when I got up. So had to really think how to pack up keeping things as dry as possible. Felt quite comfortable in full waterproofs. As usual, with waterproofs on it stopped raining. However, it was needed for the steep, narrow, overgrown path. Being very careful, I...
Day 68 15/6/18
I could not get a bed in Penzance Youth Hostel until Saturday. Therefore the plan was to have 2 days of short walks, then the big 13 miles of rough path to Lands End on Sunday. After the good beer and company of last night I was in no hurry this morning. My camping neighbour had got back at midnight...
Day 67 14/6/18
The annaversary of Grenville. Steve and I were at Black Sail Youth Hostel last year. Storm Hector concerned me. High wind pushes the ruck sack and off balances, it would give my knees something else to complain about. Once I decided to start on the road I was happy. As the wind increased I had to cl...
Day 66 13/6/18
Some days are lucky. Only had one other person in my dorm and he was Peter, the German I had met at Boswinger YHA. So the room was not stuffy. At breakfast spoke to 2 others who were camping at the hostel, to wind surfing. Left at 9.30, a local painter was walking to the Chynhalls Point. He said he...
Day 65 12/6/18
Did not sleep well due to the noise of the wind and trees. This was the second site I could walk to the toilet block without boots, luxury. The day was perfect, blue sky and a breeze so no sweat in the eyes. At 9 called Anne but there was trouble when she phoned back. Bad thoughts the phone was not...
Day 64 11/6/18
Still tried to send the texts, decided it was not the weak signal. Left at 7.45. had slept really well. It was catching up on me. Felt stupid when I found I had climbed a steep hill was the wrong road. Had to short cut on a foot path back to the coastal path. Bream Cove was deserted, sun drenched, a...
Day 63, 10/6/18
On 9th June, I had intended to camp at a small farm, for camping and caravanning club members only. Got to the coordinates, nothing. A young couple thought I ment Carnon Down. They were looking for the pub I had passed. We were standing out side the farm. When I entered no one was around. Found moto...
Day 62, 9/6/18
Due to my ambition not to use ferries, I had to walk through Truro a walk of 17miles. Left Treloan campsite at 7.10am. I should not be surprised anymore seeing spectacular views on my inland divisions, but I was. One road turned out to be a farmer's tractor run, deep tread and over grown with plants...
Day 61 ,8/6/18
I called Anne early. No problem. I love this camp site. Just when I was leaving, I saw Nick to apologise for declining the offer of a beer, he and his wife Lesley then invited me for a cup of tea. We spoke for an hour. I left for the walk at 10. A joy to leave my back pack at the camp. As soon as I...
Day 60, 7/6/18
Sad to leave Boswinger Youth Hostel with everyone so friendly. Today was going to be tough. Not helped by light rain in the afternoon. Glad I planned the 12 mile day. Nare Head has a bunker. In the war it directed pyrotechnics to give German bomber the confirmation they had successfully bombed Falmo...
Day 59, 6/6/18
At last a day I could talk to people. Eden Project YHA was busy with schools. It seemed as soon as I got to the coastal path people talked about the walk and where they came from. The icing on the cake, the youth hostel. Got there at 4.50, a couple talked about coming from Cheltenham, in the dorm a...
Day off 5/6/18
After 'filling my boots' at breakfast, walked to the St Austell brewery. Getting there at 10.30, a good walk with out the ruck sack, enjoying the Cornish views. I really enjoyed the tour, able to understand most of it, and keen to find out more. The £12, cost included a welcome third, after the tour...
Day 58 ,4/6/18
Eden Valley, was too flat, I did not sleep well. Penhale farm, the slope was too much, but as we get older experience takes longer to work. I had always planned to visit the Eden Project, giving it a whole day. Booked 2 nights at the YHA campsite. Total cost £20.50 camp and breakfast. Bargain. Knowi...
Day 57, 3/6/18
A thought to make money, I am able to judge when to turn around for approaching cars from behind. But electric cars are silent. So cyclists, road walkers could use glasses with mirrors, using one way screen would create a fashion. Pedestrians could see what is approaching from behind. I needed to ch...
