There had been a little bit of rain overnight so maybe that’s why they were all over the path, but it did seem a little foolish of them. The path was complicated enough without having to dodge all these pretty snails.

There must have been hundreds of them. All moving around as well, not hiding in their shells. Challenge accepted though, and I can’t be sure, but I don’t think I trod on any.

It was the correct decision

I was worried that I’d stopped too early the day before. I was concerned that I’d end up arriving at places at awkward times and that it might affect finding places to camp. But what I was doing was comparing this walk with my last one, which I knew had worked out, so I suppose I was subconsciously seeing that as a safe option and trying to replicate it.

The thing is though, this time it’s bound to be different because I’ve taken rest days at different times, I’ve been injured so not walked so far on different days. Even the start was totally different as I’d planned correctly to get through the ranges at Lulworth.

So I need to get it out of my head that if I’m not in synch with last time, it doesn’t mean I won’t find places to camp or stores to buy food.

With all that in mind, and the fact that the pitch was perfect, I’m very glad I stopped when I did. Especially as the path from the Cape of Cornwall to St Ives is a real handful so it was good to be on fresh legs. I’d vaguely remembered it being tough but not this tough.

There are so many awkward bits, just waiting to twist an ankle or bang a knee. I fell over once and landed on my bottom, which luckily was ok, but it was just like a 10 mile assault course. I know I shouldn’t say this, but I’m glad that’s behind me. Obviously, right from the start, with the low dark clouds and mist in the air, it felt spectacular, and indeed the views were, but it made you work for it.

Mission ‘new shoe’ fails

I must be honest and admit I didn’t try very hard. By the time I got to St Ives I was quite hungry and was really craving an ice lolly. On the way to the coop, which now has stock, there was a Mountain Warehouse but it had nothing that suited me, so I decided that I’d come up with another plan later, grab some lunch, and get on my way.

It didn’t help that I’d hit St Ives at exactly the wrong time. A nice day, a Saturday, and bank holiday weekend. It was so full of people. I’m sure it’s a lovely place, it does look very pretty, but it definitely had too many people. I’ll never understand why everyone congregates in the same place like this.

Shortly after leaving, I sat on a bench and wrapped tape around my boots. That should hold them for a bit.

A blast of speed

I liked the next few hours but really I shouldn’t have. There’s a lot of road waking to get around the Hayle Estuary and I suppose it’s not the most interesting part of the path. But I really appreciated being able to walk easily without having to concentrate on every step.

I’d also called a campsite to confirm that I could stay so I was looking forward to a warm shower. I knew the path went close to an Asda as well so I’d treat myself to some new body wash and also some fruit. This was going to be a good night. Clean and fruit.

My only oversight was how far away the campsite was – guess what, further than expected – so I’d have to get a move on. Only another four miles after the Asda so I should be there for 8pm.

Did I cheat

I decided, instead of getting lost in the sand dunes that lead to Godrevy I’d just walk on the beach. Which is technically not the coastal path. All the signs that lead the way have fallen over in the dunes and I didn’t want to go through that again. So, with the wind behind me, I powered up the beach.

Walking on the sand wasn’t exactly easy but better than getting lost. I did worry at one point that I’d get cut off my the sea, and drown, but luckily, before the sea came too close I found the path that led to my campsite.

I really enjoyed walking on the beach. There were dark clouds, it was raining, the sea was crashing down on the beach, and the wind was blowing. It felt exciting.

Don’t judge

It’s wet at the campsite and again I don’t have any internet connection so I’m struggling to upload a blog or even just talk to Jenny.

I was greeted like an old friend by the campsite security who were expecting me and I quickly put my tent up as it was now raining quite hard. Then I went for the long awaited shower with soap and then settled down in my tent.

I noted another backpacker had their tent up but it didn’t look well pitched. They hadn’t used any of the guys either. I thought that unwise. Well, while I’ve been writing this there has been heavy rain and wind and I’ve been out twice to reinsert tent pegs, whereas their tent is fine. That’ll teach me to judge.