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.
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