Summary of distances walked - Saturday October 23rd

I divided the walk into three sections. There are discrepancies in the distances between various points which depend on how they are calculated and by whom. County council signs with distances do not always tally with National Trust signs with distances.

Section one was Dover to Christchurch. I walked this between August 30th and September 16th.
In this section I walked 274.5 miles.

Section two was Christchurch to St Just [Lands End Youth Hostel]. This I walked between September 17th and October 7th. In this section I walked 400.5 miles.

Section three was from St Just to Mnehead. This I walked between October 8th and October 22nd. In this section I walked 257 miles.

This makes a total of 932 miles walked - and it feels like it!

There were a small number of sections which I did not walk as follows and explanations are included.

1. On Thursday September 2nd I had mistakenly calculated that Eastbourne to Worthing was 25 miles but I must have had a senior moment as it turned out to be over 40 miles and included Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, both of which are strenuous walks. I walked from Eastbourne to Newhaven and then caught the bus to Brighton [12 miles] and then from Portsea-by-Sea to Worthing [8 miles]. In this section I still walked the distance planned it was just that I had miscalculated the distance by 20-25 miles!

2. In Devon on Tuesday September 28th there was no ferry from Bantham to Bigbury-on-Sea and the River Erme was unsafe to ford due to the weather conditions. So I took a taxi to Mothecombe [14 miles by road] and continued from Mothecombe to Noss Mayo. Again there was no ferry from Noss Mayo so I got a taxi to Wembury and did not walk the mile or so from Warren Point to Wembury. This was a total of 5 miles of coast path not walked.

3. On Friday October 1st I had a long journey and by the time I got to Gorran Haven it was clear I would not have enough daylight to safely go round Dodman Point in the fading daylight so I took the gated lane over the headland - this was about one mile less in distance.

4. At Newquay on Monday October 11th I was staying at Cubert a village to the south of Newquay. There was no ferry over The Gannell so I was collected from Crantock and on the next day I was taken to the Coast Path on the north side of Newquay at Porth. This meant that I did not walk the Newquay peninsular. This is a distance of about 5 miles.

5. On Wednesday October 13th when I got to Tintagel there was not enough time to walk in daylight to Boscastle. Had the ferry from Padstow started at 7.00am rather than 8.00am I would have done it. This was a distance of 3 miles.

6. Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th of October. To get to the accomodation I had to walk to the north side of Braunton, a distance of about 2 miles from the Coast Path and then the next monring I walked four miles to re-join the coast path in a different direction. This meant that I missed six miles of the Coast Path around Braunton Marshes and Saunton Sand Dunes much of which is a restricted military area - the area missed was the same as the additional distance I had to walk so balanced itself out.

There is therefore about 14 miles that I did not walk, 1 & 6 being discounted. However, As I stated that I was going to walk 900 miles and have walked about 930 I don't feel bad about this at all!

Day 54 - Friday October 22nd

This morning after kippers and scrambled eggs for breakfast for a change, I was well set up for this mornings short walk. I set off from Porlock at 8.45am for the village of Bossington down a country lane and arrived there at 9.15 and then set off onwards for the climb up Bossington Hill which rises to nearly 1000 feet. This was quite a steep steady climb but I arrived at the top at 9.50am, and my bad leg responded best to this uphill climb which seems very strange to me. From the top, the path meanders slowly downhill passing Selworthy Beacon on the way. The walk today was mostly moorland. The path down into Minehead was mostly gentle but was downhill for over two miles - I was glad to be going the direction I was. I emerged from the wodland onto a flat path and walk and then past the little harbour of Minehead and then therte it was - the monument marking the start/ end of the journey! Almost opposite was a cafe where I went to sit down and sip tea until Jenny, Ralph and Terri arrived and we had some lunch together. Then some photographs and we set off for home at 2.30pm arriving back home at 5.30pm. So success at last. No walking tomorrow and I just need time for my knee to repair.

Distance walked today - 8 miles

Day 53 - Thursday October21st

I had an early breakfast at lee Abbey and set off at 8.05am. I took the Coast Path alonf the Valey of the Rocks, passing the ferral goats in the valley on the way and arrived in Lynmouth at 8.50am. After crossing the bridge on the white bridge I walked along the promenade until i came to the Coast Path again. Initially the path zig-zags uphill but is quite easy, and then runs parallel to the road until the top is reached some way abouve the road and the village at Countisbury. By this time I had climbed to about 1,000 feet above sea level. as the path moved out towards Foreland Point the signing was not clear and I took a wrong turn. When I turned around I found another walker behind me with the same problem. This was Michael and he was walkinmg to Porlock like me so we spent the next six hours walking and talking together which was really nice. He was just two years younger than me. At 10.55am we passed a Gully with its name clearly labelled - Pudleep Gurt! When we got to the point where there are two routes, the lower one had been closed due to repeated landslips in the past six months, so we had to take the higher route. Surprisingly, after the climb to Coutisbury the walk was really easy mainly undulating and following the contours and only very shot steep places. for miles we had signs for Culbone and then we paseed it and found signs in the opposite direction - Culbone was so small we missed it!

At 2.45pm we arrived in Porlock Weir and stopped for refreshment. It was really good having someone to pace me as my lright knee was not very good despite medication and strapping. At 3.10pm we resumed walkiong until we arrived at the Tourist Information Centre at 4.00pm where I stopped to find accomodation for the night. Michael went on to catch a bus. Before we parted he gave me some money for the sponsorship which was nice. I stayed in a 16th century cottage with really low beams. The accomodation was really nice. Originally I had planned to go to Minehead today but when I checked with the Youth hostel they did not have a boking for me. I needed the break as my leg was not up to the whole journey in one day. I was really surprised by the ease of today journey, nothing like I had been led to believe.

Distance walked today - 15 miles

Day 52 - Wednesday October 20th

The Ocean Backpackers hostel in Ilfracombe was one of the best I stayed at and included free internet access which was very useful. I left the hostel at 7.10am and walked around the Harbour and was able to pick up the Coast Path. As often happens the signposting is poorest going out of the towns and villages. However, people are most helpful if asked. At 8.10 I reached Hele Bay and Watermouth Bay at 9.00am. I arrived in Coombe Martin at 9.45am which I was pleased about as the path took a circuitous route in places and alongside the road at other times. I stopped in Coombe Martin to do some shopping and then to a cafe to have something to eat and drink. At 10.30am I resumed my journey and started off for Little Hangman and then onwards to Great Hangman. The climb was steep initially then more steady between the two until I reached the top at 1043 feet which is the highest point on the entire Coast path.

Along the way to Heddons Mouth I met a familiar face - Oliver whom I met and walked with yesterday was walking the opposite way to me and had done so deliberately so as to meet me on the way! At Heddons Mouth the path goes right down to sea level and then on the other side of the river, having crossed on a stone arched bridge the path went uphill again. It was steady but not difficult. At Heddons Mouth I stopped for lunch at 2.10pm and resumed the journey at 2.20pm and pressed on. When I got to Woody Bay I missed the sign for the path distracted by an alterrnative signpost indicating America, Russia, Iceland and New Zealand! Having walked nearly to the beach I had to walk up again until I got back on the path. I arrived at Lee Abbey about 4.45pm having not had to rush at all. Here I stayed for an evening meal and bed and breakfast.

Distance walked today - 18 miles

Day 51 - Tuesday October 19th.

Last night I stayed in a b & b in an old cottage. Thelma the lady was a real old fashioned sort, to make a drink I had to use her kitchen which she didn't mind at all. The house had a real lived in appearance with things everywhere. The dining room had lots of newly made pickle which she had made. The floor levels were all uneven and odd steps which I was worried I might miss going to the bathroom at night. She was really helpful and I had an earlyish breakfast at 7.30 and left the house at 8.10. I had a long walk along the road to Saunton as Thelma's house was More than 2 miles from the Coast Path where I left it yesterday. I took a different route to re-connect with the Coast Path today but it was nearly 3.5miles to get there. I re-joined the Coast Path at Saunton Bay Hotel at 9.10am, and I walked around the [un-named headland into Croyde Bay] and walked across the sandy beach. At the otherside I was joined by another walker called Oliver and we walked and chatted together until we parted at Putsborough Sands some time later. we were at Baggy Point at 10.30am and arrived at Putsborough Sands at 11.20am and stopped for a drink - I had a Bovril drink for a change as this was on offer. Oliver left me at this point and continued as he did not want to stop.

I resumed walkingat 11.30am and walked accross the extensive Woolacombe Sand which is about 2.5 miles long. Its about 25 years since I walked this bay and I enjoyed it very much. It is one of my favourite beaches and brings back many happy memories from my youth! I made good time and arrived in Woolacome itself at 12.15 and continued to Morte Point, then on around to Bull Point and its lighthouse - I set myself the target of getting there before eating lunch. I arrived there at 1.40pm and took my lunch break. I resumed walking at 1.55pm and the sign where I stopped for lunch said Lee 1.5miles and Morte Point 1.75miles. When I got to Lee there was a further sign indicating Ilfracombe to be only 3 miles. I was encouraged as my legs were feeling tired already! I arrived in Ilfracombe at 4.15pm and found a mosaic in a lawn and a plaque stating that this was to commeorate the achievements of Johnathan Edwards and was opened by his parents in 2002. [The interest here is that I am Jonathan's godfather and have known his parents for about 45 years.] At 4.30pm I checked into Ocean Backpackers hostel and have been able to chill out a bit!

Distance walked today, including the distance to get back on the Coast Path is 21 miles.
Tomorrow is slightly less. I have slightly less than 40 miles to get to Minehead. My right leg is playing me up so I may have to split Thursdays walk and stop overnight in Porlock and then complete the final 9 miles to Minehead on Friday morning as I had originally planned.

Day 50 Monday October 18th

Today I left the hostel at Westwood Ho! at 7.05 a.m. and I set off along the road and up the hill to Northam, where I cut through to the point where I left the coast path yesterday. I then started to walk in the direction of Bideford until I got to a sign indicating a high tide route and a low tide route. The tide being out I took the low tide route, but unfortunately I got to a point where I was stuck in the mud. Unable to retrace my steps, with great difficulty I managed to find a way round and eventually arrived at Bideford. At 8.20 I crossed the bridge from Bideford to East-the-Water. I then found the Tarka Trail which also doubles as the coast path for the rest of today's journey.

The Tarka Trail follows the trackbed of the old railway and is tarmaced along its entire course, which made for a relatively easy journey today. I was in Instow at 9.30 and Barnstable at 12.20, where I did some shopping and had my lunch. I left Barnstable at 12.50 and arrived in Braunton at 2.40. On the way there was some really good bird watching and I also had to pass the RAF Chivenor. By 3.20 I had booked in at the B & B. Distance walked today 20 miles.

Day 49 - Sunday October 17th.

Today was a rest day. I had a leisurely start. Tried to catch up on bloggs until the internet connection played up and I lost everything! I went to the local church of England which is next door. They were very friendly and I was welcomed by the minister. They have no vicar at present.

