I had an early start today in an attempt to get back onto schedule.This surprised me a little as we had spent Saturday evening with my cousin Dawn and her husband Dave, and there is the reputation of perhaps drinking a glass or two of red wine more than is strictly good for us. However this time we had a very good,quiet, meal in the vegetarian restaurant (Demuths) that Dawn had booked - if at any time you feel the need for a vegetarian meal it is highly recommended. So I felt on good form this morning and it was pleasing that they were able come over to spend some time with us and to participate in the venture.
The early start led to having breakfast in a lay by as the hotel did not serve breakfast until 8.30. Jean is planning the same again for tomorrow morning, before I head towards Cirencester along the Fosse Way .
I started with my head literally in the clouds as the clouds were low over the Mendips, with light drizzle for the first few hours. When the weather improved I had a pleasant stroll through river valleys on quiet country lanes.
I made my target of walking back to Bath and in fact managed to walk 2 or 3 miles along the Fosse Way out of Bath. This will make it easier to to make a start tomorrow morning. Jean will drop me off and will then return home. I an to be met at the finish of the day's walk by Judith Mitchell and will take me to her brother's house in Wootton under Edge where I will stay the night.
My shins were much better today. I stretched them last night and this morning which may have done the trick. Hopefully this problem will not recur.
I haven't been keeping stats but I think that by far the majority of people that I have spoken to along the way (I am not too proud to ask for directions!)have been supportive of the enterprise, with only a few thinking that the whole thing is pointless.
Whilst marching along today I recalled the forced marches that armies did in the olden days. The one occasion that I recalled was 1066 when the English army marched from northern England (York?) where it had been fighting the Vikings to Hastings to fight the Normans.I would like to know how far they walked and how long their march took. Does anybody know? I suspect that it may put my present efforts in the shade.
"A pedestrian is someone who thought that there were a couple of gallons left in the tank." - Author unknown
Cheers
Keith
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Day 11 - 200 up
I managed to achieve the target for today reaching about 6 miles south of Midsomer Norton, clocking up the total of 200 miles in the process. Tomorrow I hope to reach Bath - at least when walking as I am staying in Bath tonight at the Halcyon hotel.
The walk was fascinating today. After a mile or two I could see Glastonbury Tor in the distance , even though it was about 8 miles away. The weather was very good with bright sun light and no wind. After passing through Street I joined Jean for a quick sandwich lunch in Glastonbury - which turns out to be very much a hippy commune with various health food, tarot card shops, faith healers etc. I then left Glastonbury and passed about a mile or 2 to the east of Wells, which provided lovely views of Wells cathedral. The whole of the day gave me a good insight into the geography of the area and in particular how the towns of Street, Glastonbury, and Wells are so closely linked. Also the whole trip so far has emphasised how beautiful the English country side is- this is overlooked by most of us as we zoom along in cars at 70 miles an hour.
After 10 days of walking I today had the first signs of the strain of it all. My shins were sore for the first mile or so, but it wore off and was no problem after that. This is slightly worrying as shin splints were responsible for me having to abandon my attempt at running a marathon some years ago. However no blisters yet! Well, in fact Jean walked a couple of hundred yards with me in Glastonbury and developed a blister!
Today's KBW's -
Dawn and Dave - for driving over from Kent to spend the evening with us in Bath and especially for booking us into a vegetarian restaurant for tonight's meal
Bryan - Losing an argument with his human sat nav (ie Jean)and liaison with waitresses
Bryan and Pat - Excellence in support driving.
"I am a slow walker,but I never walk backwards" - Abraham Lincoln
Cheers
Keith
The walk was fascinating today. After a mile or two I could see Glastonbury Tor in the distance , even though it was about 8 miles away. The weather was very good with bright sun light and no wind. After passing through Street I joined Jean for a quick sandwich lunch in Glastonbury - which turns out to be very much a hippy commune with various health food, tarot card shops, faith healers etc. I then left Glastonbury and passed about a mile or 2 to the east of Wells, which provided lovely views of Wells cathedral. The whole of the day gave me a good insight into the geography of the area and in particular how the towns of Street, Glastonbury, and Wells are so closely linked. Also the whole trip so far has emphasised how beautiful the English country side is- this is overlooked by most of us as we zoom along in cars at 70 miles an hour.
