To a Long Steep Hill

Holing up in the Bath Hotel last night was a good call.  It was good to cuddle up in a warm hotel bed as the rain beat down outside. As we got back into the car, parked next to the river Lyn we watched the roaring torrent which all the rains have created. I wonder if residents still think of the 1952 flood which buried the village with the loss of 34 lives. The stretch of coast path between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe is very different.  The high cliffs of the Somerset-Devon border have been left behind and we are in a new landscape of coves, caravans and boat moorings. It's a bit of a slog, frankly, with stretches where you have to walk along the main road. The rain has stopped but the wind!  In the exposed stretches it is exhausting, coming straight at us from the west. We were pretty knackered by the time we got to the top of Hillsborough, overlooking Ilfracombe Harbour.  The harbour at Ilfracombe We went into The Dolphin restaurant on the quay and had ...

So, we are off tomorrow on the second section of our South West Coast Path Walk - Lynmouth to Combe Martin. Weather forecast is for rain. And I have developed a knee problem.  My lovely physio Juls Mackie says I should be OK.  If you live in the Teddington area and you have aches and pains - you can find her at  http://www.tw1physiotherapy.com/index.php/juls-mackie/ She specialises in sports injuries.  Perfect for a wonky knee.  But just in case ....

Tiny, isn't it?  The picture is taken at The Byline/Curious Arts Festival which we attended 23-24 August and spent two nights in the tent.  We were at the festival because my choir (MJs Choirs) was performing. The weekend was very warm - but the nights were extremely chilly. It's a Ghost 3 ultra lightweight tent from Mountain Hardware.  The '3' is telling you that the tent is meant for three people.  Comfy for two at a stretch, but three?  Only sardines need apply.  Not cheap.  You won't get away with less than £400.  Not your average festival bivvy. But it is extraordinarily light. Oh and we've also bought lightweight sleeping bags.  Three seasons Helium 250 from Mountain Equipment.  £150 each. I know! SWCP tranche two is now booked for the weekend of 27 September. Setting out from Lynmouth.  We'll be on the path for three days.  First night in the Hunters Inn then two nights in the Ghost.

It's Cotignac in France We spent five delightful days as guests of the Harringtons.  A lot of time by the pool.  Weather very warm, thanks. Well it's no good trying to do the SWCP in August.  Everywhere booked up.  We'll be putting our boots back on in September.