After the service at about 12.15 I set off down to the beach and walked along the beach avoiding the pebble ridge which is recommended - the pebbles are huge 12-18 inches apiece. Where the beach moves around into the estuary I moved onto the path and the grassed area walking around The Skern and into Appledore with its very quaint Irsha Street with each cottage having a name. I continued around the shipyards inland and then continued to the outskirts of Bideford cutting inland and back to Westward Ho! So tomorrow I shall retrace my steps and join the path where I left off and this will have reducded tomorrows walk to about 20 miles.

I'm now back at theYouth Hostel having a leisurely evening.

Distance ambled today 6 miles. This means I have only four more days and about 80 miles to do, having walked approximately 760 miles. So far I've only had one really wet day and three days with showers or limited rain. Forecast for Monday to Wednesday is dry but getting colder. Looks good to me - I can cope better with dry cold days than wet ones.

Day 48 - Saturday October 16th.

After breakfast in my room I set off really early leaving the hotel at 7.05. The first three miles to Hartland Quay were very much up and down but I arrived at Hartland Point at 8.25 which waqs excellent time. Then as the path turned to the east it followed many field edges with only glimpses of the cliffs below. This was easier walking than for some time. There were a couple of dips down and up for small valleys. I waqs at Windbury Hill Fort at 10.35 and the long down and up tyo Mill Mouth. By 12.05 I had passed Clovelly - the path runs above the village and I had missed until I saw some benches and a view of the little harbour far below!

Before Clovelly the path entered mature beech woodland and this continued for miles past Bucks Cross and Bucks Mills until Peppercombe. I arrive4d here at 3.25. Prior to this I met two women who asked me how long it took to get to Clovelly, so I said 2 hours - and they told me that they had been 2.5 hours from Westard Ho!. Later we met up again in the Youth bHstel and they commented that my timing had been exactly right.

From Pepppercombe the path was again very much up and down although the cliffs were lower. I passed Green Cliff at 4.55 and arrived in Westward Ho! at 5.45. I went to a cafe and asked Hill"! and turn right and it was to be found on the right hand side of the road. It was so steep I can understand the local name!

Distance walked 22 miles

Dat 47 - Friday October 15th

After being given hospitality by John & Mary Smyth, Mary did all my washing which will mean I have enough for the rest of the walk. John took me back into Bude from Stratton and dropped me off at thye access point to the path out of Bude. This was a shortish walk as it was supposed to be the most difficult section. I started at 7.50 at Crookletts Beach, 8.40 at Sandy Bay, 9.10 at Duckpool and at 9.45 I was passing ther radio/ radar monitoring station above Lower Sharpness point. 10.20 at Hippa Rock, 11.00 Vicarage Cliff, and at 11.30 at Henna Cliff where I caught my first view of Lundy Island. At 12.30 I was at Marsland Cliff and at 12.55 I crossed a bridge over Marsland Water from Cornwall [Kernow] to Devon - I felt exhilarated! I stopped for lunch in Ronald Duncan's hut for lunch and resumed walking and by 1.40 was at Welcombe Mouth and Sandhole at 2.45, which is the turning for the Youth Hostel at Elmscott. Back at Marslland Water I met two men running from Hartland Quay to bude. They encouraged me to continue to Hartland Quay as I would have some hours before I could check in at Elmscott. So I rang the hotel and booked a room. At 3.45 I was at Speakes Mill Mouth with its fabulous water falll dropping 100 feet down a sheer slate rock face and then running 25 yards before falling still further to reach the beach. I arrived at Hartland Quay Hotel at 4.10.

At the hotel I asked about breakfast. They served it from 8.15 but offeered me a tray in my room which they brought up in the eveing. I was able to have an excellent breakfast as well make some sandwiches for the day.

Distance walked was 15 miles. This section was not as difficult as had been made out, or I must be fitter than I realised!

Day 47 - Friday October 15th

Having been given very good hospitality in Bude from John & Mary Smyth a retired Elim minister - Mary did all my washing which means in that respect I'm set up until the end of the walk. John took me back from Stratton to Bude and dropped me off at the Coast Path at 7.50. An early start was desirable as the guide bok stated that this was the most demanding section of the entire South West Coast Path. So I set off taking the view of taking it steady and not rushiing up inclines. I was at Sandy Bay at 8.40, Duckpool by 9.10 and was passing the radar/ satelite station above Lowwer Sharpnose Point. After this some of the ups and downs began to come with short stretches of reasonably level walking at the top of the plateau. 10.20 at Hippa Rock, 11.00 Vicarage Cliff [the local church was visible inland but no viacarage!], 11.30 Henna Cliff and for the first time I had a really good view of Lundy Island to the north, 1`2.30 Marsland Cl;iff and at 12.55 I crossed the bridge over the strewam called Marsland Water which has signs indicating that I had passed from Cornwall [Kernow] into Devon. Jubilation as this marked another milestone and home seemed so much nearer and I had survived the North Coast of cornwall which was not as bad as many had said. Maybe I'm just that much fitter. At 1.10 I stopped for lunch at Ronald Dun cans hut, which was open to the public so I said comfortably inside for half an hour.



After lunch I resumed walking and at 1.40 arrived at Welcome Mouth where I met two men running from Hartland Quay to Bude. We stopped and chatted and they said that I would be at Elmscott soon after 2.00 and that to stop there until the Youth Hostel was open to book me in at 5.00 was a bit daft and uggested I went on to Hartland Quay which wou;ld also shorten the next days journey which was quite long. At 2.45 I was at Sandhole where it is necessary to turn inland for the Youth Hosterl. so I rand the hotel [the guys I met gave me the telephone number] and I booked a room. At 3.45 I arrived at Speakes Mill Mouth where ther is an amazing waterfall. The stream runs down the valley and then at the beach cascades down an almost sheer slate rock face into a rock gully and runs for 40 yards and then there is another smaller waterfall before the stream enters the sea. At 4.10 I arrived at Hartland Quay Hotel which was about three strenuous miles on from Elmscott.

Distance walked 15 miles

Day 46 - Thursday October 14th.

At about 6.30 I had my breakfast - pasta bolognese. Never had a breakfast like this before but it was good in the circumstances! I left the hostel at 7.20am and the Coast Path is right between the Youth Hostel and the Witchcraft Museum so it took no time at all to resume the walk. By 8.28am I had reached the top of Fire Beacon Point - some climb. By 9.30am I reached the top of the aptly named High Cliff which at 723 feet is one of the highest cliffs in the south of England. By 10.30 I reached Crackington Haven and took a break to write some cards and have a pot of tea. This first part of todays walk was more demanding than I had been led to believe. At 11.30am I set off again from Crackington and pressed on over some demanding ups and downs until I got to Dizzard Point. On my way down I stopped and chatted to a couple about my walk saying that I had started from Dover on August 30th. I then continued down and then up the other side which was a bit like the ups on the Branscome to Sidmouth section in Dorset. At the top it was 1.00pm and there was a bench so I sat down to eat lunch. I had already noticed that the couple had stopped to talk to others also coming in my direction. They arrived at the top of Dizzard Point as I was getting ready to move on and they asked if it was true that I had started in Dover on August 30th. So they asked about being able to follow it on the web so if you have logged on to "Dudley's Dawdle" - welcome!

At Dizzard Point there was sign indicating 132 miles to Minehead - the end is in sight. So by now this is down to about 125 miles.

Once past Dizzard Point the walk got a bit easier with stretches of hill top plateau but with more ups and downs from time to time. At Millook I had walk down the road into the hamlet and then another long uphill slope to the plateau level. Then there was quite a long stretch on the road as the cliff path was no longer usable due to landslip and then down into Widemouth [pronounced Widmouth so I am told]. Once across Widemouth Sand the remaining stretch was parallel to the road at the top of relatively low cliffs and was an easy walk eventually leading me into Bude by the west side of the canal, from where I was collected by John my host for tonight. I arrived in Bude at 4.40pm.

Distance travelled today 17 miles - but quite physical miles although not unduly demanding. The terrain makes progress slower.

Day 45 - Wednesday October 13th

The b & b in Padstow was good. Julian my landlord was very flexible and more than happy to do an early breakfast so I had it at 7.00am. This gave me plenty of time to be ready and walk to the ferry for the first one to Rock at 8.00am. I was not charged for the ferry as I was walking for charity and this is their policy.

I had an easy initial walk to Polzeath, a village I knew of but have never visited before. By 10.17am I reached Lundy Bay which was clearly marked but have been unable to find on the map! At 10.35am I passed Trevan Point which is marked on maps! At 10.55am I arrived at Port Quinn and a sign indicating Port Isaac in three miles. It was quite a long 3 miles with all the twists and turns and ups and downs and I eventually arrived in Port Isaac at 12.40 where I was able to stop and at last have a cream tea previous places having been closed or not offering same said cream tea in the past two days.

This morning I saw three pods of dolphin at the same time along the coast.

At 1.05pm I resumed walking and discovered some discrepancies in the signposted distances like 6 miles to Tintagel but it was obviously much further. I quickly reached Port Gaverne just around the corner from Port Isaac and continued relentlessly on to Tintagel along a hilly coastline with no obvious identifiable features or bays. The only thing was, that from a very long way off I could see Tintagel parish church which is set high on the cliff top and some distance from the main village. I eventually arrived in Tintagel at 5.45pm too late to start the last part of todays planned walk the further four miles to Boscastle as there was no time to do it before it got dark. Had the first ferry from Padstow been at 7.00am it would have been possible.

So I decided what to do. I called in at a hotel and the barman rang for a taxi for me and Dave arrived about 15 minutes later. We had a good chat and I explained what I was doing so although the charge was £8.00 he took £5.00 and told me to put the remaining £3.00 into the sponsorship fund. When I arrived in Tintagel I was too late to do any shopping. So as the Youth Hostel was self catering I had some issues to resolve like breakfast in the morning. Linda who was on duty was exceptionally helpful and told me there was a spare can of soup and that there was some bread in the freezer. I then went out and bought a meal at a local pub. While there I asked for a pasty to take away so this resolved my day time needs. When I got back to the Hostel there was a small school group with two members of staff. These were the only other occupants of the hostel. They must have heard my conversation with Linda as they offered me some of their left over pasta bolognese. I did not need this as I had just eaten but they did give me a bowlful for my breakfast and put it in the fridge. So I no longer needed the soup. Quite an eventful day.

Distance walked today - 22 miles

There is no absolute agreement on distances as distances using GPS technology are "flat" miles and do not take into account the ups and downs. All distances are therefore approximate. Also there are alternative route options indicated on the routing and different people differ as to how far it is to walk between A & B - National Trust distance signs vary from the signed distances put up by the County Councils in some places!

