Today did not have inadvertent extra miles, and the length of the walk – 14 miles between 8.30 and 4.30 – should have been ideal. BUT…it was the hottest day’s walking I have ever done. I have walked on hotter days, including a Wye Valley walk in 2019, on the day that until last week held the record for the UK’s hottest day. But there has always been shade. Today there was none and I was baked. Yes, hat, yes, loads of water, yes, sunscreen applied twice. But I was exhausted by 4.30.
I did the first 5 miles by road – the coast path would have added 2-3 miles extra. Then I picked up the coast path which was much more walkable – few rocky bits and mainly flat. However there were four valleys with deep climbs down and up again, with very steep steps. Annoying, but I suppose rivers and streams have to reach the sea somewhere.
I stopped for a snack in Portreath, and from then on have been retracing the route of a walking holiday I went on with school friend Arnold Root just after our A levels in 1973. Portreath was our first evening stop, having walked from an inland coach stop. My next two stops, Newquay and Treyarnon Bay, were also the next two stops on the 1973 trip.
I arrive in Porthtowan at 4.30, a much better time to stop walking than the previous two days, which were both about 6.30. I had used up my water so stopped at the first place with shade for a pint of lemonade (now my soft drink of choice having neglected it for years). From the pub I listened back to my mention on the Classic FM requests show from earlier that afternoon. Thanks to Brad for calling in. What fun!
Then it was off to find my excellent Airbnb (my first time using one).
Every single place in town was fully booked for supper – even two takeaways (I didn’t even know take-aways could be fully booked, but apparently so). So I ate a quiche from the local shop.
Thankfully the forecast is cloudy for tomorrow. This will be a bit longer than today and mainly on roads. And I end in Newquay. My sister Gail lives there now, but is unfortunately away. But previous events there have been comically unfortunate. More on Newquay tomorrow…..
The best thing about today was arriving early enough to have some evening to rest, which I rather need.
Three days down – halfway to the first rest day…..
To support any of the four charities go to https://linktr.ee/guygoesnorth
Awards for Young Musicians Framework Charity Southwell Minster Bingham Choral
Daily Data
Days left until John O’Groats | 73 |
Route miles walked | 48.15 |
Estimated miles until John O’Groats | 1002 |
Additional miles walked (evenings and rest days) | 3 |
Counties walked through | 1 |
Number of walking companions so far | 0 |
Number of stiles crossed | 19 |
Current sponsorship total | £11,931.32 |
Cast of characters | Jeremy Pemberton, Laurence Cunnington, Adele Poulson, Brad Poulson, Graeme Parkhill, Andy Hellwig |
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