It is 2am. There are voices and laughter. Someone is unzipping the tent. “What are you doing!”. I wake, and it takes a few seconds to realise that the zip is firmly closed. My subconscious is clearly still not relaxed […]
Day 46: Gorran Haven to Portloe Read More »
After a week of hiking with the family in the Lake District, mountains are replaced by beaches, as I pass Carlyon Bay, teeming with sun-seekers. It is not far to charming Charlestown harbour, one of many Poldark filming locations. I
Day 45: Par to Gorran Haven Read More »
I wake early again, despite the comfortable campsite. I am showered, packed, and off before anyone else stirs. It is a beautiful morning and a rare chance to explore the empty lanes through Polperro. It is another blistering hot day
Day 44: Polperro to Par Read More »
I wake just before 5 am, expecting to be surrounded by sheep, but the mist hides them. It’s damp, and the tent is heavy with early morning dew. I have a sleeping companion — a tick crawls on the floor.
Day 43: Seaton to Polperro Read More »
The mid-morning ferry carries me across the River Tamar and I step off into Cornwall. The path immediately winds through the attractive grounds of Mount Edgcumbe House. It’s a scorching morning, so I cool down with a pint of Dartmoor
Day 42: Plymouth to Seaton Read More »
An inquisitive cat peers into the tent, too timid to come any closer. A bowl of freezing water to wake me up and I’m on my way. My back is stiff after two nights of camping, but the path is
Day 41: Wembury to Plymouth Read More »
The alarm goes off at 4 am — not that I needed it. I woke up every couple of hours to find myself squished at the bottom of the slope. Thankfully, it’s a relatively short day, as my back is
Day 40: River Erme to Wembury Read More »
After last week’s successful camping test, I’ve stepped up to a three-day hike. It is a logistical challenge with three rivers to cross. Two have tiny ferries, operating limited hours, and the third can only be crossed on foot at
Day 39: Salcombe to River Erme Read More »
My first wild camp. I slept surprisingly well despite a nightmare that someone stole my tent in the dark and I woke up in only my sleeping bag. Not sure how that’s possible with a sewn-in groundsheet, but there’s no
Day 38: Start Point to Salcombe Read More »
The Viano failed its MOT and is moping in the garage, so my plans to try camping are accelerated. This means a long train journey down to Totnes and it’s not until 1 pm that I pick up the trail
Day 37: Kingswear to Start Point Read More »