The plan
10.4 miles\639m ascent\average grade 8%\3:45 hours of moderate walking. We’ll be staying at the St Bernards Guesthouse.
Reality
My best day yet. I really rather enjoyed it, and felt “in the walking zone” more today than any other. Dave was a little more weary though. Just over 10 miles, with not too much that was challenging, other than yet more heat.
I’m very aware as I’m writing this blog that it’s rather monotonous. I do think the SWCP is inherently (so far) more same-y than the Coast to Coast. We pretty much always have the coast off our right shoulder, and the conditions have been the same every day–clear blue skies, mostly calm crystal clear turquoise waters, and green underfoot. One golden beach is blending into every other one at this point. I know I’ll regret it, but I’m rather hoping for some varied weather ahead.
Looking back toward Portcothan as we headed on. We had a nice stay at Penlan.
Yet more crystal clear water…
Heather in bloom. Just after this, a huge army-green snake slithered across the path in front of me–largest snake I’ve ever seen in the wild.
One of so many HUGE beaches at low tide. We cut lots of corners heading across these…
Heading toward the Merrymoor Inn at Mawgan Porth.
After a pot of tea and a latter, off we go again.
Looking down on Watergate Bay. The path is supposed to stay on top of the cliffs, but we took a precarious path down to the beach…
You can just see the path going from the low point on the cliff line, zig-zagging down to the left of the yellow flowers.
It was a long beach walk from there. We stopped at the beach cafe before heading up and out.
Yawn…beach, beautiful water, enlivened only by some yellow flowers…
Interesting site in Porth–a digger re-shaping the beach.
Thought this was a beautifully British scene–Tesco in the background and double decker bus in the foreground. The clear blue skies and European beach architecture are confusing though.
Very pleased with our accommodations at St Bernards Guest House in Newquay (must remember to take a photo tomorrow). Much better location for a rest day than Padstow was, because there is a lounge, a fan in the room, and various entertainments. Alas, no rest day here though–off to Perranporth tomorrow.
Dinner at an Indian restaurant with a lovely view:
