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 Cornwall so came this year on her own. Next met a backpacker raining money for Sheffield Rape And Sexual Assualt Centre. As we spoke she opened up to being a victim. I shared why she was doing this as part of her recovery. I don't think I will stop being a Youth worker. Left with a backpacker hug and a proposal to have coffee at Ponds Forge at the swimming competition.

At the beach café bar at Porthtowan ordered a coffee, that was given to another customer who accepted it an was later given his right order. My café experience got worse at the next cove. A sign said 20p off hot drinks in own mugs. So I got out my collapsible silicon, they had not seen this before, filled it with water, and was surprised when I drank it, they thought it was for a dog, l said " spot the difference". They then short changed me for my burger.

The rucksack again started a conversation with 2 ladies going from Perranporth to Portreath. So we shared info on routes.

Spoke plesentries with a passing walker with a dog, and a thick bible on his chest strap. On departing he called me again to say the yellow slag heaps were Uranium. Made me wonder if I camped there my tent might glow.

After leaving the rucksack at the hostel, in the pub, was invited to a game of crib. Nearly had a second pint. Back at the hostel. Unlike last night, a group of us talked for 3 hours. A really good day.

Day 10 miles, total 993, SW753543 Perranporth Youth Hostel.