Gone for a walk....: 2015

We navigated our way to the National trust car park at Welcombe Mouth, a small hamlet just North of Bude and across the border in Devon. We decided to start here as it was the closest car park that gave us a clear start straight onto the Cornwall section of the South West coast Path.

The route down to the car park is 'interesting', from Mead there is a steep (20%) narrow road down and then a turning along a track that was a little bumpy! This should have given us an idea of what we were going to face on our bimble along the coast path!!

The weather was gorgeous, a sunny day with a few wisps of cloud and not too hot at all, there was a nice gentle breeze blowing of the sea, perfect walking weather!!

After parking up and kitting up we set off, straight into a climb with some big steps, this certainly got the heart pumping!

A short walk and we were descending again, narrow zig zag paths down the steep hillside, at the bottom we crossed a wooden bridge over Marsland water and we were back in Cornwall, (little cheer, the adventure begins now!!)

We were disappointed to see no border guards on duty, no one to stop those pesky people from England invading!!

Obligatory pose by Kernow sign.

Looking across Marsland Water into Devon

Some amazing rock formations

We continued West, from Marsland cliff along Cornakey cliff, a series of steep descents and ascents, some real sketchy paths, loose rocks and a few big steps making this a tougher challenge than we were expecting!

I thought we were supposed to be hiking, not doing impressions of mountain goats!

After mentioning this to Jen she later told me she later told me she then had this song stuck in her head all day....

One section of path has been redone due to cliff erosion and is a wee bit overgrown , one quickly discovered there were one or two stinging nettles and the hills were alive with the sound of expletives!! Which Muppet decided shorts were a good idea!!

Cornakey cliffs

Amazing views (even for Devon!)

It was about this time we realised that our plan of walking to Bude was probably a little ambitious (read blooming crazy!) given we we both hadn't done any serious hiking for a while and were not expecting the steep climbs and tough paths.

We are watching and listening! GCHQ Bude on the horizon

A very sketchy path, spot the walkers!

Yeol Mouth

We continued over Henna cliff, past Hawkers hut and down Vicarage cliff, a quick check of the map showed Morwenstow to our left and most importantly a pub!!

We cut inland and followed the footpath beside The Tidna which then led us into Tonacombe woods.

Real picturesque woodland, very relaxing with The Tidna flowing through, the only sound being the gentle splash of the water (gosh I need the loo now....)

We followed the path, out of the woods and across a field, walking through a gateway to find ourselves in the garden of the Bush Inn pub - Result!!
Pint of cider for me please....

The Bush Inn is a proper quaint village pub, low beams, small rooms and welcoming owners!
It was tempting to go for the full on roast dinner but luckily sense prevailed and we settled on a baguette each with a side of sweet potato fries. The food was delicious and plenty of it (we felt it after when we started walking again!)

We decided to head back to the start point inland rather than just retracing our route out and attempted to pick up the footpath next to the vicarage & church, after wandering into some poor couples garden and disturbing their peaceful Sunday afternoon they kindly pointed us in the right direction. I have a feeling this wasn't the first time they have had this happen!

After a short climb through some woodland (now I am regretting those sweet potato fries, a steep climb and a full belly, not good. I wonder if Jen will fetch the car for me?)

Morwenstow church

We wandered past Westcott farm and had a little detour (we missed the sign to the path and had a little wander down the field before we realised!)

We started to follow the road to Cornakey farm, before deciding we would stick to roads for a while to give our legs a rest!

We then dropped into Marsland Valley woods, another extremely scenic and peaceful woodland, the paths were still a bit tough though in places. Very uneven with rocks and stones hidden by fallen leaves (please don't let me break an ankle here!)