Day 44 Tuesday October 12th

Peter and I left the house in Cubert at 6.50 a.m. and he left me at the coast path in Porth (Newquay) at 7.07. By 9.07 I was clear of Mawgan Porth (Trenance). At 9.45 I was at Bedruthan Steps, where there was some spectacular scenery. At 11.15 I had passed Porthcothan, which was a dead hole, and I also saw the Minnows Islands off shore. At 12.10, having seen the cafe sign from afar, I arrived at Treyarnon, only to discover that the cafe was part of the YHA hostel and was closed. I passed Treyarnon Bay and walked across the sands of Constantine Bay and Booby's Bay. All three bays were very attractive and at 1 o'clock I arrived at Trevose Head, where I had lunch. Part of my lunch was a bottle of Rev. Berrimans Cola with Chilli, which was interesting. At 1.30 I continued my walk passing Harlyn Bay at 2.55, which necessitated walking across the beach as there is no access above the beach, and this can only be done when the tide is out, which thankfully it was. I passed Trevone at 3.10 and then Butter Hole at 4.05. After Butter Hole was Pepper Hole which is an enormous chasm down to sea level and completely unprotected. It was a bit scary! When I passed Stepper Point peninsular and arrived at Harbour Cove, there was a clear path across the sand dunes at the back of the cove. Then I arrived in Padstow at 5.15 in time to do some essential shopping. Then I arrived at the B & B at about 5.40. Distance walked today 25 miles.

Day 43 - Monday October 11th

Today Peter & I left the house in Cubert [the village where he and his wife live] at 6.45am and drove to Portreath and eventually we found the coast path out of the village. It was nice seeing Portreath again and the cottage where I had a family holiday when I was17 years old - haven't been back until Saturday! At 7.20am I started walking up the road as the first part of the path has been closed due to landslips on the cliff making the path unsafe. Not a long way up the road I was able to re-join the path which then went seaward of the old Nancekuke Common Airfield which is now a radio/ radar establishment and the land farmed to produce cauliflowers. The base extended a long way, probably over half of the way to Porthtowan which I arrived at about 8.40am and then continued to Chapel Porth at 9.20am, then on to St Agnes Head at 10.00am and St Agnes village at 10.45am. I passed Trevellas Combe at 11.08am and this was a pretty little place - not much there just a valley with small beach and cliffs. At 12.30 I arrived at Perranporth and stopped at The Watering Hole on the beach for coffee and some chips. I resumed walking at 12.55pm and decided to walk along the beach - one of the best beaches in Cornwall. It is over 2 miles long with firm golden sand and the beach when the tide is out is over 300 yards from the sea to the top of the beach and in places much more. At 2.45pm I arrived at Holywell Bay one of the most attractive bays and beaches I have seen in Cornwall - backed by rows of sand dunes which run at right angles to the beach and some rise to over 100 feet and it is quite difficult to follow the official path. On the north side of the bay I stopped for lunch and resumed walking at 3.05pm and arrived at Joke Cove [yes, that really is its name!]. But you have to decide of course if the laugh is on the other side! I continued walking around two more headlands and then walked across Crantock Beach and having spoken to Peter on the mobile he came to pick me up as there was no point trying to cross The Gannel, the ferry being only available in the summer and the tidal bridge only usable at low tide. So the plan is for Peter to drop me off on the other side of Newquay and The Gannel tomorrow morning at Porth Beach in Newquay, skipping the rather tedious and repetetive urban walk in Newquay.

This morning when I started I had a problem with tendonitis behind my right ankle. This went during the day. However, my right knee which had not been good over the weekend was fine this morning but far from fine when I ended the walk. Tomorrow I am planning another early start to get me well on my way to Padstow for tomorrow evening. Tomorrow like today looks like being fairly gently walks along clifftops and not too strenuous - unlike the end of Wednesdays walk and the start of Thursdays which are the last two reallydifficult bits according to reports but not as difficult as last Fridays walk between Pendeen Watch and Zennor.

There are now only 10 days to go - the end is in sight. I weighed myself on Saturday and I now weigh 12 stone 8 ozs, having lost another half stone since I started stage two of my Dawdle on September 17th.

Today I walked 21 miles

Day 42 - Sunday October 10th

Today is a rest day so no walking. Time to relax, go to church and to look after my feet! I forgot to mention yesterday that I saw a large grey seal colony at Fishing Cove just east of Navax Point after I had passed the Towans yesterday. I slept in late for me not waking until nearly 8.30am. My hosts, Peter and Teresa, took me to Newquay Christian Centre [Elim] which was at 10.00am. There were over 200 in the congregation for their Harvest service. I was encouraged by the serviced and was introduced to the congregation by Pastor Mike. This was followed by lunch at church. After this we returned to Cubert, the village south of Newquay where Peter and Teresa live. I helped Teresa clear the tables at the shop from last night's celebration of the sixth years she has been running the cafe in the village. Later back at the house I had a sleep and then set to and sorted out my feet and putting on ointments and potions to get ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow the first part of my walk is from Portreath to Perranporth, but the second half mainly describes a circle around the village of Cubert. I also checked the ferry at Padstow as I shall need this on Wednesday morning and this starts at 8.00am which is a good time and I actually got an answer when I telephoned which was good. This is the very last ferry crossing which will be a relief.

I plan to start early tomorrow and Peter and I are going to leave the house at 6.30am so I can start walking as soon as it gets light. It really doesn't matter if I end early but the evenings are drawing in and on long days an early start is advisable but it depends on the overnight accomodation as to what is possible.

I now have less than two weeks left of walking and by next weekend the conclusion will be in sight.

This weekend I have received nearly £140-00 in sponsorship here in Newquay which is encouraging.

Day 41 - Saturday October 9th.

Today did not start well. I was in the Backpackers Hostel in St Ives and when I went down to the kitchen at 6.15am it was locked with a notice saying that it would be opened at 8.00am. and my food was in the fridge for breakfast and lunch! Additionally I was unable to have a drink or fill my flask and bottle with water. If I waited until 8.00am I would be late so I decided in a not so happy frame of mind to abandon my food and sort things out on the way which was possible as I was passing through various places to start with. So at 7.00am or thereabouts I set off - the co-op around the corner did not open until 8.00am - no good so I set off and found myself on the main road out of town and stopped at a garage which did not have shop but they were very helpful and pointed me to the Tesco up the road which opened at 8.00am but this was not early enough so they told me there was a shop further on at Carbis Bay further down the road which opened at 7.00am When I got there I was able to buy sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. This was the first time I've had chicken Tikka sandwiches for breakfast!. I continued down this road to Lelant and then turned on to the B3301 to Hayle and was nearly out of the town when I saw a cafe with an illuminated sign saying "open". I went in upstairs [it was an odd arrangement really] and I asked the woman if she would do me a favour and as well as provide me with a coffee also fill my flask with coffee and top up my water bottle. She was more than willing and I was surprised to be charged only £2-00.

After this I arrived at the Towans and after a short walk at the back of the sand dunes, joined the coast path along the dunes and then decided to walk on the beach. The tide was going out and the sand looked firm and solid but in reality the first 2 miles it was quite soft but then got firmer until I passed Gwithian Towans when I returned to the dunes until I arrived at Godrevy Towans and took a break for a coffee and cake. I passed Harveys Towans, Mexico Towans, Riviera Towans, Phillack Towans, Upton Towans, Gwithian Towans and Godrevy Towans. At Godrevy Towans there was a coast path sign saying Portreath 6.5 miles which encouraged me as I thought I had more mileage to do than this. The route went slowly uphill and the path was good and progress would have been much quicker had it not been for a very strong headwind blowing from the south east offshore. At 2.00pm I stopped briefly at Bassetts Cove for some lunch and arrived at Portreath at 3.00pm. By this time I had already telephoned my host so that he would have enough time to come and pick me up. I had also decided that due to the wind it would not be sensible to press on further to the next village about 90 minutes further on. I am staying five miles from Newquay where I will be worshiping with the Newquay Elim church tomorrow.
Today I had a problem with the achilles tendon on my right ankle and this improved during the day. It was a bit painful and slowed me a bit but not too much. I could do without this. Otherwise, apart from the occational blister, legs and feet are doing well considering. This coming week I have three really challenging days - Monday to Wednesday as each day is over 20 miles each day.
Reflections on this week, include the amazing waves at the Lizard, seeing choughs at both the Lizard and near Lands End, only having had one really wet day so far, amazing varieties of mushrooms and toadstools, lots of red admirals, have met some really interesting people from different countries walking our coastline, exchanging information on hostels and routes, and feeling reallyexhausted on Friday night after what everyone tells me is the most difficult section of the coast path.

Distance walked 19 miles

Day 40 Friday 8th October

Today was a very strenuous day. I left the hostel at 8 a.m. and walked to Pendeen Watch, a distance of 6 miles and this took 2 hours. I then walked from Pendeen Watch to Zennor, a further 7 miles over very difficult terrain. It was muddy and rocky and up and down, and this took 4 and a half hours. The last part of the journey from Zennor to St. Ives was a bit easier and took 3 hours, a distance of 6 and a half miles. I walked a total distance of about 20 miles, but it took a long time because of the terrain. This evening I'm feeling absolutely shattered, this having been by far the most difficult walk so far.

Day 39 Thursday 7th October

This morning I left the hostel at 8.05 and took the path down to the coast, joined the coast path near Newlyn. I was down by the side of the sea at 8.20 and had a rather lengthy walk along the road to Mousehole. On the way I passed a memorial to the Penlee lifeboat men who died in 1981 at sea in a tragic accident. After Mousehole I continued until I got to Lamorna Cove. I arrived there at 10.24 and then I continued until I eventually got to Porthcurno at 1.25. I then walked up the steps to the Minnack Theatre and went past the theatre and stopped for lunch. After lunch I walked on to Porthgwarra and at this point there was a sign to Land's End 3 and three quarter miles. I continued on towards Land's End on a very strenuous up and down path and eventually arrived at Land's End at 4 p.m. However I was rewarded by seeing a pair of choughs along the way. After a stop at Land's End to celebrate Dover to Land's End I resumed at 4.25 to make my way to the Youth Hostel, which although it is called Land's End Youth Hostel is another 6 miles further on. I passed Sennen Cove and Whitesand Bay and at 6.30 I eventually arrived at the hostel very tired but very happy. Distance walked today 23 miles.

Distances travelled

Dover to Christchurch 280
Southbourne to Sandbanks 10
Shell Bay to Porthallow 315
Porthallow to Lizard 15
Lizard to Penzance 28

total miles to date 648

This leaves about 250 miles to be walked in the next two weeks.

Day 38 - Wednesday October 6th.

