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.

Route finding was straightforward. As this was an easy day, we took the “Rugged Path” excursion which was described in the SWCPA guide as 'strenuous'. There were a couple of quite vertiginous ups and downs but the path takes you closer to the cliff edge with views out to South Wales.

Rain was promised for today but it remained dry & really nice at times. A small amount of clist (cloud / sea mist).

Met a German couple a few times on route who were carrying pretty large packs as they were camping! They didn’t go the “rugged” route though like us hard dudes!

Descended into Bossington & stopped at the tea shop there (Kitnors) . Very nice gardens + house. There was a short walk from Bossington to Porlock along the road. Some pretty nice houses on route.

Porlock

Stopped at the motor museum at Porlock. Rollers + Bugatti + old bikes and nick-nacks. Then went shopping for possible fly retardant technology. More on this tomorrow!

Stayed at Myrtle Cottage. Very nice old house + nice lady called Sue. Good value at £55 for room. But on main road so fairly noisy + hot enough to need windows open.

Info:

Accommodation – Myrtle Cottage

Location *****
Room *****
Facilities ****
Noise ***
Food ***
Ambience *****
Price ***** £55

http://www.myrtleporlock.co.uk/

Food – The (Upper) Ship Inn

Quality **** veg fritatta

Price ***
BeerExmoor Ale *****

http://www.shipinnporlock.co.uk/

The Walker’s Strategy Section

For me – food timings for walking seem to work pretty well as per the following:

8.00-8.30am big breakfast
Snack / Light lunch
7pm evening meal

This gives a chance for the evening meal to digest + allows you to maximise your use of B&B facilities! Andy’s requirements differed slightly due to not being a big breakfast kinda guy + wanting more at lunch time.