New Valley Hills

After nearly 11 hours in bed it feels like my cold has turned a corner. My throat improved overnight and it’s moved into my nose and head. Some painkillers to dull the throb. The many toothed from the afternoon before is called Peter. A friendly South African by birth he now lives here, drawing comparison Continue reading

Slept badly again. Sore throat is joined by a stuffy nose and a cough. Foggy start at 0600 so took my time leaving. Left at 0800, walked 1km and found Treyarnon Bay Youth Hostel with an open cafe. Coffee and full English breaky to help make me feel better. Only 21km today to Padstow where Continue reading

I sleep badly. On the trail at 0740. Being inland a bit I cut off a corner and head swiftly for the tidal bridge over The Gannel. I pass through Crantock which had a lovely unspoilt village heart. The local shop is cooking pastries, I’m drawn by the smell. The tidal bridge isn’t accessible at Continue reading

On the trail at 0720. An early morning runner wishes me well. Portreath provides a coffee and sticky toffee apple croissant. David is walking The Saints Way but has come off it due to too much road walking. He carries a ‘passport’ enabling him to sleep in church and village halls. Indoors to unroll your Continue reading

Despite Jon and I having plenty of common ground on long walks to discuss and a friendship going back more than 25 years I manage to get on the trail at 0745. St. Ives is stirring with early sea swimmers and runners. The walk to Hayle isn’t particularly interesting. Sitting in the grass atop the Continue reading

Saying goodbye to Bex, Dan and Lilly I hit the trail again, this time with a full pack after two days of slack packing from Prussia Cove to Porthcurno then Porthcurno to Pendeen. I feel nurtured back to good spirits and health by their combination of excellent food cooked by Bex, wine from Dan, good Continue reading

Buses. Website and printed timetables are confusing. Best way is to use First Bus app. Bus to Porthcurno takes long route. Leaves at 0900, arrives at 1015. Still earlier than the planned 1050-1144. Getting on such an earlier bus meant no time to purchase food for the day. Thank goodness for the hearty homemade muesli Continue reading

Picking up where I left off at Prussia Cove I stumble into a jolly couple I’d met yesterday. With a laugh we have a nerdy discussion about map reading, trail signage or lack of, and getting lost. They’re walking the path clockwise in sections as holidays. With one car they walk there and back again Continue reading

Everything is damp. washing from 2 days ago is still wet. Cold, wet socks go on. At least they’re clean. Third day of wet shoes The reality is washing will not line dry. My choices are either to wear dirty or wear wet. Do either or both until I reach a launderette. The negative thoughts Continue reading

Up at 0600. The weather people have caught up with reality- yesterday’s mist is now forecast until Tuesday. Which is forecast sunny-yay! My handwashing laundry despite a £1 in the tumble dryer is still damp. Guess I gotta carry it wet until tomorrow. On a Fb group I’d asked a few days go who was Continue reading