After 10 days of walking I today had the first signs of the strain of it all. My shins were sore for the first mile or so, but it wore off and was no problem after that. This is slightly worrying as shin splints were responsible for me having to abandon my attempt at running a marathon some years ago. However no blisters yet! Well, in fact Jean walked a couple of hundred yards with me in Glastonbury and developed a blister!
Today's KBW's -
Dawn and Dave - for driving over from Kent to spend the evening with us in Bath and especially for booking us into a vegetarian restaurant for tonight's meal
Bryan - Losing an argument with his human sat nav (ie Jean)and liaison with waitresses
Bryan and Pat - Excellence in support driving.
"I am a slow walker,but I never walk backwards" - Abraham Lincoln
Cheers
Keith
Friday, 14 May 2010
Day 10 - Water and birds
Despite it raining for the first 4 hours of today's walk I had a good day. The early part of the walk was along the West Deane Way along the river Tone into Taunton. Because of the rain the insects were flying low, so their predators the swallows. swifts, house martins and sand martins were flying very close to me, giving me wonderful close ups of them. At times I could even hear their wings passing through the air - a first for me. After passing through Taunton I joined the East Deane Way- which was along the towpath of the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal.
Later on I walked for over 4 miles along a perfectly straight North Drove across the Somerset Levels. This was an incredible experience (once I had confirmed that I was on the right track- Alan's compass that I was gifted yesterday came in handy here). The highlight was when about 20 swans flew just feet above my head, again the noise of their wings was worth the walk to get there.
I have reached the village of Aller which is about 9 miles south of Street. Although I walked 21.5 miles today I have fallen a few miles behind schedule because I had to re plan the route to Street.
I had the first real negative experience of the walk today when the farmers wife at Aller Court Farm objected to me walking across their garden. She did not seem to think that my reason for doing so was that they had barred the public footpath with a 3 string electric fence was sufficient justification. Other than this I have received nothing but help and kindness from everyone that I have met.
Tomorrow I hope to make progress to about 6 or 7 miles south of Midsomer Norton,via Street and Glastonbury.
Today's KBW's are to Pat and Bryan who as well as acting as support driving team carried out the role of wife sitters. They very nearly lost the award when I realised that their idea of wife sitting involved visiting most of the shops in Taunton and Street and making a dent in Jean's credit card! The promise of a glass or two of red wine tonight has however persuaded me not to penalise them.
I am still unable to upload photos to the blog. This is frustrating me but hopefully will be rectified shortly. When it is I will hopefully be able to upload all of the photos taken over the last few days.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Cheers
Keith
Later on I walked for over 4 miles along a perfectly straight North Drove across the Somerset Levels. This was an incredible experience (once I had confirmed that I was on the right track- Alan's compass that I was gifted yesterday came in handy here). The highlight was when about 20 swans flew just feet above my head, again the noise of their wings was worth the walk to get there.
I have reached the village of Aller which is about 9 miles south of Street. Although I walked 21.5 miles today I have fallen a few miles behind schedule because I had to re plan the route to Street.
I had the first real negative experience of the walk today when the farmers wife at Aller Court Farm objected to me walking across their garden. She did not seem to think that my reason for doing so was that they had barred the public footpath with a 3 string electric fence was sufficient justification. Other than this I have received nothing but help and kindness from everyone that I have met.
Tomorrow I hope to make progress to about 6 or 7 miles south of Midsomer Norton,via Street and Glastonbury.
Today's KBW's are to Pat and Bryan who as well as acting as support driving team carried out the role of wife sitters. They very nearly lost the award when I realised that their idea of wife sitting involved visiting most of the shops in Taunton and Street and making a dent in Jean's credit card! The promise of a glass or two of red wine tonight has however persuaded me not to penalise them.
I am still unable to upload photos to the blog. This is frustrating me but hopefully will be rectified shortly. When it is I will hopefully be able to upload all of the photos taken over the last few days.
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Cheers
Keith
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Day 9 - Best day yet
Today was the sort of day that I had imagined when planning this walk. Highlights were:-
Flat terrain along river and canal paths.
