tony.urwin

It is early and the field is heavy with dew, which means packing a wet tent, increasing the weight. Leaving the site, another camper kindly offers hot water for breakfast. Does he really mean just water or does it come […]

My new routine is to hike for five days, and then spend nine days at home, to reduce the increasing travel time and cost. The plan is to reach Padstow by Sunday. I have a lot of ground to cover

My plan was to get up very early, creating enough contingency time to navigate the “severe” 14 miles to St Ives, and catch the 4pm train home. There is only one small problem. I forgot that sunrise is getting later,

I crawl out of my tent, still half-asleep, to be immediately quizzed by a tiny, golden-haired sprite, on my plans for the day. Her mother duly appears, to spare me a prolonged interrogation. She is wearing a long Afghan coat.

This week’s plan is to hike from Penzance to St Ives over three days of increasing difficulty. The final day is rated “severe” by the SWCP association. Although my new Keen Targhee II boots seem perfect for my wide feet,

Porthleven is sleeping off a collective hangover, given how busy the pubs were last night. I pass a memorial for mariners drowned on this part of the coast, commemorating the passing of the Grylls’ Act of 1808, since when bodies

The electronic fog horn at Lizard Lighthouse, repeating every 30 seconds, failed to wake me during the night. I had the strangest dream that Dave Grohl was playing an acoustic version of “Times Like These” at the campsite. I wish.

Other hikers recommended the Fat Apples cooked breakfast, but a positive Covid test has locked them down, so no hot food until Coverack, which is about five miles along the coast. Another energy bar for breakfast then. Yum. It appears

Falmouth is the start of my first four day hike, as I need to reach the next train station at Penzance. There is a line of well travelled camper vans parked along the seafront. One is bulging with so many

A breakfast energy bar is a sad substitute for a bacon roll, but it is too early for any cafes to be open. It is a squally morning. I put my waterproof on, and the rain stops. I take it