When I told various people that I was going to walk from the Lizard to Penzance today they look at me in stunned silence. One said that it was "do-able" but others did this in two days. I estimated that it was about 28-30 miles and some of the terrain very up and down which slows progress. So the hostel being self catering I decided to make up my breakfast last night and leave the hostel at 6.00am., which I did. I started in the dark with starlight and my torch! The path from the Lizard to Kynance cove is quite wide and well defined so it didn't present any great risk. There had been heavy rain during the night and paths were waterlogged or muddy until lunchtime. As the dawn began I was able to see without the torch to go down into Kynance Cove and up the other side. This was quite a climb. By 9.05 I arrived at Mullion Cove and stopped for breakfast. By 9.40 I arrived at Polhurion Cove, 10.07 at Poldu Cove, 10.23 at Church Cove [where the toilets were locked which was not helpful!], 11.10 Gunwalloe village and cove and at 12.50 I was at Porthleven which is about half way to Penzance. Yesterday afternoon a fishing boat was side on to the waves and too near the shore when it was caught by a large wave and the boat smashed on the beach. One fisherman scrambled ashore and the other had to be winched off by helicopter. The remains of the boat was on the beach when I passed - little was left apart from half the keel andthe rear end of the boat. A salutary reminder of the power of the sea.
At 12.45 I set off from Porthlevn, passing Rinsey Head at 2.23, and arrived at Praa Sands [north end] at 2.53 to find the cafe closed so I wasn't delayed! At 4.20 I passed Paranuthoe and then Marazion. From Marazion onwards the route was flat and a bit tedious walking along side the beach on the left and the railway on the right. I arrived in Penzance at 6.15 and had to wait a while for a takeaway that I had ordered. I then walked through the town to the Youth Hostel arriving there about 7.17pm feeling satisfied with the days walk and also tired!


Distance walked 28-30 miles

Day 37 - Tuesday October 5th

Today was a short walk by design as staying at the Coverack youth hostel and moving to the one at Lizard seemed ideal. I took my time and did not rush to get up early. However being an early riser I opted for breakfast at 7.30 as usual and was ready to leave at 8.15. At 9.00 I passed Black Head. At 10.40 I passed Kennack Sands and then arrived at Cadgwith where I was diddled over a pot of tea in the hotel. They charged me £3 for a pot of Earl Grey tea with no additional hot water, out of which I got two cups. Normally I pay £1-50 and get four cups - I was not impressed! I then watched a fishing boat run the gauntlet of large waves and coming ashore and being winched up the beach above high water level. The beach was narrow and rocks on both sides which made the whole thing quite risky. The fisherman had to make more than one attempt to get it right. By 1.40 I had arrived at the Lizard and had an afternoon free. I left my rucksack at the hostel as I had been given the door entry number by a walker who had been there the previous evening and booking in was not until 5.00pm. !It turned out that the staff member on duty had been at the Boswinger hostel when I was there a few days back and remembered me! I walked up into the village and did some shopping as the hostel was self-catering and had some lunch at a cafe.
I spent quite some time just sitting and watching the sea. Huge waves breaking a quarter of a mile off shore over 15 feet high. It was both spectacular and breathtaking. And the way in which the waves were breaking on the rocks was an everchanging panorama and a reminder of the awsome power of the Creator's creation.

Distance walked 11 miles

Day 36 - Monday October 4th

I spent the night at an independent hostel called Tregneda Lodge which was very well appointed and self-catering which suited me fine. As a result I got my own breakfast and was out of the hostel at 7.10am as I was not sure about the distances involved. By 7.25 I was back at Maenporth Beach which was tranquil and beautiful and no people around apart from myself. By 8.05 I passed Rosemulllion Point and at 9.15 I arrived at Helford Passage. The ferryman had arrived and was getting the boat ready - putting in fuel. I was his first passenger and I was accross the estuary by 9.30. I got to Gillan Creek just too late to be able to ford it as the tide was coming in so had to walk around the creek adding a couple of miles to the journey. This was not too bad but walking uphill on Cornish lanes is tiring - more so than the cliff paths. At 11.45 I reached Flushing with a sign indicating Porthallow 3.5 miles. I arrived at Porthallow at 1.10 and had a good look at the new monument indicating that it is exactly half way between South Haven Point and Minehead. I felt a real sense of satisfaction! I passed Porthoustock at 2.15 and arrived in Coverack at 4.15 and treated myself to a Cornish cream tea - I had to wait while they made a new batch of scones so they were hot and fresh - very nice. Having had tov walk up a 20% road to get the hostel I decided to eat at the hostel.
Distance travelled - 18 miles.

Day 35 Sunday 3rd October

During the night there was torrential rain, but this stopped about 7 a.m. The rest of the day has been dry. I took it easy this morning, leaving the hostel at 10 a.m. to go to church. I went to the parish church of King Charles the Martyr. It was their Harvest Service and it only lasted 45 minutes. After the service I started to walk around the back of the harbour where there are some really good views of the harbour, and then on to Pendennis Point where there are really good views of the surrounding coastline. I then strolled on leisurely to Gyllyngvase Beach. Here I ate lunch and met the couple of Italians who had been in the hostel last night. After a while I continued, passing Swanpool Beach and then Pennance Point and onward to Maenporth. On the way I met the Italian couple again and when we got to Maenporth they bought me an ice cream. After chatting for some while I left them and walked up the road to Tregedna Farm, where I am now at the hostel. Tomorrow morning I shall start early as I have a long day ahead of me. Distance walked today 6 miles.

Day 34 Saturday 2nd October

I left the hostel at Boswinger at 8 o'clock and walked along the road to Tregavarras, rejoining the coast path at Porthluney Cove. I then continued until I arrived at Portloe at 10 o'clock. At 11.15 I passed Nare Head and arrived in Portscatho at 1.2o p.m. I then continued along the coast, past Towan Beach, Porthmellin Head, Zone Point and St. Anthony Head. At 3.55 I caught the ferry from Place to St. Mawes and at 4.05 caught the ferry from St. Mawes to Falmouth, and arrived in Falmouth at 4.25 and went to the youth hostel. Distance walked 20 miles.

Day 33 Thursday October 1st

I left Fowey at 8.15, fully kitted in waterproofs as it was raining steadily. I reached the coast path at 8.30 and I passed Gribbin Head and continued to Polkerris, arriving there at 10.30 and stopping for a cup of tea. A short time later I resumed walking and passed Polmear and Par Sands, but had difficulty following the path because it was so badly marked. I had to walk around the dock area with a very muddy path beside the golf course, and eventually arrived at Charlestown at 12.45. After lunch at Charlestown I started walking inland around a diversion because the cliff path was unsafe. When I arrived at Porthpean the rain appeared to have stopped so I took off my waterproofs, and as soon as I had done this it started raining again! I continued until I arrived at Mevagissey at 4.45. Having bought a take away for my evening meal I resumed walking at 5 o'clock. I passed Portmellon and Chapel Point and arrived at Gorran Haven at 6.30. As the light was getting poor I took a lane parallel to the coast path, which slightly reduced the distance and I arrived at Hemmick Beach and then had to walk a quarter of a mile up a one in five hill to arrive at the youth hostel at Boswinger at 7.15. Distance travelled about 28 miles.

Day 32 Thursday September 30th

Today is my birthday, I am 66 today! At 8.00 I left the b & b at Portwrinkle and set off for Downderry. This was fairly up and down, severely in places and I arrived in Downderry at 9.25. I did a little shopping in Downderry and then I went down to the beach and the tide being out, I was able to walk along the sea wall to Seaton. From Seaton I continued along the coast path until I got to Millendreath Beach at 11.15. This was a miserable sight of dereliction and had obviously seen better days. I then arrived in Looe at 12 noon. After a short break I walked over the bridge to West Looe and down to Hannafore Parade and at the end of the road the coast path continued. Eventually I passed the village of Tallend and then on to Polperro. Before Polperro the footpath was closed due to civil engineering works and a diversion inland was necessary. I arrived in Polperro at 2.30 and treated myself to a cream tea at the House on Props. I then continued along the coast path which became a real roller coaster, with 3 flights of steps down and 3 flights of steps up, each one with between 150 and 180 steps. I eventually got to Pencarrow Head at 4.55. I then pressed on and got to Polruan only to see the ferry departing. I caught the next ferry at 6.15, and at 6.45 arrived at my accommodation at Fowey. By the time I got to Polruan the weather was worsening with a storm threatening for tonight. Fortunately tomorrow there are no ferries for me to catch! Distance walked about 25 miles.

Day 31 Wednesday 29th September

I left the bed and breakfast at Wembury at 8.00 in the pouring rain. I quickly made my way to the coast path and at 8.35 I reached Wembury Point, with the Great Mew Stone off shore, I then continued around the coast passing Bovisand Bay and then to Jennycliff Bay. The path here was diverted on to the road, which delayed me slightly as I took a wrong turn and I arrived at Mount Batten to see the ferry just departing. I had to wait until 11 o'clock for the next ferry. Once in Plymouth it only took me 50 minutes to get to the next ferry, only to find the boat had just set sail from the slipway. There was a sign by the slipway which said, "Minehead 352 miles". I felt duly encouraged. I caught the ferry at 12.15 and arrived in Cornwall at 12.25. I am now in my 7th county.

I set off through Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and this continued almost to Kingsand through some delightful woodland. Kingsand and Cawsand are 2 very quaint villages and after Cawsand I walked to Rame Head, and from here I could see a whole series of villages along the coastline, including Portwrinkle. I continued along the bay through Tregonhawke and then Freathy, and when I got to Treantle Fort the red flags were down and the gate was open, so I proceeded up the permissive path, only to be stopped by a soldier pointing a gun, who informed me that I couldn't go any further (because they were playing soldiers). I told the soldier that they should follow their own regulations and close the gate so that the puplic could not enter. He informed me that the gate on the other side had been closed! I then retraced my steps and took the alternative route round by the road. I eventually arrived at Portwrinkle at 6.30, but to get a meal that evening I had to walk another half mile to Crafthole, and back. Distance walked approx. 22 miles.

Day 30 Tuesday 28th September

This morning I left at 8 o'clock after breakfast. The hostel being the last building to the south of Salcombe and right on the coast, access to the footpath was very easy. I quickly passed the viewing point at Sharp Tor and then I rounded Bolt Head a short while later. The path was generally easy and I continued for about 8 miles until I got to Bolt Tail. From Bolt Tail I had a panoramic view of Hope Cove, Inner and Outer Hope, Thurlestone and the more distant Burgh Island. This quickly disappeared as rain and mist set in. I continued until I got to Outer Hope. While buying a coffee in the Post Office, I met a man who was an expert on the local coast paths and he confirmed that when I got to Bantham, I should get a taxi to Mothecombe as the crossing of the River Erme was too dangerous in the present weather conditions. This meant that I have not walked the short stretch between Bigbury and the River Erme. I arrived at Bantham at 12 noon, having walked 13 miles up to that point. At Bantham I had no mobile signal, so I had to borrow a mobile on a different network to telephone for a taxi. First 5 taxi firms were unable to help, but the sixth one was able to take me where I wanted to go. It dropped me at the slipway at Mothecombe at 1.10 and I set off on the next leg of today's journey.

The next 5 miles were quite varied until I got to Wadham Rocks. At this point, for the rest of the way to Noss Mayo, the path follows the route that was carved along the cliff side for ladies to enjoy the view from their horse and carriages. This was a bit like an old railway track and was very easy walking. Part way along this section the rain stopped. I arrived in Noss Mayo at 4.20, having walked about 23 miles altogether. I went to the Ship Inn to have a meal and tried to telephone for a taxi to take me to Wembury, only to find there was no signal yet again, so had to go outside to see if it would work, which it did. I had to get this 2nd taxi because the ferry at Noss Mayo stopped working 2 days ago for the winter. I am now settled for the rest of the evening in a very comfortable bed and breakfast.

