New Valley Hills

The cold lingers, upsetting my sleep. My room overlooks the small river that made the Boscastle valley. The continuous sounds of water bubbling over the rocky river bed masks any rain noise overnight. I have no idea how much fell. It’s unsettling being indoors, cocooned from nature.

Apart from 3 days of storms at the beginning and now, the weather has been benign for me. Unusually there had been less rain and warmer than normal. This is about to change – “the Met Office has said, as the mercury plummets after the warmest October temperatures in five years were recorded at the start of the month.”, “The rain will be followed by “much cooler conditions, six degrees below average”, Madge said. “Given the fact a few days ago we were talking about conditions six or so degrees above average, [this] will feel like a marked contrast.””. (Source )

Brrr! I hope my sleep system is up to this. It’s rated for comfort 2C/39F and rated for limit -4C/26F so it should be enough. I’m not too worried about daytime temperatures as I run very hot when walking, plus I’ve got a warm mid layer and choices of good windproof/waterproof top layer.

I spend the day resting and snoozing and eating a bit healthier than just pasties, cakes and chocolate. A paucity of loose fruit and veg, so a bin-end apple and a bag of radishes have to do. I pay up tonight and order their grab bag breakfast as I’ll be long gone before their breakfast kitchen opens at 0830.

I’m at 77%! There are some tough sections coming up including having to carry 2 days rations as there don’t appear to be coastal grocers or convenience stores, and the cafes are listed as seasonal. I’m attempting 1450m of ascent tomorrow, which will be the highest day of the entire trail by a good 13% more than the next highest, which is the day after. Sheesh! Though only 25km which isn’t too bad. Campsite booked, but it may be a cold shower as officially it’s shut but they never say never to SWCP hikers.

The rain appears to be doing what the forecasters said it would – petering out this evening with fresh breezes and a bit of sunshine tomorrow.

The river had rise by ~30cm with muddy brown water. Yesterday when I arrived it was clear to the rocky river bed.

I’ve used today to plan the next 5 days walking, food supplies and campsites. With the wonders of the Fb group, internet searching and phoning around I’ve secured 5 spots at hikers rates. One less thing to worry about.

With a bit more thought I’ve provisionally planned the remaining days of walking, food supplies and campsites (to be booked, but good to know they still open this late in the season). 10 days walking and I’ll be on public transport on a Monday lunchtime, home by teatime.