Day 56, 2/6/18
One thing I forgot to mention yesterday. A way to reduce nipple sore,, water bottle in the shirt / cleavage. Really recommend Polruan Holiday Center quality and clean. I took advantage of the laundry room being open 40 minutes early so able to spend 20p for 10 minutes electricity, to add charged to...
Day 55 1/6/18
Awoken by a loud dawn chorus, with a bird so song I have never heard before. Flat ground makes a good sleep. Left at 8 but soon the sun was hazey and humid. At Looe found a cafe just opened, soon it was full. When Anne called I had to speak quietly, yes I can do it on occasions. A few minutes back i...
Day 54 31/5/18
It was good to be wild camping again. Felt I was back on the walk. It was hot last night. Will have to think about how to keep cool at night as opposed to how to keep warm. Left Sharrow Point at 7. Thought my luck was in with a portaloo in the roadside carpark. It was chained shut. The coastal path...
Day 53 30/5/18
After a good month at home I had to overcome the temptations to stay at home. On the Cremyll ferry, passing Mayflower marina , where we moored Quasar 4 2 years ago, I had left home at 5.45, 8am coach, 2.45 ferry and the day was only half done. Coastal path was easily walkable. Met another walker aft...
Day 52 25/4/18
Last night the tent broke, fixed it easily the floor heated toilet made an excellent work shop. Set the tent up next to the chess game. This is something I always wanted but too big and too expensive for our garden, dream on. Left at 8am, beautiful blue sky, this makes so much difference to yesterda...
Interim 27/4/18
Now back in Bexleyheath. Due to various things going on I will probably not restart the walk until June.Tony
Day 51 24/4/60
The hostel was exactly what I needed. Felt much better in the morning. A real time warp, retro, place. But very clean. Met a middle-aged couple,came from Normandy France on the ferry and were cycling to Exeter. My room mate was Mekel and we had a good chat. From first impressions the hostel grew on...
Day 50 23/4/18
Today is my 58th birthday. The campsite that turned out to be really good with free WiFi in the tent and free not showers, was made better when in the washing up room, had a long chat with a couple also doing the coast walk in bits using a motorhome and buses. We both had lots of stories. I was woke...
Day49 22/4/18
Got walking thinking about the runners in the London Marathon in the heat. Here it was foggy. Pavlov was right, I like to phone Anne at 9 in the morning to confirm all is ok, in a coffee shop. Today I was too remote. When we finished I was really hungry. It did not clear untill I got to Noss Mayo so...
Day 48, 21/4/18
Friday night at a camp site, people turn up late for the weekend and first night they do not sleep. But it was a happy sound, talking and laughing. Nearly as good as the ocean to sleep to. Keen to keep the radio charged so left it charging while I showered and decamped. Left at 7.30, I wanted to get...
Day 47 20/4/18
After sleeping on the coach, I was ready for the day. Left at 7.30am, to find no phone. Stopped before the farm gate unpacked the ruck sack. It was in the inner tent. This was the second time I had done this. The first was on 3rd January. Got to Salcombe and phoned Anne from the ferry café. Beautifu...
Day 46 19/4/18
Got back to Kingsbridge at 6.10 pm, right on time. Had doubts about continuing as had such a good week at home finishing with a perfect BBQ on Wednesday. The walk to Iton Castle Fm was quiet, warm, clear early evening. At the farm the owner refused any money. Also, she had just prepared the site. 3...
Day 45, Friday 13 April. 2018
So bored keen to get up and out by 7pm. Back tracked to the road as tide was out. A dog walker said if I went back to near where I camped, I could follow the tidal path to south pool. So that was what the red dots ment. South pool is an award winning village, 2 miles on and at Frogmore I was able to...
Day 44 12/4/18
After updating this web, left the pub to get a phone signal. No credit. No ATM machines for the next few days. However virgin media text a website to top up credit. Outside the tent I saw a shooting star, was this a good sign? In the morning, 1st idea to use the WiFi outside the pub as I had the pas...