Distance walked 23 miles

Day 29 Monday September 27th

Dudley, Jenny and Adrian left Newton Abbot at 7.30 a.m. and I started my walk from Stoke Fleming at 8.30. I followed the path down to Blackpool Sands and then back up again to Strete. After leaving the village, the path went off down a track till I arrived at Strete Gate at 9.25. Then I followed the path down the side of the marshes of Slapton Ley until I came to Torcross at 10.15. Had a look at the Sherman tank which is a memorial to the American servicemen who died while preparing for D-Day. 942 died. I then went across a small promentary to Beesands, where I had a coffee at 11 o'clock. Then I passed Hallsands, where the village was destroyed in 1917 - this was caused by inappropriate excavation of gravel from the sea bed. At 11.55 I arrived at Start Point and there was a sign saying "462 miles to Minehead".

Then stopped for lunch at Lannacombe Bay at 12.40. At 1 p.m. started walking again, passing Maelcombe House and passed Prawle Point at 2 o'clock and Seacombe Sands at 3.08. While at Prawle Point I saw a Cirl Bunting and a Peregin Falcon. At 4.25 I caught the ferry and arrived in Salcombe. At 5.15 I caught another ferry to South Sands and then walked a mile or so to the youth hostel, which is part of a large National Trust property with lovely views over the estuary.

Distance walked today 22 miles.

Day 28 - Sunday September 26th

Today is a rest day. No need to get up too early. Breakfast at 9.00. At 9.50 we left for church in Totnes. We went to Totnes Evangelical Free Church which is a part of the Ichthus Fellowship. The service was good although I felt tired after nine days walking.

After the service we were taken out for lunch at a local carvery in Totnes. Food was good.

Later in the afternoon we ent to Dartington for a leisurely stroll in the grounds which are open to the public free. Really was leisurely.

This evening Adrian has invited around some other friends that we haven't seen for a while. This we will enjoy.

I have now completed 28 days of the Dawdle with 25 still to do so I am over half way and half way as far as distance walked is concerned as well. I have seen a few birds of interest but I took a decision not to have my binoculars with me as walking and birdwatching do not really go together. I have also seen a sand lizard and a slow worm on Studland Heath, a red squirrel on the Isle of Wight and many grey ones elsewhere. Also quite a variety of breeds of farm animals. The scenery has been as diverse as it has been spectacular. I could first see Portland when I was on the Isle of Wight and could still see it yesterday but tomorrow it will pass from view when I pass Start Point. There is fabulous beauty in the different landscapes from marshes and shingle beaches to cliff scenery with chalk cliffs and red sandstone and grey slates and later granite will appear.

My legs and feet are doing really well. Cellulitis has responded to antibiotis and the blisters on my feet have gone, walking speed is good and I'm getting stronger every day on steeper slopes. But I still need prayer for perseverance. Still a long way to go!

Distance travelled so far.

Up to 11-09-2010 I had walked 270 miles

Sept 14 - 8.5
Sept 17 - 23
Sept 18 - 22
Sept 19 - 25
Sept 20 - 10
Sept 21 - 26.5
Sept 22 - 26
Sept 23 - 16
Sept 24 - 15
Sept 25 - 22

This is a further 194 miles and brings the total to 464 - all distances are approximate as it is difficult to be completely accurate and includes some diversions off route. This is a general guide to progress. I have travelled a little over half of the total.

Day 27 - Saturadey September 25th

I left with Adrian at 7.30 from Newton Abbot for Paignton where Adrian dropped me off near where I ended my walk yesterday. I quickly found a sign directing me to the Coast Path and walked around Roundham Head and then along Goodrington Sands on the promenade where I found the circular brass plates set in the pavement indicating the Coast Path [ I found these again in Brixham when I arrived there]. The path was easy as I passed Broadsands Bay at 8.45, Elberry Cove with its mussle farm offshore at 9.10 and then walking through some lovely woodland, called the Grove, arrived at Charleston Cove with a really beautiful view of Brixham harbour. At 10.00am I arrived in the centre of Brixham where I stopped to buy some lunch and a pot of tea. At 10.20 I set off again passing the replica of the Mary Rose and the statue of William of Orange. I passed Berry Head [where I could still see the Island of Portland silouetted against the horizon and on to St Marys Bay at 11.25, Man Sands at 12.15, Scabbacombe Sands at 12.45 and Pudcome Cove at 1.30pm. Between bays the path twisted and turned and went up and down but was not particularly difficult but it was frustrating as progress seemed slow at times! At 2.10pm I reached Froward Point and the views changed as new vistas emerged and direction changed to northeasterly to enter the Dart estuary and at 3.30pm I arrived in Kingwear at the ferry for Dartmouth. This was loading and I had arrived at just the right time to avoid any wait. In Dartmouth I walked in a southerly direction to the Castle and Church and then climbed uphill and here the Coast Path became a Bridleway - I asked the way and was told straight on for Stoke Flemming and after about a mile the Coast Path emerged from the left and I was back on track. I had missed the left turn at some point. By now Stoke Flemming was in view with its church tower visible above the undulating hills on the skyline. I arrived at 5.00pm a little earlier than expected. Jenny and Adrian were on their way to pick me up when Jenny rang to say there had been an accident and they were stuck in a queue and would be delayed. They arrived at 5.30pm and we drove back to Newton Abbot. Having ended in stoke Flemming I am well placed for Mondays "Dawdle" from there to Salcombe.

Adrian had invited a couple of old friends around for an evening meal and this was nice.

Distance travelled today 22 miles.

Day 26 - Friday September 24th

Last night it rained again but today was dry which was good although the going underfoot was a bit muddy at times. In the afternoon the wind became a bit cooler as had been promised. Simon and I left Exeter by car at 7.45am and we arrived in Dawlish at 8.20am and we set off together for a short way and then we parted company at 8.30a.m. There was a steady climb out of Dawlish but nothing like the previous day. About halfway to Teignmouth the path took me on to the seawall beside the railway line which is right by the sea as it is between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish. An amazing feat of 19th century engineering. I arrived in Teignmouth at 9.35am and was able to buy sandwiches for lunch. I arrived at the ferry at 9.53 to go to Shaldon on the other side. I was chatting to the ferry man about the boat - top half built 62 years ago, bottom half dates from 2002 as it was rotten and had a major rebuild. I set of from Shaldon at 10.08, passed Maidencombe at 11.25am and Whatcombe at 12.00noon and stopped for a break at Petit Tor Point. This was another aduous walk with a lot of ups and downs and ins and outs and many, many steps. I think I must have climbed the Empire State Building several times today! At 12.45pm I set off again passing Oddicombe Cliff Railway at 1.15pm and then Babbacombe and on to Thatcher Point where I stopped for lunch at 2.30pm [rather late]. I then walked through Torquay passing the marina, Corbyns Bay at 3.55 and then under the railway and back to the beginning of the beach at Paignton where I was picked up by Adrian's friend John who took me to Newton Abbot where I met up with Jenny and Adrian. I did not quite reach my planned destination being picked up a mile short. Because of all the steps this was also a most strenuous day. But I am getting fitter!

The distance travelled today is hard to calculate accurately as the ups and down and twists and turns increase the distance. Probably about 15miles.

Day 25 - Thursday September 23rd

During the night the heavens opened and there was torrential rain but by the time I got up it had stopped which was quite positive. Neil and I left at 7.40a.m. from Lyme Regis and Neil dropped me off in Sidmouth where I had ended my walk yesterday.We parted at 8.05 and I set off along Sidmouth promenade - not being able to find any sign for the coast path I set off up the road and steadily uphill until I found the path joining the road and continued uphill for some while. A short while later the path took a left turn from the road and was signposted to Ladram Bay. The route was easier than appeared from the cliffs as the path passed behind the peak of the cliffs at a lower level. -In just under an hour I arrived at Ladram Bay [9.00am] and the scenery was changed. I had left chalk cliffs behind at Beer yesterday and now there were dark red sandstones and rock pillars at the base of the cliffs. From Ladram Bay the route was easy and undulating passing Brandy Point at 9.35 - this used to be a place where smuglers brought brandy ashore in the past and where machine guns for spitfires were tested in the Second World War. Eventuallly I rounded the headland and had to detour a mile of so inland to cross the lowest bridge on the river Otter and then return along the side of the river marshes until I arrived back at the coast and on to the promenade at Budleigh Salterton. I arrived here at 10.40 and bought a pot of tea. I got talking to a lady who is on the committee of the South West Path Association which was very interesting and she has given me some sponsorship money. I set off again at 11.20 uphill and out of Budleigh. The terrain was relatively easy and I arrived at Straight Point and the path went between the Royal Marines firing range which was in use and there was much gunfire, and a very large caravan park [ the second largest I've seen on my walk but no place for a quiet holiday!] After this the path continued towards Exmouth and what seemed an eternity along the promenade I arrived at the ferry for Starcross on the other side of the river. As I arrived here at 1.30 and it was a bit early to stop walking I rang Simon and asked if he would pick me up from Dawlish to which he agreed. So I caught the ferry which left at 1.40pm and arrived at Starcross at 2.00p.m. I set off on a not very inspiring walk along the road to Dawlish Warren as this is the route of the coast path from the ferry. I joined the cycle route for about a mile and then descended to the railway and was able to walk along the sea wall, the tide being out. I arrived at Dawlish train station at 3.30p.m. and rang Simon to ask him to pick me up. While I was in Dawlish Warren it rained very heavily on two occasions but it did not last and while I was waiting it rained again. None of this had any impact on the walk. Simon arrived at 4.15p.m. and we returned to Exeter and I will be returned to Dawlish to continue my Dawdle tomorrow.
This was actually quite a short days walk but has enabled me to see one of my old school teachers - Ron Gilmour - who is in hospital whom I have not seen since I left school 47 years ago.
Distance walked approx 16miles.
Since starting my Dawdle I have lost weight - I was 13st 8lbs and now weigh in at 13st exactly.

Day 24 Wednesday September 22nd

At 7.45 a.m. Neil and I left the house and at 8.00 he dropped me off in Seatown. I then set off for the summit of Golden Cap, which is 620 ft above sea level and the highest cliff on the south coast. I arrived at the top at 8.28 and this was much easier than some of the other cliffs I've had to climb. At 9.40 I arrived at Charmouth having enjoyed some really nice views. In Charmouth I went to the Visitors Centre and spoke to the director, who said that as the tide was going out it was perfectly all right to go along the foreshore to Lyme Regis, avoiding the huge detour because of the landslips. At 10.40 I arrived at the Cobb, where I stopped for a pot of tea.
A short time later I set off for the walk along the undercliff between Lyme Regis and Seaton. This was really beautiful and scenic, and I eventually arrived in the centre of Seaton at 2 p.m., where I stopped for lunch. Then set off again at 2.15 for Seaton Hole, Beer, around Beer Head to Branscombe Mouth and arrived there at 4.00 and had another pot of tea.
I then set off for the remainder of my journey to Sidmouth, not realising that there were 3 more gaps in the cliffs with very steep valleys, each one descending to sea level and climbing back up to 500 ft. This slowed my progress! I eventually arrived at Sidmouth at 6.45 p.m. where Neil was waiting with the car and drove me back to Lyme Regis. Distance walked today 26 miles.