Sun for most of the day and best of all NO wind
The landlord of the Globe Inn at Sampford Peverell, Roger Atkins, who organised a collection for the BHF whilst I was having lunch (and a pint!). This raised £45 and created a lovely warm feeling of generosity.
The 2 ladies cycling on the towpath who donated £5
John Adams who when I asked for directions near Wellington gave me a wonderful marching compass to help with the rest of my walk.
Clive and Susie who did the transport honours for today, and bought me lunch.
Pat and Bryan who have come to Somerset (yes I am in Somerset now !)to spend 2 days with us and who brought Jean back with them.
The owner of the Bickleigh Mill, where I left the car for Jean to collect, who couldn't understand why I needed to cross a busy road, and walk 150 yards, to where I had finished yesterday's walk, only to have to come back to the Mill. She said that no one would know that I hadn't!
I have now reached Wellington. Tomorrow the plan is to walk towards Street. The support team are planning a shopping trip to Street, so that will give me something to worry about whilst I am walking!
The only downsides today were the start of the Exe Valley Way when I wished I had taken rock climbing classes, and the footpath near Wellington which disappeared and resulted in a frustrating extra mile or two. I am used to walking on the Coventry Way paths which are excellently signposted. The paths that I have used so far in the South West have been very poor - even when it is possible to follow them they are often blocked with electric fences.
The KBW's for today are for the wonderful people mentioned above - Roger,John, Clive, Susie, Pat and Bryan.
In all of the confusion of changing location I have mislaid my list of quotes. don't worry I am sure that I will find it tomorrow.
I have now walked 160 miles which is approx 16% of the total. However I prefer to say one-sixth which sounds much further!
Cheers
Keith
Flat terrain along river and canal paths.
Sun for most of the day and best of all NO wind
The landlord of the Globe Inn at Sampford Peverell, Roger Atkins, who organised a collection for the BHF whilst I was having lunch (and a pint!). This raised £45 and created a lovely warm feeling of generosity.
The 2 ladies cycling on the towpath who donated £5
John Adams who when I asked for directions near Wellington gave me a wonderful marching compass to help with the rest of my walk.
Clive and Susie who did the transport honours for today, and bought me lunch.
Pat and Bryan who have come to Somerset (yes I am in Somerset now !)to spend 2 days with us and who brought Jean back with them.
The owner of the Bickleigh Mill, where I left the car for Jean to collect, who couldn't understand why I needed to cross a busy road, and walk 150 yards, to where I had finished yesterday's walk, only to have to come back to the Mill. She said that no one would know that I hadn't!
I have now reached Wellington. Tomorrow the plan is to walk towards Street. The support team are planning a shopping trip to Street, so that will give me something to worry about whilst I am walking!
The only downsides today were the start of the Exe Valley Way when I wished I had taken rock climbing classes, and the footpath near Wellington which disappeared and resulted in a frustrating extra mile or two. I am used to walking on the Coventry Way paths which are excellently signposted. The paths that I have used so far in the South West have been very poor - even when it is possible to follow them they are often blocked with electric fences.
The KBW's for today are for the wonderful people mentioned above - Roger,John, Clive, Susie, Pat and Bryan.
In all of the confusion of changing location I have mislaid my list of quotes. don't worry I am sure that I will find it tomorrow.
I have now walked 160 miles which is approx 16% of the total. However I prefer to say one-sixth which sounds much further!
Cheers
Keith
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Days 7 and 8 - Golf, sun and scenery
The golf on yesterday's rest day went well, particularly as the wind relented, which was just as well as Teignmouth golf club is about 900 feet up and is not far from the coast. The views from the course are spectacular and more than made up with the occasional errant shot. i was delighted that the Pro was generous enough to give me a goody bag of bottles of water and energy bars to help with the walk.The golf and an altogether more relaxed day was very welcome after 6 full days of walking.
Today was for the most part sunny with a gentle breeze. This made for good walking conditions again with wonderful views over the Exe valley. This was balanced by the route (22 miles from Moretonhampstead to Bickleigh) being more difficult than I had expected. I am SURE that the route foe the next two days will bring flatter terrain. The plan for tomorrow is to walk to Wellington.
