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.