Interim 13/4/18
Have got to Kingsbridge. Due to power problem, charger dead, phone,low, radio dead. Am bussing home for the weekend. ETA Bexleyheath 10pm. 6 hours on national express,. Yeppiee,
Day 43, 11/4/18
Out the tent at 7.10. the call of Weatherspoons breakfast was great. Hills started immediately. However I enjoy the mornings. For the first time down to my tee shirt. Good to feed the midges. Got to Dartmouth at 8.50. perfect to call Anne at 9. No Weatherspoons. Instead found a great cafe, children...
Day 42 10/4/18
Heavy rain all night, glad I was in the campsite. Took advantage of no rush to leave so mended the water bag and cooker burner. Also found if I use more pegs the tent is more solid, learn something new everyday. On exit of the tent everything got a coating of red mud. Out of the village the compass...
Day 41 9/4/18
From my camp saw a large ship in the bay thought could it be the cruise liner bringing home my brother and his wife from their cruise. Grey day, real contrast to Sunday. Started at 7.30,at 9 I was desperate to let Anne know I was OK. The coastal path was good walkable not too steep, but no signal. A...
Day 40, 8/4/18
Had a great day off with Mort walking and talking around the bay at Thurlestone. Good choice to take the day off as weather was , technically, uggh. But got brighter in the afternoon. Unfortunately did not get the chance to paddle boarding, next time?. So reluctantly left at 10am and chose to walk t...
Day 39 6/4/18
Slept well, on the path by 7.30am, due to being so close to the houses. A dog walker kindly asked if she could let the dog off the lead, I was impressed. Simple walk to Teignmouth, heaven built a Weatherspoons. 8-9 luxury, breakfast coffee, WiFi, but no mobile signal. Had to phone from the square. A...
Day 38 , 5/4/18
The adventure has restarted. A day delay to have with a Graham from Corfu. Great catch up and good beer. Decided to get the train. Day before the price of the coach ticket went up 18 to 28 pounds. Walk started at Topsham at 2.15. friend Tony Ross said Topsham was good. I saw it I inside out and from...
Day 37, 20/3/18
After looking at the map, well fed with the hotel breakfast, and, fresh from 2 days enforced not walking, I realized I could make it to Exeter and get on the train tonight. This would save camping near Exeter, getting up at 7 and getting the train in the morning. Challenge was on. Another bad idea i...
Day Off, 19/3/18
New snow had fallen over night and we were on the news. Glad I decided to stay the extra night. Noticed the smell of my walking clothes. Really did need a launderette. After the country dance workshop, went launderette hunting. Found it hiding behind parked cars. A group of young people were in resi...
Day Off, 18/3/18
I was a bit nervous about what do I do today. However, slowly waking up in a nice warm bed, listening to the radio on the problems out side. Tried to go to the local URC, heavy, heavy snow. I found the road, the church was closed. Chose to sit in the large lounge as my room was cold. This hotel is f...
Interim, 18/3/18
Due to weather. Snow to 10am Monday, the path will be horrible. I have decided to stay in Sidmouth another night so will move on on Tuesday. Tony
Day 36, 17/3/18
Forecast was the temperature to drop one degree per hour 5 C at 7am. So an incentive to get out by 7.40. the site was quiet. Quite excited to the hotel tonight. Wind was fierce, views were good but not to linger. I was following the Grisly Challenge getting more convinced it should be cancelled, a t...
Day 35,16/3/18
Slept well I must have been tired.a bit concerned that another tent pole section had to be replaced. Packed and out at 7.40am. Tracey Kyte was right. Yesterday I started the walk listen to Radio 4 morning program. Felt down and spoke to Anne on giving up. Today no radio, felt much better and enjoyin...
Day 34 ,15/3/18
It rained a lot. Started after the tent was pitched, but stopped about 3. Also the sound of the waves on the shingle was loud. Up to find the tent surrounded by mud and water. The tent was ok. Good decision to camp on long grass. Walking by 7.15 enjoying listen to Radio 4. Bright blue sky made photo...
Day 33, 14/3/18
Just finished writing day32, when in walked Peter Mears, he was walking the coast, started at Dunnet Head last April and was camping every night. Although only 35, I am in awe, He has a face book The Pale Blue Dot, raising money for National Trust, RspB, and Renewable World. We had so much in common...