Now that I have been walking for just over a week I thought that the KBW's today should reflect the whole of the last week:-
Adrian - Best Boy in a Supporting Role
Julie and Heather - Best Director's Assistants
Neil and Sue - Technical Support
David and Barry - Superb Locations
Adrian has been an absolutely fantastic help to me this week. He is returning home tomorrow and I can only offer him my sincere thanks.There is good news about Barry - he is out of hospital and sounds to be on good form.
The thought for today which also fits in with yesterday is - "As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round" - Ben Hogan
Cheers
Keith
Today was for the most part sunny with a gentle breeze. This made for good walking conditions again with wonderful views over the Exe valley. This was balanced by the route (22 miles from Moretonhampstead to Bickleigh) being more difficult than I had expected. I am SURE that the route foe the next two days will bring flatter terrain. The plan for tomorrow is to walk to Wellington.
Now that I have been walking for just over a week I thought that the KBW's today should reflect the whole of the last week:-
Adrian - Best Boy in a Supporting Role
Julie and Heather - Best Director's Assistants
Neil and Sue - Technical Support
David and Barry - Superb Locations
Adrian has been an absolutely fantastic help to me this week. He is returning home tomorrow and I can only offer him my sincere thanks.There is good news about Barry - he is out of hospital and sounds to be on good form.
The thought for today which also fits in with yesterday is - "As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round" - Ben Hogan
Cheers
Keith
Monday, 10 May 2010
Dartmoor
Unfortunately Terry failed his fitness test and so was unable to join us at Tavistock to walk over Dartmoor to Moretonhampstead. Steve made a valiant effort but sanity prevailed after about 12 miles when he decided that discretion was the better part of valour. He is doing a charity cycle ride from John O'Groats to Lands End in June - this is with James Cracknell and 650 others. I did not want him to get injured because of joining me on my walk. Our paths may in fact cross near Fort William with him going south and me nearing the end of the walk. Fingers crossed!
The scenery in Dartmoor was magnificent. I managed to add raven and cuckoo to my bird list and also saw several deer. The weather was again fine and sunny but there was of course the inevitable north-east wind which was in our faces.
Tomorrow I am having a rest day when I am playing golf with Adrian at Teignmouth Golf Club. Don't worry I have taken the precaution of arranging a buggy - I am not intending to walk an extra 5 miles!
Having battled my way over the hills of Cornwall and over Dartmoor I am looking forward to a few easier walking days. On Wednesday I walk to Tiverton using the Exe Way for quite a lot of the walk. On Thursday I walk from Tiverton to Wellington entirely using the tow path of the Grand Western Canal - this sounds pretty flat and hopefully it should make navigating easier as long as I remember to keep the water on the left!
Some of you are still experiencing problems sending comments. I suggest that you become a "follower" of the blog which should make the procedure easier.
Today's KBW's -
Steve and Terry - Hosting last night's meal
Steve- Companionship making the hills seem smaller
Adrian - Same as always, but still much appreciated
Jean- Organisational skills par excellence
Heather - Help and support over the last 4 days
I am afraid that the photo problem has not yet been resolved. Hopefully it will have been fixed by Wednesday.
The thought for tomorrow - "Golf is a good walk spoiled" - Mark Twain
As tomorrow is a rest day there will not be a blog. Normal service will be resumed on Wednesday.
Cheers
Keith
The scenery in Dartmoor was magnificent. I managed to add raven and cuckoo to my bird list and also saw several deer. The weather was again fine and sunny but there was of course the inevitable north-east wind which was in our faces.
Tomorrow I am having a rest day when I am playing golf with Adrian at Teignmouth Golf Club. Don't worry I have taken the precaution of arranging a buggy - I am not intending to walk an extra 5 miles!
Having battled my way over the hills of Cornwall and over Dartmoor I am looking forward to a few easier walking days. On Wednesday I walk to Tiverton using the Exe Way for quite a lot of the walk. On Thursday I walk from Tiverton to Wellington entirely using the tow path of the Grand Western Canal - this sounds pretty flat and hopefully it should make navigating easier as long as I remember to keep the water on the left!
Some of you are still experiencing problems sending comments. I suggest that you become a "follower" of the blog which should make the procedure easier.
