If I was using an aircraft style pre trek checklist for body parts this "baby" would be well truly hangered for the day and I would still be in bed !
One ankle was swollen, my toes taking the brunt of my ill fitting shoes were being slowly shredded and a pain behind my left knee was now beginning to emmerge. Despite these shortcomings I was committed to yet another hard day on the trail, 21kms along the spectacular Nth Devon coastline on what was a truly beautiful sunny day.
Leaving Lynton was a delight along the beautiful tarmaced Victorian Nth Walk that wound its way cliffside to the spectacular Valley of the Rocks !
Even the mornings first climbs weren't too bad going along a series of private toll roads through the Lee Abbey Estate to abut some very fine coastal scenery.
The trail then worked its way through a steep valley to Heddons mouth for equally beautiful coastline views.
Some easier moorland walk gave way to the days "Mother" the appropriately called Hangman, at 1034 feet the highest sea cliff in England.
While expecting a bit of a climb from the narrow Valley floor I was unprepared for the steepness of some of its segments a few over 40+% !
More climbing took me to a rock cairn marking the highest point on tHe SWCP before a painful downhill into Combe Martin with its lovely sea side setting and a bustling beach side hotel doing a roaring business on this beautiful day
After raiding the local shop for a much needed drink I set about finding my b&b beautifully located just off the beach with thankfully a large double bed large enough to collapse in to.
After 8 hours on the go it was time to head to the local fish and chip shop and then for a bench seat just off the beach to watch a beautiful sunset to signal the end another tough day on the trail.
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