That was an exciting night. The tent survived! Unfortunately, my boots and gear are still wet from yesterday. The weather looks threatening, so I pack quickly, and enjoy some beautiful early morning views. The highlight of the morning is Cambeak, […]

I must be getting used to camping, as it’s 7am when I finally surface. I’ll need to set my alarm at this rate. It is going to be a tough day. The first few valleys are coated with gorgeous dark

The 78 mile walk from Padstow to Westward Ho! is considered to be the toughest section of the SWCP. I am not sure how far I will get with only three full days of hiking, plus the two travel days,

It is a lot calmer this morning and perfect walking weather. I am back on the path by 7am, as I have a train to catch. Rounding Stepper Point, there is the most glorious, glittering view of the River Camel.

It rained all night, but everything is nice and dry, including my socks. I solved my drying dilemma by putting them in my sleeping bag overnight, the only warm place in the tent. The Gannel estuary can be crossed by

The early morning air is heavy with moisture, so everything is slightly damp. I want to reduce the amount of spare clothing I carry, and tried washing my clothes in the shower yesterday morning, drying them during the day on

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.