For the first time ever on this walk, I haven’t got an internet connection or phone signal that allows me to upload all the pictures. So I will have to do it another time...
Today was the trickiest day to organise on the whole SWCP. Not only did we have 15 miles to walk but we had two rivers to cross. A lot of people don’t even attempt this but because it is such a logistical nightmare.
It wasn’t helped by the fact that it was foggy and raining for most of the day. We set out in Noss Mayo, the other side of the river from where the ferry driver let us down yesterday.
It was very murky and when we hit the low cliffs, we could barely see the sea.
And it got very damp as the drizzle turned to rain. The kind that makes you wet!
As the cliffs of South Hams got larger, the scenery beneath it got more spectacular and more like what we were used to from our previous SWCP outings...
Despite the pea soup it is still fantastic.
The path becomes more challenging and much steeper.
There are lots of new-born lambs everywhere...
And deserted beaches.
At Mouthcombe we have to tackle the river Erme. The only way to cross this is to ford (wade through) it at low tide, walk around it which adds 8 1/2 Miles (not an option for me) or drive around it. Low tide was at 7am this morning and not again until this evening so no chance to ford this...
Luckily, our friendly walking company was on hand once again and met me at the fantastic Schoolhouse Cafe to drive me around. Pausing only for a massive wedge of Victoria sponge and an artisan cheese and chutney sandwich to add to my pack.
Once we reach the other side of the Erme we start the march to Bigbury-on-sea. We have to make the ferry to cross the other river (the Avon) before 4. No breaks and off we go - chastened with haste!
The path becomes very steep, both up and down, and the cliffs more spectacular.
But the weather is not letting up and the winds start to really bite on the cliffs bring more rain along with the fog. First world problems :-)
There are many nice things to see.
Eventually, we come to the massive caravan park at Challaborough
And push on through to ajooning Bigbury-on-Sea. We meet Damon once again from Encounter Walking who is making sure we make the ferry.
Just off Bigbury-on-Sea is the island of Burgh where there is a posh Art Deco hotel. Other than low tide, they have a specially adapted sea tractor to take people across. This was the setting for Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None where all the guests were bumped off. They have lots of famous old timers stay there but it’s not for Harry and I and we march on to try and hit the ferry...
Which we manage with only 5 minutes to spare. And our ferry driver, Marsh, it turns out is a nice man - maybe there are some good ones.
And so we reach Bantham and our accomodation in the Sloop Inn. And great views of the estuary.
We are tired and very wet. Time for a hot shower and a pint of something.
We are continuing to raise money for Meningitis Research - very many thanks to all who have donated so far and CLICK HERE or copy and paste this link if you would like to join them: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-schrier
