Bude to Crackington Haven

Leg 3, Day 5 - Thursday 1st September 2011

Path Facts - Length: 10.2 miles, Ascent: 2664 feet

Another 8 am breakfast and set off before 9 am which may be close to a record. A walk across town was necessary though pretty quiet still. The path picks up just beyond the canal. This was the hottest day of the leg and there were already clear blue skies.

The path ascends to Compass Point where there is a monument based on the Temple of Winds in Athens. The path ascends further to Efford Beacon then stays reasonably level with views of the coastline as it changes direction again from South to Southwest. 

The path drops down again for the beach resort of Widemouth Bay. A quick stop for a cold drink at the beach side café.

There was some walking on B roads over the next stretch but very little traffic. As the path changes direction to the SW and gains in height there were great views back to Widemouth Bay, Bude and the satellite station.

There's a great bench on this stretch of path which gives a progress marker. Only 500 miles to go!

But 132 under the belt, which would be 135 by the end of today and this leg.

There were a number of steep ascents/descents.

Then a dramatic opening up of the view down into Crackington Haven and beach.

We had both been here many years ago (maybe 20 years) though nothing was really recognisable. Crackington Haven had been subject to floods in 2004 though, from photos I found on the net, it didn’t look like the place had changed that much.

As this was the last day’s walking for this leg, the plan was to get the bus back to Bude & stay one more night at Tee-side. We arrived at Crackington Haven about 2.30 pm in time for a locally made veg pastie and an ice cream. There was then time for an hour’s chill on the beach before visiting the bar for a cold one and start drafting some plans for Leg 4.

The bus back to Bude arrived pretty much on time at 6pm-ish. £2.50 for a single and a 20 minute journey.

Usual ablutions followed then chips, bread roll and a mug of tea at the classy Sizzlers chip emporium.

Info:

Accommodation – Tee-Side, Bude

as yesterday

Food – Sizzlers  Chip Shop!

Quality *** avg chip shop
Price **** £7-ish for two meals!

Beer

No beer! OMG no beer!