Day 32, 13/3/18
Against the good advice on wearing flip flops, my new books were fine. Today was the best ramble I have ever been on. The variety of paths gave a discovery at every turn. Sun and blue sky. Perfect view of the south coast had walked and part I missed. We could hear the boom of the waves on Lulworth C...
Day 31, 12/3/18
Last night in the youth hostel I did not have a radio signal. No relaxing before sleep, or early morning weather and news updates. Horrible. Brainwave, download the BBC app. I don't understand technology, it played the iPlayer from 5.20am when it was 6.45, then I couldn't turn it off. Hopefully I ha...
Day 30, 11/3/18
Great night warm, flat and sea surf lulaby. After yesterday experience,l noted that rain was due about 10am, so planed to come off the coastal path at At Alban's Head. On the trail by 7.20. it was quite easy and dry. Winspit was an estate of caves, amazing.A backpacker in the other direction said I...
Day 29,10/3/18
Wild camping allows me to start walking at 7.30am, usually to warm up. Walking towards the ferry, very north on Studland bay, saw a ship top, move past above the trees. Felt like war of the worlds. The vehicle ferry carried us to 2 sea swims, passed it on Quasar IV, watched it on the ferry to Browns...
Day 28, 9/3/18
During my time at home I often looked forward to restarting the walk. Today I was really nervous. Arrived at Wareham Station at 1pm. Standing at the door of the carriage desperately trying to mark the map with Wareham using SW Rail WiFi and the phone rang. Just did it. At the station the rain became...
Interim 5/3/18
Glad I was not camping last week. Joanne's channel swim celebration went really well. To coincide with youth hostel open dates, I will restart the walk on Friday 9th March. After a month at home, I am really looking forward to getting back to the coast walk.
Day 27, 12/2/18
Another cold night. Being near the lake hidden from the path, I was looking forward to a lie in. The cold encouraged me to get moving. I thought it was being close to the lake. The guy ropes were stiff. When packing the tent I half, half and over hand to shorten the guys to reduce tangles, also chec...
Day 26, 11/2/18
Slept very well. Must have been tired, but it didn't feel too tired when I turned in. Radio weather, internet weather was different. Didn't feel like fighting wind and rain. Took advantage of leaving the ruck sack with Kat, walking around the Hengistbury Head then back for tea before starting out. W...
Day 25,10/2/18
It was really cold. Leg raises in the sleeping bag must have improved my stomach muscles. Pole worked. Tent was icy on the inside. At midnight the stars were like head lights. Decided to keep my base layer thermals on. Walking at 8am. The lack of sleep ment the walk would be hard. My friends Alan an...
Day 24, 9/2/18
Slept well. The tent was level so less sliding about off the sleeping mat. While trying to work out what the Bible was saying to me........ snap. Hoping it was a tension strap unclipping. No, it was a pole break. Unusual it was not very windy. Wonderfully, after the rain the tent was dry when I took...
Day 23, 8/2/18
Found a room near the Southampton Central Station for only£25 including breakfast. Weatherspoons was only 10minute walk away. So last night enjoyed updating blog notes with Hobgoblin on tap. Usually it is coming soon or just finished. I now think I sleep better the cheaper the room. Had to stuff mys...
Interim, 12/2/18
Got to Wareham. Really proud. Due to the weather forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday decided to go home. However, there are warnings for later. The fare was more expensive than expected. So will resume the walk after the Channel Swimming and Pilot Federation Dinner, Plan to be back at Wareham on Mond...
Interim 7/2/18
Had a great 4 days at home. Have added miles distance to the post. Proud to be in Southampton having done 349 miles. New Forest tomorrow. Tony.
Day 22, 2/2/18
I thought I had risk assessed every thing. In the tent, writing my diary, a helicopter got loulder and loulder. Sounded like it was hovering above me. Headlines went through my mind camper killed by landing helicopter. I was relieved when it went. Walking at 7.20am, 7.35am, found a open public toile...
Day 21, 1/2/18
Not only do I sleep well in the tent, I can get up at sunrise join the dog walkers with the rest of the world still stirring. Except the refinery at the sewage works was busy at 8am. High tide when I passed Port Solent, made this return to the coast nice. The coastal path round Porchester looked goo...
