8 miles walked today
944 miles walked in total (10.606 average)
What a fantastic day! After discussion with my dorm mates last night, I decided that I really couldn't wait for the first ferry to Starcross, so I would drive it instead.
So, I was parked and ready to go at 8.30 am. My guide book said it would be an easy day, so I took a chance and wore walking sandals instead of my boots. A couple of miles on from Starcross, I went through the village (more of a hamlet really) of Cockwood - what a pretty place. Two pubs, a couple of houses and hundreds of boats - my kind of town!
It started to rain at this point so I put my waterproof on over my teeshirt and fleece. I already had long trousers on after checking the forecast last night with the Warden at Beer. It was all road walking this morning so at least there were plenty of opportunities for taking cover in bus shelters. At Dawlish Warren, I cut under the railway line and went in search of the facilities so I could remove my fleece as I was having a major hot flush!
From here, the path followed the railway, so I walked between the sea and the train line. I'd already checked that high tide wasn't until 3.30 pm so I was OK to continue. There were a lot of people using the path which was good to see. (One train driver waved at me as he went past, so I had to return the greeting!)
At Dawlish, I went to investigate the town - another very pretty place - with a "stream" that cuts through the town surrounded by park and flowers. At this point, the waterproof was also packed away and I was in teeshirt until nearly into Teignmouth.
From Dawlish, I had to follow roads again, but only to Smugglers Lane at Holcombe, where I got back down on to the sea wall. The heavens opened! It was only a short stretch from here to Teignmouth though and the views - through the rain - were fantastic - over to Torquay and Brixham. (I hate starting out in the mornings when it's raining, but I actually quite enjoy it if I'm already walking and it starts to rain.)
Teignmouth's a very old fashioned place, but was overrun with sporty types for the sixth round of the British offshore water skiing championships. I had a mooch around and a cream tea before heading back to the train back to my car. Sadly, though, the train wasn't due for another ninety minutes so I got the bus instead. Shame really as I'd been looking forward to an exciting train ride along the beach!
I've really enjoyed this weekend and am looking forward to coming down next Saturday for a full two weeks of walking. The weather isn't supposed to be very good, but I've got some amazing scenery coming up and I should get into Cornwall!
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