This was not the day I had planned. But if I’ve learnt anything from these treks, it’s that you need to be adaptable, and most importantly, you need to listen to what your body, or your environment, is telling you.

I don’t think I’ve ever had such a short leg to a journey. I’m not quite sure of the shortest before but I know that today has broken any record I previously had. I felt ok about it though. In fact, in a strange way, I felt quite good that I’d done what I’d done. Even though it was obvious, I don’t always do the obvious, so I was pleased I’d reacted the way I did.

The tin mines

The last time I was here it was so misty that I could barely see the old buildings from the tin mines. I certainly couldn’t see the sea and had no idea where Penzance was. Today, everything was clear. I was able to have a proper look at the mine buildings and could see Penzance and Mousehole in the distance.

It really was the perfect day to be walking. But there was a problem. I was hurting and every bit of pleasure I should have been feeling was being sucked away by the constant pain in my knee. The flat sections were ok, slight inclines ok, but anything steep or descending was a problem. If I rested after a difficult section it wasn’t too bad, but the difficult sections were quite regular.

I know this was stupid but I started to think ahead to some of the sections in North Cornwall. I was wondering if I could just put up with the pain for a couple of weeks. Complete the challenge. These thoughts were stressing me out though because I was, instead of just thinking about today, I was thinking of the remaining 300 miles, and it was overwhelming me.

I stopped for a rest to think about what to do.

Advice can always be found when you need it

I realised pushing much further today was not possible. It was a strange pain. When I was on a flat I’d convince myself I was ok and could easily carry on for miles, but once I got to a steep part I’d start to worry that I wouldn’t even get 100 metres and I’d have to call for help. I was swinging between two extremes. I knew though that I couldn’t carry on like this.

I basically had two options.

The first was to struggle on to Penzance and get the train home. The second was to find a campsite and have today and tomorrow off. I was actually tending more towards the train but the thought of being unsuccessful really hurt. It hurt a lot more than my knee.

So I was there, on the path, sat on a rock, and two ladies walked past me. Of course we had a conversation and I told them what was happening to me. I told them about my options and how I felt about each. They just said, well you need to rest it for a couple of days, and then carry on. And then one added that she’d had a metal knee now for 20 years and that was fine so I always had that as an option. She had a wonderful sense of humour.

It’s funny as their advice was not particularly insightful. I really should have got there on my own. But it was what I needed as I don’t think I was thinking straight. So with that, I called a campsite nearby, said I knew it was early in the day for arrivals, but explained my predicament and that I’d like to stay for a couple of nights. The campsite owner said to come right over. She was so nice. She said she wasn’t there at the moment but told me where to pitch up and that she’d see me later. I felt instantly better.

The walk to the campsite took about an hour and was a little difficult as some of the stiles are a bit tricky, but I was there soon enough and glad to get settled in. It was a lovely campsite as well. I’ll definitely be back.

Let’s go for a walk

This might seem daft, but after I set up I knew I needed food for the next few days so went for a walk to find some. Without my pack my knee felt ok so that gave me hope. It also made me relieved I’d not given up just yet, because if I’d gone home and then walked without pain, I’d have convinced myself I’d made the wrong decision. Obviously, as I now know, walking with a pack is totally different to walking without one.

It ended up being a good day. I took the bus to Helston, which was an adventure, and bought all the food I’d been dreaming about for the last few days. I also managed to find my way back to the tent. So really, I’ll chalk this day up as a success.

Looking forwards, I think there’s a good chance now that I won’t get to the end. But I will try my best. And I’m so incredibly lucky as Jenny has told me to take my time and take as many breaks as I need. I don’t know many people who would be given that luxury. Although I did see a picture of the lawn at home which is definitely in need of a cut.