Combe Martin to Ilfracombe

Combe Martin to Ilfracombe - Monday 9th August 2010

Path Facts - Length: Approx 5.3 miles, Ascent: 1804 feet

Short day today. No particular rush. We walked back towards the sea front from the Pack O’ Cards. Checked tourist info for tide times + found more SWCP local maps by a guy in Croyde which are great.

The SWCP Association guide really bigs up an alternative path to avoid a dangerous stretch of the A399. It involves crossing the beach/harbour at Watermouth but only if the tide is low. Hence the need to check tide times – but luckily we were about an hour off low tide so there was loads of time.

Interesting Fact!

A small dog operates the till in the outdoor shop at Combe Martin. No, really.

Lynmouth to Combe Martin

Lynmouth to Combe Martin - Sunday 8th August 2010

Path Facts - Length: Approx 13.3 miles, Ascent: 4429 feet!

Well! Note the ascent figure above. The cumulative height of the climbs on this section are about 20 ft higher than Ben Nevis. This day was not going to be a stroll on the beach!

We started 9.30 am-ish again. The B&B was busy for breakfast despite advertising vacancies here and elsewhere in Lynmouth. Would have expected August to be full everywhere. A short stop for some supplies in Lynmouth including new flannel as an upgrade from the J-cloth towel! Also bought a map of whole SW to check overall plan + progress.

Porlock to Lynmouth

Porlock to Lynmouth - Saturday 7th August 2010

Path Facts - Length: Approx 13.5 miles, Ascent: >3000 feet

A small packed lunch was obtained today due to the longer path and absence of obvious stopping point. Packet sandwiches from local supermarket but good enough. We left about 9.30am. There is a parallel footpath from Porlock to Porlock Weir which saves walking the mile+ down the road. From Porlock Weir there is a pretty steep ascent up through the woods then things level off near Culbone.

Minehead to Porlock

Minehead to Porlock - Friday 6th August 2010

Path Facts - Length: Approx 10 miles, Ascent: est. 3,500 feet (inc. Rugged Path)

I think we ended up starting at about 9.40am. The new path which heads NW out of Minehead near sea level is really nice. Landscaped with benches for a stretch then the path starts to climb up through the trees. This was steeper / harder than expected and very soon the number of flies became a problem. Must be the time of year. The flies seemed to want moisture. It was better when drying off after stopping. Then the flies left you alone.

Arrival

Arrival - Thursday 5th August 2010

I arrived in Minehead late afternoon, bought some supplies, checked local info then parked the car somewhere where it would be safe for a few days. Minehead has a Butlins on the East side of the town. We were staying on the West side near the harbour and very close to the monument that marks the start of the walk (see photo taken from the Inn - the monument can be seen through the trees in the middle of the picture).