June 23rd: Dartmouth to Torquay

Brixham

Leaving the Ship in Dock Inn, my home for the night

Day 24. I left my golf pals behind in Dartmouth and made my way to the ferry terminal - proper ferry this time, not a little boat! By 08:30hrs, I was aboard the ferry and ready to embark on the journey across the water to Kingswear.

I felt a sense of anticipation/trepidation for the day ahead, I was about to start my hardest day for over a week.

Ferry to Kingswear

The initial 6 or 7 miles of my journey involved tackling some seriously steep inclines. It was particularly intense and quite demanding on my muscles and by 1.00pm I had walked an exhausting 12 miles and was really feeling it.

The thought of another 11 miles loomed over me, but I pressed on, fortunately, the terrain began to change for the better and the last 7 miles of my trek were relatively flat. I managed to reach Torquay, feeling tired and sore but still moving quite well - a small victory.

Some company...

Throughout the day I was again treated to some truly great views, clear skies across the sea, wildlife, beaches and harbours. Always makes the tougher days and that extra effort required worthwhile. But today I didn't manage to engage in any conversations with fellow walkers on the path, probably because I was feeling so tired. Sometimes you just have to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. I fell again today as well... a full on tumble, flat out, on my face... But fortunately no damage! I am sure my tired legs played a part in that little mishap. I iced my sore legs while enjoying a beer at the hotel, all good.

Pudcombe Cove

I am staying at The Hotel Balmoral in Torquay, and Basil was right, when I look out of the window I don't see herds of wildebeest (one for the Fawlty towers fans) but a rather more tranquil, private view of a seaside town. The Hotel Gardens were lovely with the ocean poking out through the trees in the distance...

Torquay was of course known as The English Riveria, and although still charming with its own unique allure, I couldn’t help feeling a little of the sheen has rubbed off over the years.

The Hotel Balmoral is very nice and is adults only (not in that way - steady on). All the guests I have seen are, how should I say, quite senior in age! This observation causing me some mixed emotions in the dining room over dinner.

On the one hand I was once again the youngest person in the room which made me smile, but then the feeling of loss came back as I realised everyone else in the room were couples, sharing their meals and conversation together.

Despite the emotions, I had a great meal. Sea bass and prawns with a lobster sauce, yum! Topped it off with a bit of pudding, then retreated to my room for some much needed rest! Hoping tomorrow will go a little easier on the legs...