Day Nine (Combe Martin to Woolacombe)

I had assumed I would sleep well after The Great Hangman, but alas this was not to be. The wind blew and the rain lashed. The camp site was mostly deserted except for a few stoic campers. It made me smile to see a few get in their cars to drive to the shower block! The British certainly know how to holiday!

Today was my last day on the Coastal Path.

I lay wrapped in my sleeping bag planning the day ahead, until it seemed pointless to stay snuggled up any longer. I set off at 6am to travel my last stretch of the Coastal Path. My legs were not impressed. (When first planning for this trip, I'd anticipated a day of rest following the 'strenuous' 13.7 miles of yesterday, but taking time out to care for Pegasus had reduced the time available.)

According to the Guide Book walking to Woolacombe ranged from strenuous to easy! The first part of the path runs near to the coastal road, so I was never far from human life, huddled up from the rain and the wind.

I struggled today. The lack of sleep after the challenge of yesterday, matched with the aches in my legs, made the summons of the path hard. I walked it, but I was not uplifted by it.

Thankfully, Hele Bay appeared quicker than I expected. I watched a dog bound across the beach, skid and then revel in the spray of sand. Such innocent delight.

The sight of the steps out of Hele Bay make my legs wince, "Really?" I heard them wine. All I could find to say in reply was "Come on, let's get this over with!" which wasn't the attitude I'd wanted to feel.

The sun made an effort to come out and I felt confident enough to take off my waterproofs. The next part of the journey seemed to fizzle by, but Illfracombe was a welcome site.

I enjoyed a large hot breakfast, which lifted my spirits enormously, until I realised I didn't know where to pick up the Coastal Path. After a rather frustrating search and a lack of knowledge by those I asked, I found it. Another hill and more steps! My thighs, knees and calves want to cry.

Thankfully the next 8 miles were easier, except when leaving Lee Bay! I think if a taxi had pulled up at that point, I'd have paid double the fare!

My body was trudging my last stretch of the Coastal Path. I thought of Boxer in Animal Farm! There was beauty around me, but I could only focus on heaving my weary body. As I came to Barricane Beach, my eyes were drawn to the huge expanse of sand ahead.

Woolacombe! Thank God! It's over.

There was no fanfare, but I'd done it.

I'd walked 50 miles of the SWCP ... only another 580 to go!