Today's KBW's -
Steve and Terry - Hosting last night's meal
Steve- Companionship making the hills seem smaller
Adrian - Same as always, but still much appreciated
Jean- Organisational skills par excellence
Heather - Help and support over the last 4 days
I am afraid that the photo problem has not yet been resolved. Hopefully it will have been fixed by Wednesday.
The thought for tomorrow - "Golf is a good walk spoiled" - Mark Twain
As tomorrow is a rest day there will not be a blog. Normal service will be resumed on Wednesday.
Cheers
Keith
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Day 5 - Devon at last
I am sorry that the technical gremlins have attacked the systems and as a result I have not been able to download the photos today. Hopefully normal service will be resumed tomorrow. The ones that you have missed were of the walking team (Steve, Terry and me) and our volunteer driver Adrian before we set off, and of me gleefully crossing the county border.
After nearly 5 days of walking I have at last left Cornwall and reached Devon! Luckily there was a pub just over the border so, together with Steve and Terry,we celebrated with a pint. Another landmark was reached shortly after when I reached the total of 100 miles since Lands End.If you say it quickly it may not sound very far, but it is further than Coventry to London.
The weather was again fine but still with the cold north easterly wind. My face is now starting to feel somewhat weather beaten.
Both of my co-walkers have enjoyed the walk today. But they are both facing a fitness test in the morning to see whether they are able to walk over Dartmoor with me tomorrow. I certainly found it helpful to have company and the time seemed to go quickly. Even the inevitable hills did not seem so bad with friends to speak to.
As it is out last night in Looe I think it is time to reflect on the places that we have stayed in so far. In Marazion we stayed at a lovely B&B for 2 nights, the Blue Horizon - much recommended. Tonight is our 4th night at the Grantham Lodge which has very kindly been made available to all of us by David Russell- thanks David your hospitality has been very much appreciated. Tomorrow Jean and Heather are returning back to the Midlands with Steve and Terry. This leaves Adrian and myself to move onto Teignmouth for 3 nights. We are staying at Barry Budden's apartment - unfortunately Barry cannot join us as he is going into hospital on Tuesday- all the best Barry and I sure that they will sort you out as good as new.
The support team visited Lanhydroc House today and thought that the gardens and floral displays were wonderful.
The KBW's for today are:-
Terry - for cheerfulness in the face of adversity
Adrian - lifetime achievement for driving and sandwich buying
Steve - female news presenter and flower consultant
"Make your feet your friend" - J.M.Barrie
Cheers
Keith
After nearly 5 days of walking I have at last left Cornwall and reached Devon! Luckily there was a pub just over the border so, together with Steve and Terry,we celebrated with a pint. Another landmark was reached shortly after when I reached the total of 100 miles since Lands End.If you say it quickly it may not sound very far, but it is further than Coventry to London.
The weather was again fine but still with the cold north easterly wind. My face is now starting to feel somewhat weather beaten.
Both of my co-walkers have enjoyed the walk today. But they are both facing a fitness test in the morning to see whether they are able to walk over Dartmoor with me tomorrow. I certainly found it helpful to have company and the time seemed to go quickly. Even the inevitable hills did not seem so bad with friends to speak to.
As it is out last night in Looe I think it is time to reflect on the places that we have stayed in so far. In Marazion we stayed at a lovely B&B for 2 nights, the Blue Horizon - much recommended. Tonight is our 4th night at the Grantham Lodge which has very kindly been made available to all of us by David Russell- thanks David your hospitality has been very much appreciated. Tomorrow Jean and Heather are returning back to the Midlands with Steve and Terry. This leaves Adrian and myself to move onto Teignmouth for 3 nights. We are staying at Barry Budden's apartment - unfortunately Barry cannot join us as he is going into hospital on Tuesday- all the best Barry and I sure that they will sort you out as good as new.
The support team visited Lanhydroc House today and thought that the gardens and floral displays were wonderful.
The KBW's for today are:-
Terry - for cheerfulness in the face of adversity
Adrian - lifetime achievement for driving and sandwich buying
Steve - female news presenter and flower consultant
"Make your feet your friend" - J.M.Barrie
Cheers
Keith
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