Day 23 Tuesday September 21st

8.05 a.m. I left the hostel and walked to the Ferry Bridge Inn where I met Dick Luther, who was my best man many years ago. We set out together and walked to Abbotsbury. The path goes along the landward side of the East and West Fleet and is very picturesque with a view of Chesil Beach. We arrived at Abbotsbury at 12.40 and had lunch together. Dick stayed in Abbotsbury as he was having trouble with his feet and was picked up by his wife. I set off again at 1.20 and arrived at West Bexington at 2.25. Then went on and passed through Burton Bradstock, then to West Bay and from there to Seatown. Arrived there 6 p.m. and was picked up by Neil Porthouse at 6.15 and am spending the night with Neil and Fiona in Lyme Regis.
Distance walked today 26.5 miles.

Day 22 Monday 20th September

After breakfast I left the hostel with my room-mate Gary at 8.40 a.m. We set off up the hill to the highest point on Portland. Gary decided to take the west side of the island and I went to the left to the east side. 9.30. I passed the Verne Prison, then diagonally across an old quarry and on the seaward side of the Young Offenders Prison, arriving at Church Ope Cove at 10.05. Then continued along the path which meandered through various old quarry workings, arriving at Portland Bill 11.05. At 12.30 met Jenny, Ralph and Terri for lunch at the Lobster Pot Cafe. Parted company about 2.00 and I set off up the west coast of Portland, completing the loop at about 3.00. By 3.30 I was back at the hostel, where I shall chill out for the rest of the day. Distance today 10 miles.

Day 21 Sunday September 19th

Left hostel at 8.30 a.m. and arrived back on coast path at Lulworth at 8.45. First 4 miles to White Nothe (Nose) were another roller coaster like yesterday, but not so severe. Arrived at White Nothe at 10.30 and then passed Ringstead Bay and Osmington Mills, arrived at Bowleaze Cove on the edge of Weymouth for lunch at 1 p.m. Walked all along the prom to centre of Weymouth and then cut through to the Rodway Trail. Started the Rodway Trail at 2.15 and arrived at Youth Hostel on Portland at 3.55. Distance travelled approximately 18 miles.

Day 20 Saturday 18th September

Left Swanage Youth Hostel at 7.55 a.m. and arrived at Durlston Head at 8.10. Up and down walk to St. Aldhelm's Head, arrived 10.30. From there walked in a northerly direction and almost immediately came to a steep valley with 217 steps down and 183 up. Had a 2 mile detour to get to the next big hill at Houns-tout, very steep, 167 steps up and I was already a long way up when I got there. Killer of a hill. Passed Cavell Tower, which is now lived in. Eventually arrived at Kimmeridge Bay at 1.50 p.m. where I had lunch. After lunch passed nodding donkey (oil well) at 2.20 and then entered Lulworth Tank Ranges. Could see a very high cliff and the path led up towards this. Steady climb to go up Tynham Cap and then the full horror of the climb became more and more visible, and it just went up and up and up! At the top the path was relatively level and went steadily downhill. Having climbed another very severe hill, arrived at Flower's Barrow at 4.00. From Flower's Barrow the path went down very steeply to sea level at a bay called Arish Mell. From Arish Mell the path went up a flight of steps with over 250 steps and then I walked along the ridge, then had to descend another very difficult flight of steps to Mupe Bay. These steps were really quite scary because of their poor condition. At 5.35 left the Ranges and walked around the foreshore of Lulworth Cove.

Stopped for a meal on the way to the Youth Hostel and booked in at 7 p.m. Distance travelled approximately 22 miles.

Day 19 - Friday September 17th

I was taken by car by my neighbour Richard to Southbourne to where I ended my walk on Tuesday. At 8.00am prompt I started walking along the promenade throught Southbourne, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Poole and on to Sandbanks. I started at groyne 49. By 8.30am I arrived at Fishermans cliff lift and zig zag, then passing groyne 29 and Portman's Ravine zig zag. At 8.53am I arrived at Boscombe pier and chine [between groynes 21 & 22]. Atb 9.10am I passed Eastcliff cliff lift [groyne 14]. Ten minutes later I arrived at Bournemouth pier. At 9.23am I came to Beacon Steps zig zag then passing Westcliff cliff lift to Durley Chine where I stopped for a coffee at 9.30. I resumed walking at 9.45am passing Middle Chine, Alum Chine and crossed from Bournemouth to Poole at 9.58am. I continued past Branksome Dene Chine and then Branksome chine and Canford Cliff Promenade coming to the end of the promenade at the start of the Sandbanks isthmus at 10.30a.m. From here to the ferry I walked along the beach which was not busy and boarded the ferry at Sandbanks at 10.55am. The ferry arrived at Shell Bay at 11.05 and I walked around Shell Bay until I joined the Heather Walk which I followed until I arrived at the Studland Middle car park. I continued to the end of the bay and then up the path from the beach and out to Old Harry Rocks where I arrived at 12.40. Here I ate my lunch and had a coffee. I set off again at 1.00p.m. and walked steadily uphill to the top of Ballard Down and did not have to stop to get my breath which was not the case on previous occasions in July and August. I'm not much fitter than then. I arrived in the centre of Swanage at 2.10pm and then walked out to Peveril Point and up to a point where I can easily rejoin the route tomorrow morning without going back into Swanage. I then walked back a short way to the Youth Hostel where I am now. Todays distance is about 18 miles. tomorrows is a bit more but considerably more demanding but I aim to arrive in Lulworth before 5.00pm.

Day 18 - Thursday September 16th.

Some time this morning sorting oput what to take in my ruck sack. Having learnt from my mistakes in the first part of the "Dawdle" I have reduced my rucksack to between 9.2 and 7.2 kilos, depending on whether the flask and water bottle are full or empty. This is a much more manageable weight to carry.

I had to go to see the nurse practitioner as my urine appeared to be infected - another U.T.I. - so am now on three kinds of antibioptics at the same time. Need prayer that I will stay healthy as I walk.

This afternon we drove over to Birdham to see Tim & Margie where I left some of my things when I was there to lighten my load.

Tomorrow I'm off to Swanage on the next leg of my Dawdle.

Day 17 - Wednesday September 15th

Today was another rest day but it prooved quite busy.
Had to go to Christchurch hospital for a blod test.

In the afternoon I went at 2.00p.m. to Avon View where I used to work to talk about my walk so far. They seemed to enjoy it. I also explained about the equipment I take with me etc.

in the evening I went to the Christchurch Churches Together and had another opportunity to talk about the sponsored walk as well as other things.

Today the antibiotics seemed to be having the desired effect as the swelling has gone down and my leg returned to normal.

Day 16 - Tuesday September 14th.

Caught the 9.49 bus service X1 to Barton-on-Sea and alighted from bus at 9.25am.
Set off westward and crossed Holbourne Naish caravan park and into Chewton Bunny and then along highcliffe undercliff path to Highcliffe Castle and then through Steamer Point nature reserve and along to Avon Beach cafe where I met Dave Galpin at 11.35am. After coffee we walked to Mudeford Quay and Davewent home while I waited for the ferry to Mudeford Spit. Times had been reduced to 10.00 to 4.00pm [quite a change from 9.00 to 10.00pm!] Then set off and up onto the Hengisbury heath to Hengisbury Head and then along accross the sand dunes and boardwalk to Southbourne and into Harbour Road to Wick where I called in on rex and Margaret. Rex gave me a lift home. Walked 8.49miles in 2hours 19 minutes and 41seconds actual walking time. [Pedometer stops when not walking.] Average speed was 3.645miles per hour.

Having started a new course of antibiotics and also having gone for this walk my left leg has lost a lot of its swelling and the swelling on my foot has gone for which I praise the Lord. Feel good about resuming walking on Friday. However, five weeks is much more than two weeks and I still feel tired. Have hardly lost any weight.

Day 16 - Monday September 14th

This morning I saw GP who said I had not been given the correct antibiotics for my leg. He gave me some others for the next week which should sort the problem and the swelling should reduce in the next few days as it did on the previous occasion that I had a problem with cellulitis in June. Walking helped to reduce the swelling. I also have a reserve supply of antibiotic so I can take a course if I get a recurrence of the cellulitis - Dr Oliver was very sympathetic that some areas of Devon and Cornwall along the coast are very isolated and do not have a doctors surgery - they have to go to another village some miles away. Also out of hours GP's are often in local hospitals and can be many miles away. So I feel reassured in having a supply.

I also went shopping as I needed some more blister packs. I also had to replace my trekking poles as the rubber on the handles have been rotting and bits of rubber have been coming off the handles - acidity in perspiration has been rotting the rubber! I also discovered last week that my boots were significantly worn. Stones had penetrated the heel of the boots and the main sole was so badly worn that walking over shingle had become very uncomfortable and made my blisters worse. So I have bought some new boots which are very comfortable and will need only minimal wearing in, which is good.

Day 14 - Sunday September 12th

Today was a day at home, with oportunity to go to church. Also to put my left leg up and to rest. I will have to see GP tomorrow as it has not responded to the antibiotics as it should.

Distances walked in first section of walk

Aug 30 12
Aug 31 24
Sep 1 28.4
Sep 2 20.67
Sep 3 17.25
Sep 4 20
Sep 5 Day off
Sep 6 19
Sep 7 26
Sep 8 25
Sep 9 29
Sep 10 25
Sep 11 24
Sep 12 Rest Day

Total distance walked is 270 miles in two weeks.
Walking is due to restart on Friday September 17th.

