I woke up early at 5 am as planned. I’d slept well and it was another fine morning. I packed up quickly without breakfast as I was low on water and set off at six aiming for a campsite past Barnstaple.
I walked through pastures with lambs grazing and into bluebell woods, clambering around several fallen trees. The path went up and down as the coastal path is supposed to and after a couple of hours, I walked past Peppercombe, where my sister and I had been staying in the National Trust cottage she’d so kindly booked for us.
The path then narrowed climbing short but very steep hills through gorse and brambles, until finally descending to a beach where there was a stream. I filtered some water drank deeply and continued on. In the last eight hours of walking, I had only passed one tiny fishing village and possibly 2 to 3 walkers.
Eventually, as the path approached Westward Ho, there was some level walking and I picked up my pace and cut across country lanes to arrive at Bideford at 12 o’clock. Food and a quick pint later, I crossed the Torridge at Bideford Longbridge and set off along the Tarka Trail to Barnstable. This trail was a different kind of walking, dead level with boats bobbing on the estuary to my left. In no time at all, I arrived at Instow and dove into the Quay Inn, for another pint.
The path left the Tarka Trail at Instow, taking a slightly longer route through the dunes and around the estuary, rusty old boats and a disused old pier, evidence of the fishing industry from days past. Back on the Tarka Trail, there followed 4 miles or so of walking through a shaded wooded area and along the estuary once more into Barnstaple. I stopped for an excellent meal of chicken fajitas then walked the last 2 miles out of Barnstaple up the hill to the campsite I had found.
At the campsite I was greeted by the lovely Charles and Julia, showered did my washing, anticipating a couple of rainy days ahead, and fell asleep by 10.
Day Summary
26 miles walked, feet feeling fine, body feeling strong, having a lovely time.
Discover more from Henry’s very long walk
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Apart from the chicken that looks banging. Keep up the good walk henry
That’s exactly what it is! Getting easier by the day.Staying with the Bonds in a couple of days.He will be the first brave soul (foolish idiot) to actually walk with me. My dance card is empty in Scotland Iain?
Really impressed by your progress. I have tried to convince Sophie to join you with Jess but I fear I have failed
Convincing Sophie is a challenge tougher than my walk, but I admire your optimism.
Glad it’s getting flatter !
But not for long!