Day 20, 31/1/18
Took advantage of the hotel breakfast, £5.50, as much cereal, fruit, drinks, so filled my boots. Left at 9 as wanted to send maps and book back to Anne. In Portsmouth they hide the post office behind Debenhams. Trespass staff told me where it was. On the way, past Chris's road. Fought the incline to...
Day off 30/1/18
Must have been dehydrated. Chris took me to a bar that had a happy hour. The John Smith went down fast, Chris took the beer out of reach to slow me down. Really enjoyed putting the world to right. Ibis budget hotel rooms are compact. No kettle or radiators to dry clothes after washing. Got up at 7 a...
Day 19, 29/1/18
The wind made sleeping difficult. This will mean I will find walking hard and balance a concern. However , took the tent down at 7. On the path at 7.30. Soon met a couple. The lady well in front of her husband said she walks because she is not very well. They were most helpful in suggesting paths th...
Day 18 , 28/1/18
Out of the tent at 7am, calm weather. It got light as the tent came down so able to ensure nothing was left. The path was good to Church Norton. Just before the cemetery , a broken ridge tent was hiding in the trees. A bird watcher was in the car park, keen to get back to the hide. Again found track...
Day 17, 27/1/18
Even with wi-fi problems I managed to work out I could get the bus from Broadbridge, Chichester, to Portsmouth on Monday to see my son Chris for 2 nights, and give my knees a rest for a day. Once booked I had a challenge to aim for. To minimise any disturbance to the others sleeping in my dorm, got...
Day 16, 26/1/18
Out of the hostel at 8am, today was going to be flat walking. The prom to Hove was busy with runners, dog walkers, cyclists on a mission. I found myself following a dancer, going through a hard routine. Must be in a local show. What a good way to keep fit and agile. When I caught up she said she jus...
Day 15, 25/1/18
Last night slept better, had warmed up the room before bed. Experience is a good thing. While waiting for the bus to take me back to the pier to restart the walk, Vernon kindly gave me a lift. Other than flat earth theory, we had a lot in common. Another good bye to someone I hope to meet again. The...
24/1/18 rest day.
This is the second time writing this. Last time the WiFi went down as I posted. An hours work waisted I was tired. Only one thing to do.... Phone Anne. The night before was great talking to everyone. Sharing ideas and experience. Vernon had become a flat earther. He enthusiastically tried to explain...
Interim ,27/1/18
Found a pub where the server likes me. Stayed in Littlehampton Youth Hostel last night. Will wild camp sat and sun, Mon get a bus to Portsmouth for 2 nights will update blog then.
Interim, 24/1/18
After 22miles, and the Youth Hostel only cost£10 a night, I have taken the day off relax in Eastbourne, in preparation for a 25 miles walk to Brighton on Thursday.
Day 14, 23/1/18
I slept very well. I had erected the tent on gorse.i could feel the prickles through the ground sheet. Hopefully, it is still waterproof. To save space in the ruck sack I put my vitamin bottle inside the hot chocolate powder bottle. Big mistake. The vitamins got stuck, and when I tried to shake it l...
Day13, 22/1/18
There are some days when unconnected things go wrong. Left the house at 9.20, got to the 96 bus stop at 9.35. This bus is every 10 minutes. Two 89 came together, two 422 came together, and at Dartford another 96 was behind us Rushed and got to the platform on time to see a train to Gravesend just pu...
Day 12 19/1/18
I lost my sleeping sock, the pair were hand made by a friend in Germany. Perfect for use at night in the tent. This made me upset. The pair ment a lot to me. Albeit I slept really well. Gentle nuclear power plant working on one side and the soft surf on the shingle the other. Found the sock under th...
Day 11, 18/1/18
I felt lonely last night. No one to talk or enjoy Folkstone with. The storm came through. I was cold in the room. At 1am, dug out my sleeping bag to make a duvet. The window had been blown wide open. Then I slept well. In the morning I found the radiator. Enjoyed the bath for 20 mins. This allowed m...
