CW-LE: Cornwall!

Today (Thursday 20th July) I entered Cornwall, and felt a great sense of achievement, as I always wanted to visit Cornwall but never had, until today, arriving by foot from Scotland.

Going back to Ilfracombe, I was able to enjoy another easy day (14 miles) in kinder weather and relished the extra time this allowed me to chat in Grampus Inn, Lee, with a chap Richard, discussing cycle touring and long distance walking over a couple beers - he wants to do this journey next year.

Then on around Morte Pt to the surf beach of Woolacombe and then up to Little Roadway Farm to camp, and an awesome campsite it was with a shop that had everything you may need as a camper - lots of local produce to including traybakes that were brick-sized (e.g., 1000 calorie caramel shortbread).

On a mission to get a replacement raincover for rucksack, did a fast large day to Barnstaple arriving 3pm,  first 2 outdoor shops sold out of them on Saturday (funny that), but Millets had a really cheap one that would do absolutely fine for the remaining 10 days to Land's End.

Next day was shorter and felt really chilled again, passed woman in her tractor blasting out the Wurzells, had an awesome brunch at a cafe with chilled music playing, grabbed a pint at Instow - the ferry to Appledore didnt run until 5.30pm so walked down river to Bideford and glad I did - awesome place.  Stocked up with camping food for next 2 days.

Got to Westacott Farm just before the rain hit - the rain continued hitting into the night.  

Next day was glorious though, started with very rough coast path with steep ups and downs on slippery red mud, brambles grabbing the pack and my clothes on occasion.  As the miles passes the skies gradually cleared, the path improved and I caught up with an inspirational and really sound guy Adam who was doing an epic epic for a cancer hospice stared in j o groats in April and walked across to Cape Wrath then Scottish National Trail and then Pennine Way, across to Chester then Welsh Coast Path - Averaging 25 miles a day (no rest) and continuing round coast until finishing at Buckingham Palace next month, jusy incredible.

So spent whole day chatting as we walked around Hartland Point where the coast swings 90 degrees Southwards.  Camped at Stoke Barnton campsite after a couple beers at Hartland Quay.

Today (walking to Bude) I'd been warned about by so many SWCP walkers coming the other way, and to be fair it was probably the most ascent/descent in a day since Shropshire, Offa's Dyke.  But stunning.  At B&B, some laundry done, more supplies as 2 nights camping ahead.  Weather looking poor for weekend but I'm ok about it now I feel equipped again.