Todays walk was going to be a simple and short affair, as I driving down for the day and driving on to Devon afterwards. The non-league football club I support, AFC Telford United, were due to play Torquay United, the following day.
I parked in Rock at the playing fields and waited for the bus that would take me to Port Isaac. Although sunny, there was a very stiff breeze that I would have to contend with. There were few people on the bus and it seemed even less in Port Isaac itself. I walked through the village and around the harbour. I was vaguely away that Doc Martin was filmed in the village and I think I espied the house used as his surgery, although I could not be sure as I only ever watched it once!
The climb out of Port Isaac is steep and the annoying thing is once you have climbed that hill, you descend almost immediately and lose all the height you had previously gained! After a short walk along the cliff tops I descend into Portquin, which is simply a slipway with a couple of houses. I pass a small group of other walkers who seem to be heading for the same place as me – Doyden Castle. This small folly is owned by the National Trust and I believe it is rented out. I make a small diversion to walk around the building, it did’nt take long and I am soon on my way.
Above Portquin Bay I pass by Lundy Hole, a great example of a ‘Blow-hole’, where the roof of a sea-cave has collapsed. I round the small promontory called The Rumps, which once contained an Iron Age settlement. I read Pentire point where I can see both the Camel Estuary and Hayle Bay. I drop down onto the beach and across the sands to Polzeath, where I walk for a short distance along the shoreline path before dropping down to the beach again at Daymer Bay. I will now remain on the beach all the way into Rock, still some 3 miles away. the walking is very easy on the firm sands. I can see the ferry going backwards and forwards between Rock and Padstow. Eventually, I emerge from the beach close to the main slipway at Rock. After getting changed, I head for Sharps Brewery which is based in Rock. I purchase a number of bottles that you cannot get in the supermarkets where I live. I don’t buy Doombar, as this concoction is brewed and bottled in Burton, whereas as the draft version is still brewed at Rock. I head off towards Torquay and get stuck in a large queue trying to get into the town…….good job we won 2 – 1 !! The walk took 4.25hrs
Distance today = 12 miles
Total distance = 718.5 miles
Walking the Coast of Great Britain 