Day 10, 17/1/18
Glad I went home, watched the weather from my central heated house, but was spotted shopping by Tim and Luch. Good coffee. Thanks. I got back to Dover at Noon. Had booked a hotel room in Folkstone for £22. A short walk,but, I only missed 2 days walking. Had time to walk around Dover, surprising nice...
Interim, 17/1/18
Have resumed the walk. Have made it to Folkstone.
Day 9, 14/1/18
Got walking at 7.20am to get out of the way of early dog walkers. At the golf course walked with a local to the coast. She had lived there for 30 years when she married. Husband is a golfer, locals can use the course before 8. This explained the 2 teeing off at dawn. The course amazed me, tees on mo...
Day 8, 13/1/18
Many thanks to Richard and Lynn for making me feel so welcome, great company and conversation. Found I had misplaced my phone cable. It will run out of charge. At the electrical shop, it is obsolete. On the way to Margate the ruck sack had the effect of encouraging people to ask where I was heading...
Interim , 14/1/18
Due to predicted wintery weather have decided to go home until it passes. Proud that I got to Dover will restart the walk from outside Dover Priory Station. Tony
Day 7, 12/1/18
With tent poles replaced, thanks to Steve's help, ruck sack more comfortable, feet healed, knees lubricated, new sleep mat, better boots, I started walking through Herne Bay at 10. Very grateful to Val and Ian for accommodation and 2 good nights. 3 of us walked to the country park. Weather was very...
Day 6, 7/1/18
How can I be so worried about a poorly tent?, But I was. Pleased how the repair stood up. Another learning curve. Close the air vent to stay warm (3am). With in 20 minutes of starting out, path and compass bearing was different. Always told others to go back to where they could confirm location. Gla...
Day 5, 6/1/18
Camping in long dead bracken near a road was a good excuse for a late start. So torch light did not distract drivers, and less chance to leave items behind. Great bird flock flight display and 4 flying swans. Sheppy bridge is another feature that looks close but takes ages to get there. Getting too...
Interim 3
By request I have added grid reference (GR) at the end of the blog where I stopped for the night. This can be used on ordnance survey maps. This can be seen by , Google search, multimap, bing direction maps, click on road, the bottom drop down click on ordnance survey. Anne has worked out at the bot...
Day 4 5/1/18
Hotel was ok. Dried out all equipment. When out of the rucksack it fills a small room. The night was spent catching up. Camp food in the room..yummmm. Did not sleep as well as in the tent. Saying this to the Brooks Textiles CEO probably the reason for getting the sack in 1986. Enjoyed walking in the...
Interim 2 7/1/18
As predicted , Kent being training for the rest of the walk, I will go home from Herne Bay on Monday 8th and resume from Herne Bay on Friday 12th. This is to help my feet and knees adapt and repair tent pole, roll mat,change shoes and buy supplies. Tony I
Interim 7/1/18
At last found a place with wi-fi. Yesterday back up to 18 miles. Not sure why the comments box has gone but please email me on Tonyball230460@gmail.com hopefully I will be able to do a full update tonight. Tony
Day 3 ,4/1/18
Woke up to rain on the tent.Had slept well. Cloud made it still dark at 7am so another 15minutes listen to the radio. No wind so able to take the tent down with inner under outer so keeping it dry. Grain storage tanks are huge. Land bridge to Grain was locked. Decided to backtrack to Allhallows and...
Day 2, 3/1/18
Ellenor ls the barmaid from heaven, just hope she is not as violent with wrong customers as her namesake.it kept waking me up but the tent was fine. In the middle of the night I thought the tent was under a flood light. It was the full moon. I was glad I camped where I did as next bit of path was sh...
Day 1, 2/1/18
Thank you to Mike,Chris, Gerrie,Steve and Emma for the big start. T Bone, was great. At 9 I could not believe I was on my lifetime ambition. Why do we need reasons to walk these amazing paths. Very grateful for all the best wishes and advice on the phone text. I plan to respond whenever I can but I...
Welcome to my travel blog
The adventure is only a few days away. Tuesday January 2nd, 8am breakfast at the T Bone cafe, then 9am at the pier Morrison car park Erith, for the start of the journey. I intend to update my position once a day when in a wi-fi area and to post photos, for you to share my adventure. Welcome.