Day 13 - Saturday September

Having discovered the changes to the buses and understood why people were complaining - some villages now have no bus service and this is a problem especially or the elderly. I asked my ladlady for a "full English" butty to be left in the fridge so that I could catch the 7.39am bus into Newport to enable me to get the first no.12 at 8.40, which I did. I alighted from the bus at Freshwater Bay at 9.20, which is the latest start for any days walking since I started apart from the first day which included a drive to Dover in the morning.
Today I made good progress arriving at the Tennyson memorial at 9.50 - not bad as it is a steady uphill into quite a fierce gale. I arrived at the needles at 10.30 and after pasing over Headdon Down and through Totland arrived at Yarmouth at 12.45pm. The boat departed at 1.15 and docked in Lymington at 2.00pm. It took me half an hour to walk into Lymington and along to the lifeboat station. From there at 2.30 it took me only 2 hours to arrive in Milford-on-Sea - taking me to 4.30p.m. I set off again after a pot of tea and a cream tea at 4.55pm and arrived at Barton-on-Sea at the bus stop to find a bus waiting as it had arrived early. By now it was 5.55 so I decided that I had been up since 6.00a.m. and it would take me another two hours at least to get home it was wiser to get the bus and on Tuesday plan to get the bus back and complete the last little bit. I'm trying to be sensible about my left leg as it is still somewhat swollen although the cellulitis has cleared and the pain gone. I also have some blisters to sort out.
Last night the weather forecast was for a lot of rain. In fact it was drizzly when I was on the bus in the morning but it came to nothing. There was shower when I was between Totland and Yarmouth for about twenty minutes and some spots in Lymington which came to nothing and the rest of the day was fine and sunny - so I've only had rain twice in two weeks which is encouraging. Distances today were about 10miles on the Isle of Wight and a further 14 on ther mainland - about 24 miles in total.
Another incidental is that this year is a fabulous year f0r blackberries and nobody seems interesting in picking them. On the Isle of Wight at Whitecliff Bay with a caravan park right by the path there were racemes of fruit overhanging the path and they had not been touched! I can offer advice on the best places for blackberries From Dover to Christchurch!

Day 12 Friday September 10th

Set out from Sandown at 8.10 a.m. and walked along the prom to Shanklin, arrived 9.15. Left Shanklin at 9.30 having made some phonecalls, walked through Luccombe and the landslip and arrived at Ventnor 10.45 , where I met up with Alan who was just getting off the bus. We walked through Niton and arrived at Chale at 2 p.m., where Alan left me and I pressed on to Freshwater Bay. I stopped off for coffee at Isle of Wight Pearl where I met 2 Christian ladies. I had a long chat with them and they are going to sponsor me. Arrived at Freshwater Bay at 5.40 to find I was stranded as they've changed the bus timetable. Had great difficulty getting a taxi because of the festival, but got one from Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth where I caught the bus to Newport and then back to Sandown.

Distance walked 25 miles

Day 11 Thursday September 9th

Andrew, with Alan, picked me up at Newport bus station at 8.30 a.m. and took us to Shalfleet. We started walking at 8.45 and arrived in West Cowes at 11.45. There is a very nice cake shop/coffee shop there so we stopped for cake. We then caught the ferry - floating bridge - across to East Cowes and walked to Whippingham Church (designed by Prince Albert), through Wootton and on to Ryde. From Ryde we walked to Seaview and Bembridge, then along the cliff path and over Culver Down and down into Sandown. Arrived 8.10 p.m. 26 - 28 miles. The blackberries along the way have been wonderful!

Day 10 Wednesday September 8th

Caught the 7.30 a.m. ferry to Hythe and when I started walking at 8.00 it was raining. Walked to Beaulieu, Bucklers Hard and then along the Solent Way to Lymington. Caught the ferry to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, where I met up with Alan Croft (from Stoke Gifford). We then set off to walk to Shalfleet, via Hamstead Farm. We arrived at the bus stop at Shalfleet at 5.10, but the bus didn't turn up so Alan phoned his son Andrew, who is a doctor at St. Mary's hospital, and he came and picked us up. He dropped me off at Newport bus station, where I had another problem - a crowd waiting for the Sandown bus to get to a music festival. I managed to get on the bus, but the journey was much slower than usual. Eventually arrived in Sandown, which will be my base as Alan and I walk round the island.

Distance walked 25 miles

Day 9 - Tuesday September7th

In the early hours of this morning I was concerned about my leg. However, when I got up after creaming it and then putting on my flight socks things felt better and even more so with my boots on so I was encourged to find walking got easier during the day until about 3.00p.m. when I started to tire. My leg is no longer visibly inflamed although swells up during the day but goes down with a nights sleep.

I was given a lift from my host to the Portsmouth pier to get the ferry to Gosport, which was easier said than done. Tickets are only available by putting in the correct money into the machine. There is anotther that gives change for notes but this was not working! So I missed the first one and had to go to the train station to get change and then got a ticket just in time for the next ferry.
I started walking in Gosport at 8.15a.m. walking along the millenium walk to the road out past the submarine museum and then down a long road with 15 foot walls on both sides. The road then swung round and became residential and then I turned off across a golf course to Fort Gilkicker and then turned right along the coast. During this time there was a torrential downpour but it didn't last long. From Gosport I entered a military area which is open to the public called Browndown and this extended for over a mile and was a shingle heath. I then got to Lee-on-Solent at about 10.50a.m and found a cafe which made me some sandwiches for lunch and filled my box with salad as well. After this I pressed on past Stubbington and Titchfield Haven after which the path climbed up on to 75 foot high cliffs until I got to a caravan park where the cliff had collapsed and the beach was impassible at hight tide, and yes the tide was in! So a short detour inland was necessary inland before regaining the coast path and past another wetland wildlife site and into Warsash to find the ferry to Hamble-le-Rice. "Look for the pink ferry" people kept on saying. And yes when I got there there was a shelter for waiting passengers painted a garish pink and the ferry was painted to match! I arrived at Hamble at 2.00p.m. and ate my lunch. I then
found my way through Hamble and back to the shore and walked past some extensive industrial sites and then the path detoured inland around some private properties until I got to The Royal Victoria Country Park and on into Netley where I stopped for refreshments my own supply having run out. From Netley I followed the tarmac path for cyclists and pedestrians round into the Itchen and then walked over the Itchen toll bridge and across Southampton to Town Quay where I was picked up by my hosts for the night. While waiting at the ferry terminal I bumped into Alan Croft who is joining me tomorrow until Friday so I have some company for three days.
Today was a good day - it only rained twice and neither times did it last more than a short time. I walked a good long distance today - about 18 miles to Hamble-le-Rice, and then a further 7 miles making a total of 25 miles. I'm still feeling resonably robust for which I give thanks.

Day 8 - Monday September 6th

Today started with breakfast with Tim and Margie and Tim had offered to take me to Bosham as the ferry there from West Itchenor only starts at 9.00a.m I eventually set off from Bosham at 8.50a.m. I had a problem finding the start of the path from the village - when I found it, it was nearly impassible as the tide was in and I had to crawl on hands and feet along a concrete plinth for 20 feet but then it was passable. The route took me around Bosham channel to Chidham and up around the peninsular to Southbourne. At another point before Southbourne the sea made the path impassible and I had to climb over a fence into a field and then at the end climb into a deep ditch about 6 feet deep and then climb out and down to the path again! I then crossed the ishmus of Thorney Island arriving in Emsworth for lunch. After lunch I continued until I arrived at the point where one can go to Hayling Island. I enquired about ferry times and was told every 15 minutes until 10.00p.m. BUT they will not sail if the weather is bad - at which point due to strong winds blowing gale force 5 or 6 it was easy to decide to press on around Langstone Harbour, Farlington Marshes and then turn southward alongside Langstone harbour past Portsea Island and eventually to the seafront at Southsea. Past Portsea the weather changed, the wind dropped and the rain started. It continues torrentially. I was picked up from South Parade Pier at about 6.45p.m. and taken out for a meal which was very nice. [I was hungry by this time].

Tomorrow, God willing I will press on to Southampton and that will feel like "nearly home" but the Isle of Wight beckons!

Distance walked 19 miles

Day 7 - Sunday September 5th

Today was a rest day. Just as well as I had to visit the out of hours GP last night and obtain antibiotics for cellulitis in my left leg which has flared up again and this is affecting my walking.

I went to the 9.30a.m. Family Communion at Birdham parish church where I was able to preach about vision for reaching the unreached and spoke about first Albania where we worked for 12 years and then about Fulani Ministries for which I am doing the sponsored walk.

I have been asked how much will be raised. This I do not know for certain but I can say that it will not be less than £2,500 as that has come in already. This is not the total pledged.

The rest of the day was spent with Tim and Margie whom I had not seen since they moved from Bristol in 1978.

At 4.00p.m. we went to the healing service at the church and I received prayer for my leg.

Day 6 - Saturday September 4th

Today started early. My host, Bob, heard me moving around at 6.00a.m so he went down stairs to start preparing breakfast!! We had breakfast just before 6.45a.m [and very nice it was too]. We left by car at 7.15a.m and I was dropped off near to where I was picked up yesterday at 7.25am, and I set off around Pagham Harbour. It was nice being out early as the bird watching was better than later in the day. So I took my time around Pagham Harbour and on the other side stopped for a break at Ferry Field bird hide at 8.30a.m and saw some more birds. At 10.10am I arrived at the east prom of Selsey and then walked around Selsey Bill. At 11.15a.m. I left west Selsey car park to walk to Bracklesham. This was not easy as there is a long shingle bank for some miles but I was able to walk on the landward side on a dirt track which was easier than shingle. At 12.45 I arrived at Bracklesham where I ate my lunch. A short while later I set off for the Witterings - first along roads parallel to the beach, then on the prom at East Wittering and later I transferred to walking along a sandy beach about 200yards wide as the tide was out until I got to the West Wittering car park. I haven't been there since I was in my early teens - what a change! Then we used to go there as there were few other people. Today the car park is about a mile long and some thousands of vehicles and the most packed beach I have seen in years! Times change. Then I set off northwards alongside Chichester Harbour until I arrived at West Itchenor, where I was met by Tim Bushell my host for the weekend - he picked me up as my leg was playing me up and now I have an appointment to see the out of hours doctor this evening as I appear to have developed cellulitis in my left shin despite my best efforts to take all preventative measures. I arrived at West Itchenor at about 4.40pm having walked about 18-20 miles. While I was walking from West Wittering to West Itchenor I received a telephone call from Bureima Diallo which was nice.

Distance walked 19 miles

Day 5 - Friday September3rd

Today started with a good breakfast and a large packed lunch provided by Bernard my host.
I left at 8.00 and took the route back to the coast which took 20 minutes. After a short while the promenade ran out and the path wandered either side of an extensive line of tamarisk trees and even running like an avenue with them either side. I passed some open land and then through Ferring. The coast path ran through an estate at Kingston Gorse and again at East Preston. Next I passed through Rustington and then into Littlehampton. At 11.05 I had a coffee near the lifeboat station. In Littlehampton I had to walk inland to the footpath the cross the river Arun. On the other side the path quickly became rural with a golf course on the left and fields on the right. Either side there were reeds in the ditches - the weather was fine and the scene beautiful. I then came to Atherington and ate some lunch. The route continued to Middleton-on-Sea. As much of the path was on shingle I opted to walk on hard flat sand as the tide was out. I moved from the beach on to the promenade when that started and continued to the pier at Bognor Regis. As it was early I opted to continue westwards and soon the promenade ran out and some very expensive housing meant that the only option was to walk along the shingle until I got to Pagham. This last part was exhausting so I am glad that I have done it today and I can enjoy starting tomorrow by going around Pagham harbour and doing some birdwatching, although it has not been without some interest in this respect so far - twice I have seen hobbies - they are so beautiful and distinctive.
Walking distance today was 17-18 miles - not as long as previous days and tomorrows is about the same. I am going to leave some of my baggage with Tim & Margie after the weekend to lighten the load - a lesson to be learnt here for me. However I am in good heart and all is going well apart from yesterdays miscalculation!

