June 20th: Mount Batten to Challaborogh

Saying goodbye to my home for the night

Day 21. I left my Airbnb in Mount Batten, Plymouth at 07.15hrs, would you believe I had had trouble sleeping? Unfortunately it was just too hot last night for me to get comfortable and drift off, even after all that walking.

But after a sticky night tossing and turning, I stepped out into the fresh morning air and was greeted by the gentle sounds of the waking world, as I set off for a long day of walking.

Although the temperature was quite warm today, hovering in the late 70s Fahrenheit (around 25/26 Celsius), I felt surprisingly comfortable today.

Looking back at Drake Island

I walked 9 miles to Warren point where Mitch took me across on a Small boat. His kindness was evident when, after hearing about my undertaking, he generously waived the fee for the crossing. After the boat ride, I continued on foot for another 10 miles to The Erme Estuary where the only way to cross is during low tide, as there is no ferry service available.

Thankfully I had made plans with my old friends Jono and Susie who kindly drove me round the Estuary to the other side. Their presence was a welcome boost to my spirits, and Susie then walked with me to Bigbury on Sea.

Coming up to Erme Estuary

It was during this stretch that my watch, which I relied on to track my walking progress, ran out of power! So my Strava app recorded my journey as finishing 2.5 miles earlier than it actually did! Which was a bit frustrating but not the end of the world - I'm thankful I didn't lose the entire day!

Farmland right down to the sea

As I continued along the path, I noticed the coastline is very different now. Less dramatic and more serene. Less rugged cliffs and crashing water. More tranquil landscapes and sounds, with charming estuaries dotted with greenery and calmer, peaceful waters.

In The School House in Mothecombe waiting for Jono and Susie to drop me across the estuary

I drove home with my hosts for the night, Jono and Susie, chatting and reflecting on the day as we navigated the winding roads back. Upon arriving, I was thrilled to meet with Brian and Adele, friends from Cheltenham who had just sailed into Plymouth.

We all gathered at the Hope and Anchor in Hope Cove, where we enjoyed a beer together. It felt great to reunite with all these friendly faces, I am so thankful to feel the love of so many during this time.

Burgh Island

I then had a delicious supper with Jono and Susie, a welcome change from dinner for one in the corner of a pub. They will drive me back to Bigbury tomorrow and take it in turns over the next 10 miles to walk with me. knowing I won't be facing the journey alone tomorrow fills me with joy and i'm looking forward to sharing the experience with them both.

Susie and I leaving Wonall Beach

Worryingly there was no suitcase when we arrived at the house... So far the luggage transfers had been pretty smooth sailing, so I tried not to be too immediately concerned at my absent suitcase... And low and behold after some phone calls we discovered it had been left at no. 8 not no. 6! Great, problem solved!

Well... unfortunately we quickly learned my suitcase had been left out in the sun all day, so all my energy bars and chocolate had melted! In a bid to salvage what we could, we tossed them all in the freezer and hopefully they will still be usable... just misshapen...

Me, Jono, Brian and Adele with Susie taking the photo!

**missing the last 2.5 miles as my watch ran out of battery!!