So two little walkers set off all bright and breezy on the second day of walking the South West Coastal Path.  Relieved the knees, hips, calfs all still up to the challenge.  A hearty breakfast set us up for the day – took the bus down the hill into Porlock Weir where we were faced with some steep steps as we started on our journey.  Rucksacks felt a little heavier today!! Again lots of scenic walking, woodland and coastline views – such a beautiful part of the country.  But boy was this walk tough – this is by far the hardest thing I have EVER done in my life – I had no idea!!  Typically British, as with yesterday, we faced all 4 seasons in one day – truly tested the waterproofs and suncream – happy we made good purchases on this score.  Again, hill after hill after hill after hill, what goes down definitely goes up in abundance – at times it’s like rock climbing!!

Love is ….. carrying Dee’s rucksack when the going get’s tough ❤️

Took 6 hours to reach Lynmouth, only stopping for water and breath stops + the odd wine gum!!  A beautiful town but unfortunately it poured with rain for the entire time we were here.  Stayed in a friendly B&B – The Orchard House, again our hosts Yvonne and Jason so accommodating – very kindly offered to drive our rucksacks to tomorrow’s destination (a massive relief).  On Pete and Barbara’s recommendation we had dinner at The Rising Sun on the harbour – beautiful food – even though we were falling asleep over our plates!! So another early night.  I was feeling anxious about tomorrow’s walk as it says Challenging-Strenuous – decided to sleep on it. 

Yes, we actually got started.  Nigel kindly dropped us off in Minehead and we set off bright and breezy, passing Steve’s band of followers as we left the town!  

An exhilarating walk to say the least, mostly through woodland with odd glimpses of the coastline – didn’t realise such steep hills existed – every time you go down you just know there’s going to be a huge climb around the corner!! Finished off the walk into Porlock Weir along the pebble beach.  Took 5 hours to walk the 9 miles (feel sure it was longer than 9 miles) and treated ourselves to a cream tea in beautiful Porlock Weir. 

 Our Shepherd’s Hut accommodation was in Porlock, another 1 and half  miles up the hill … so we headed off, decided to take a public footpath instead of the road … big mistake .. 2 hours later after a mega-steep climb reached our home for the night!!

Tip:  (1) Try to get booked into Porlock Weir. (2) Wait the 2 hours for the bus – it’s worth it.  (No taxis in Porlock)

Shepherds Hut on Doverhay Farm very bijou!!  Charming host Michael made us feel very welcome (cooks a fab breakfast – all produce from his farm).  Had dinner in Ship Inn in Porlock and back to the hut for a good night’s sleep.  

The hospitality at The Langbury Hotel, Blue Anchor Bay, just couldn’t be any better.  Nigel and Paula make you feel so welcome and at home in their beautiful establishment – would highly recommend a stay here if you’re ever in the area.  Little touches mean so much      www.langbury.co.uk

Walked to Dunster Castle today where there was a Country Fair – stunning venue where we enjoyed horse jumping events, dog shows, ferret racing, craft stalls, jazz bands, pulled pork rolls.  Not a drop of cider passed our lips!

Off to Minehead this evening (travelling in by steam train) and going to a Classical Concert evening – Exmoor Music festival.  Then back to hotel for a good night’s sleep – yes, we really will start our Coastal Walk tomorrow!!  

Safely deposited in Minehead (or actually Blue Anchor Bay) by our gorgeous chaffeur Tom, in his new company BMW.  

Accompanied by Geraldine and Caitlin who came along for the ride!!  Sadly didn’t get to test the waters as tide ridiculously far out and warnings of sinking sands, so we checked into our very welcoming B&B and did some poolside lounging instead.  Nigel, our super friendly landlord informed us that walking the South West Coastal path is the equivalent to climbing Everest three times – that’s calmed the nerves!!

                                                                                
Turned into a calm sunny evening, little walk, pub meal, blog and early to bed.  Another resting day tomorrow before we start the big walk on Thursday.  No we’re not putting it off – just acclimatising!!

Well the day has finally arrived and we’re making our way to Minehead in preparation for starting our walk of the South West Coastal Path on Thursday. It seems that we’ve been planning this for so long and now we are almost there, hopefully we like the walking otherwise we’ll be back soon!

Spotted these “ducks in a row” it’s nice to have everything lined up👍, we covered nine miles today in three hours so looks okay for the planned ten to twelve miles per day, or put another way, we should get to our destination before closing time🍺

“These boots are made for walking … and that’s just what they’ll do!!”  Oh yes, Steve and I are heading out on some walking adventures. Made the decision to retire (very early of course!) and are aiming to walk the coastline of Britain over the next 3 or 4 or 5 years. Thought you might like to follow two old fogeys attempting to blog and so come with us on our journey.

Boots and waterproofs bought, rucksacks tried for size, airbnb booked all along the first part of our journey – the South West Coastal Path.  Sure they’ll be some difficult and painful days, with lots of moans and groans and ‘incidents’ to report – but so excited about heading off to Minehead on 25th July 2017 to start our journey – it will be amazing.