New Valley Hills

It’s a good start to the day

A dry tent, a 10 hour sleep on a full warming stomach.

At Towan Beach this hardy chap sets out rowing

For five km we pace each other, as we both turn into calmer locations he gets ahead for the final two km. As I arrive at Place he’s heading back, this time with a fellow rower. I’m impressed at his stamina.

I spy the Place to St Mawes ferry gearing up. Rushing down the steps to the pontoon I slip and twist my better, left ankle. Asking for permission to board I hobble to the prow for a smooth crossing.

The St Mawes to Falmouth ferry has more cancelled crossings beyond low tide, this time due to wind. The ticket seller tells me it’s a rough crossing particularly the middle section. We’re advised to stay below, sit down and hold onto something. The large swell chases up a stern corner rollicking us around. I keep a firm eye on the horizon. It’s quickly over thankfully.

Falmouth is not overrun with tourists and is pleasant on its high street. I post home my ‘town clothes’ – long trousers and shirt as I’ve not worn them for two weeks. I replace some of the weight with a bought windproof top. The warm layer and waterproof jacket are too warm when it’s just windy.

Some of the kissing gates are tiny, I feel like I’m in a cattle crush as I get pinned inside them.

The campsite at Maenporth is a hikers heaven. The only flat bit is carefully made and reserved for us. It has a lookout over the site with table and chairs, just for us. ❤️

Due to a programming error tonight’s supper is chocolate, cheese, banana and more chocolate. It’s better than nothing, though I’m glad for the tomato and avocado I ate earlier.

Since starting I’ve seen no one overtake me going clockwise, while daily I meet one or two anti-clockers. Surprisingly there are more women. The women engage in conversation more readily than the men.

One chap, with a thick Eastern European accent, tells me he’s been walking for one year. He’s four weeks into six for the SWCP – the English coast is beautiful he tells me. He wild camps everywhere; he looks pretty rugged.

There are plenty of section hikers; one couple complain how difficult it is to walk 24 km daily, I observe back to them that doing it continuously builds up your stamina.