Day 4 Thursday September 2nd

Left Eastbourne at 8.10 a.m. and reached the top of Beachy Head one hour later. Walked through Beachy Head country park to Birling Gap, then over the Seven Sisters. When I got to Cuckmere Haven, forded the river (12.10) and continued on to Newhaven. It was obvious by then that I had completely miscalculated the distances, so caught the bus to Brighton. Walked for 2 hours through Brighton and Hove and then got the bus to Worthing as it was obvious I wasn't going to get there any other way. Arrived at Worthing 6.15 p.m.

Walked 20.67 miles today.

Day 3 Wednesday September 1st

Left Rye at 8 a.m. after very nice breakfast. Took direct path to Winchelsea, rejoined the canal path, along to Cliff End and then up cliffs to Fairlight Cove, through Fairlight and into Fire Hills Nature Reserve, which extends all the way to Hastings and includes 3 glens, path very steep. Arrived in Hastings at 1.30 p.m. Walked along to Bexhill, between railway and the sea. Arrived Bexhill 3 p.m. and continued along the front, on to a road which is a cycle route, under the railway and then left the road and walked along the beach to Norman's Bay to find another coastal path. Arrived Pevensey Bay 5.45 p.m., had a meal and then walked to Eastbourne and arrived at B & B at 7.45 p.m. Total of 28.4 miles today.

Distance walked 28miles.

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Day2 Tuesday 31st August

Left at 8 a.m. after Alwyn jnr. cooked me an excellent fried breakfast. A most enjoyable day's walk starting at Seabrook, through Hythe and then along the Royal Military Canal all the way to Rye. Path hardly goes through a village. Beautiful countryside, but path not as easy as one might imagine as the grass was quite lumpy. Arrived in Rye 5.30 p.m.

Distance walked 22 miles

Day 1. Monday 30th August

Ralph and Terri picked us up and we left Christchurch at 8 a.m. Arrived in Dover 11.10 after coffee stop. After a quick look round Dover and lunch met up with David Stavely, an old school friend, at 1 p.m. on edge of Dover. Said farewells and David and I set off up very steep hill. Stopped for coffee at Capel-le-Ferne, saw the Battle of Britain Memorial and walked down into Folkestone. Would have missed the footpath down to Folkestone if David had not been with me, but he knew the way. Walked along the promenade as far as Seabrook, which is at the start of Royal Military Canal path. Finished at 5.45 p.m. Jenny's cousin Alwyn picked me up and took me to his son's for the night. Alwyn will pick me up tomorrow morning and take me back to Seabrook.

Distance walked 12miles

Saturday, August 28th.

Short walk this morning. Went around Stanpit Marsh and to Avon Beach and Steamer point and visited Howard Piper. Returned home by same route.
Distance walked about 6miles.

Almost ready for start on Monday. Today was the last walk before Monday's start.

Friday, August 27th

Today is penultimate practice walk.

Left home at 8.15am. Went to Stanpit Marsh, Avon beach, Clfifhanger cafe , Avon Beach.Arrived Avon Beach 10.15 Coffee at Avon Beach. Left at 10.25 for ferry a Mudefore Quay, arrived at Mudefor Spit at 10.45. Then to Hengisbury Head, sandunes and boardwalk to Southbourne., into Harbour road and then to Wick, Tuckton Bridge, Quomps and home. Then walked back into town to bank & building society and to do some shopping. Walked home.

Distance walked was 15.30 miles, Calories 1346, time taken 4 hours and 30 seconds. Steps 26935. Speed calculated during walking time [excludes coffee and other breaks] was 3.82m.p.h. - this was really encouraging as this was marginally faster than any previous walk prior to my being taken ill. Feel ready for walk. Iron tablets have already made a noticeable beneficial difference.

Tomorrow will my last training walk. Have also done a trial pack of rucksack - weighed 11.3kilos. Will consider ways of reducing this but this is pretty minimal. I will be able to make changes after the first two weeks when I am back home for five days from September 12th. By then I may need some warmer clothing.

Wednesday, August 25th

Sorting oput things ready for start.

Warfarin blood test

Antobiotics from surgery for UTI - can't walk if this got worse!

able to give out some more sponsorship forms in afternoon

Tuesday, August 24th

Practice walk started at 8.15. Walked Stanpit Marsh, Avon Beach, Cliffhanger cafe at Highcliffe and back to Avon Beach. Stooped for coffee at 10.15. Left for Mudeford Quay at 10.30am. Caught ferry nd then set off from Mudeford spit to Hengisbury Head, boardwalk at Southbourne, into Harbout Road to Wick village and Tuckton bridge and home at 12.40
Odometer readings distance 14.10miles
Calories expended 1241
Time actually walking 3 hrs 48minutes
Steps 24833
Speed calculated at 3.71mph - this was excellent as this route is not flat.
feeling the effects of iron tablets already.

PM started sorting out items for rucksack.

Monday, August 23rd

Rang Hope FM - local radio with a view to an interview - they will ring back.

Saw GP to sort out medication while I'm on my Dawdle.

Checked daily walks on OS maps for entire route.

Rang Penzance youth hostel to confirm booking as this seemed to be missing from records - confirmed.

Saturday, August 21st

Went for a walk at 8.15a.m. this morning.
Walked around Stanpit marsh, to Avon Beach and along coast to Cliffhanger cafe and back to Avon Beach cafe. Arrived at 10.15 for 2 hours did not need to go for pee - this is the first time I have managed a walk with this amount of control. Had coffee with Dave and Jenny and then walked home on same route as outward - 50 minutes from cafe. Did not need to go for pee until I got home - two 2 hr stints - most encouraging, much better than before I was taken ill in January. Feel encouraged. Entire walk in 2 hrs 50 minutes - back to what I was doing before Christmas. Arrived home 11.50am. Distance walked about 11 miles.

Friday, August 20th.

Dentist appointment at 9.35a.m.

Then spent morning sorting last three overnight stays on Dawdle. These are in Worthing, Bognor Regis and Portsmouth. All confirmed and made changes and updated my master list.
I now have all ovewrnight accomodations booked for the entire Dawdle - I feel very happy about this as all I have to do is find the location when I arrive in the town. Most are near the coast as I have deliberately avoided places to stay which involve a long walk inland. some venues I will be picked up and taken to the place I am am staying and then next morning I will be returned to the same location.

Have not done any significant walks this week but feel happy about this. May do one tomorrow. Need to confirm to myself how it is waking now that the catheter is removed. So far it has been really good.

Thursday, August 19th

Walked to hospital and then back again.

Urine retension much lower than yesterday and was at an acceptable level. Have offer of another scan bvefore I start walk [Friday next week] if i ring up and request it.

walked to surgery and to Ralph's. Distance walked about 8miles.

wednesday, August 18th

Appointment with urology nurse to remove catheter and check for normal working.
This went well but was marginal so agreed to return tomorrow for another scan to check for retention. Retension today was on the hight end although Mr Wedderburn was OK with me going home.

Walked to hospital and back to Jumpers corner. Bus to High Street and then walked to surgery and along to Ralph's, then home. Distance walked 7miles.

Tuesday, August 17th

Dental appointment.

Went to avon View to to solicit more sponsorship.

Went to Boscombe to obtain small notebooks for use on walk.

Monday, August 16th

Spent morning at Metting place at church seeking more sponsorship.

Saturday, August 14th

Wrote and posted letters to gain sponsorship.

Friday August 13th.

Went out this morning without rucksack for power walk - Stanpit Marsh, Avon Beach to Cliffhanger cafe at Highcliffe, onlt took 1hr 20 minutes. Returned same way. Met twitcher on Stanpit Marsh looking for rare glossy ibis which had been reported the previous day. Two men saw it but it was then hidden in reed beds so I did not see it. Arrived home 10.15a.m. Distance walked 11miles.
Then walked into town to post letters, the caught X1 to Bournemouth to see consultant urologist.
He agreed to arrange for urology nurse to arrange for me to have a TWOC. She later telpphoned and TWOC has been arranged for Wednesday August 18th. Hopefully I hall be able to function without the need for a catheter while on the walk.

Thursday August 12th

Practice walk left home at 7.50a.m. Tuckton bridge, Wick village, Harbour Road, Southbourne, Boscombe, Bournemouth. Stopped for coffee at Durlston Chine. Continued to Poole, Sandbanks to Shell Bay, Heather Walk for a change from along the seashore to Studland, then to Old Harry Rocks - arrived there 1.30p.m. Ate lunch. 1.55p.m. set off over Ballard Down and down into Swanage. Caught no 50 to Bournemouth Square and then 1a home. arrived home about 5.40p.m. Distance walked about 24miles.

Practice walks & things in August 2010.

Tuesday August 3rd
we were in Plymouth and discovered that the ferry at Noss Mayo stops on September 26th two days before I get there! Similarly with the ferry from Bantham to Bigbury-on-Sea. Have obtained telephone numbers of taxi firms so I can get transport arund both rivers. River Erme low tide is 2.23p.m. on day I will be there so no issues crossing. Also found information about accomodation in Wembury and Portwrinkle - since returning have boked accomodation in both locations and also in Fowey. Also have booked accomodation in Padstow - so only three venues to be confirmed. Feel very positive about this.
Friday August 6th
Caught X1 to Lymington. Long holdup due to roadworks so bus did not arrive until 11.25p.m. Lifeboat station at 11.45am. Strong headwind gale 4-5. Arrived Avon Beach at 5.00p.m. Home at 5.40pm. Headwind was tiring but very good to test my legs. Distance about 18miles.
Saturday August 7th
Left home at 6.50am. Harbour Road, southbourne, Boscombe, Bournemouth arrived at Middle Chine at 9.30am. Continued to Poole, and Sandbanks - ferry at 11.00a.m. Arrived ast Old Harry at 1.00p.m. and Swanage 3.00p.m. Bus full & then heavens opened. Distance approximately 23miles
Monday August 9th
In morning 6.00am walked to Stanpit Marsh, Avon Beach, Highcliffe [Cliffhanger] and basck by 9.15am.
In Afternoon [depart 12.30] depart Tuckton Bridge, Wick Fields, the Run, Hengisbury and back.
Total distance of both walks approximately 23.5miles
Tuesday August 10th
Set out at 8.00a.m. Stanpit Marsh, Avon Beach to Cliffhanger, on returning to Avon Beach met up with Dave Galpin and had coffee together. Lift home with Dave due to personal problem.
Wednesday August 11th
Set out at 6.45am Stanpit Marsh, Avon Beach, Cliffhanger, back to Avon Beach and to Mudeford Quay. Ferry to Mudeford Spit, to Hengisbury Head, accross sand dunes, Harbour road, Wick, and the Quomps. Met John & Brenda so stopped for a coffee. Home at 12.45. Distance walked 15miles.
PLANS
To continue walks until August 21st and then have one week relaxing and finally getting ready for start date of my "Dawdle" on bank holiday Monday, August 30th.