I was trying to work out how long the race must have been, or will be. I’d been seeing these extra signs for quite a while. Definitely for longer than a day. So I suppose maybe it could have been a marathon distance, but a marathon in a coastal path, well that would be something. The thought of running for that distance, and over that terrain, so impressed me. I couldn’t do either, I go quite a bit slower.

You know, I’m only assuming it’s some kind of running race, but I can’t think of what else it might be. The added signs have been aiding me now for the last couple of days, and I really have appreciated the additional guidance. My favourite are the ones with a big red cross and the words ‘wrong way’. Now that would be handy for the whole route. Unfortunately they stopped after Lands End so I suppose that’s where the event ends. It was good while it lasted.

Lands end before breakfast

I struggled a bit to get up this morning. It was difficult to get any motivation for the day. Which really didn’t make any sense because everything was ok. So, I forced myself to get my walking clothes on and get packed up. The tent was wet from the morning dew so I had to separate the inner from the outer but made a note to dry it off as soon as I could. It’s funny, it’s not this wet when it rains.

Once walking, filming a quick video, and making progress to Lands End I felt suddenly happy again. I’d managed to shrug off the morning blues in super quick time. I think I’d had some strange dreams that I wasn’t on my own so maybe once I woke up alone it’d affected me. Not sure. Anyway, it didn’t matter, I was on a high again.

Lands End took some getting to but I was glad to arrive nice and early as I had the place to myself. I’m not a big fan but it was significant for the walk. I was literally turning the corner and now heading back onto the north coast.

Time for breakfast

I got to Sennen Cove at a really good time. It was quiet but things were open. I went into a friendly cafe and ordered far too much – but I was hungry. After I ordered a big queue formed. It’s always a nice feeling to be ahead of the game. I did wonder if I’d have joined the queue if it’d been that long when I got there, probably not, although that would have definitely been a mistake. This breakfast was needed.

Now with a full stomach I could head off again, on my way to Cape Cornwall. Maybe the additional cake I had was a bit too much, but it’s eaten now so no going back.

Sennen Cove seemed much different today than last time I was here. Although I think my mind and attitude was the thing that had changed. I was in a good place today. I remembered some of the path ahead would be difficult but I was ready for it. There was no rush either so I took my time and enjoyed the views and the challenge of the path as it negotiated the cliff side.

Five minutes of fame

I can’t remember if it’s two minutes of fame or five with the phrase ‘everyone gets x minutes of fame’. I think mine was two.

I was on the path walking towards the Cape of Cornwall, still with a good few miles to run, and I could see lots of walkers coming the other way. I could see they were all together but in a long line so, instead of stepping to the side and waiting for them to pass (the paths are quite narrow), I decided this would be a good opportunity to sit down for a bit, and plonked myself down on a grassy bank next to the path.

The man leading the group stopped and asked me if I was walking the entire SWCP and wild camping, and when I confirmed I was he called out to the rest of the group and told them what I was doing. It felt like I was a bit of wildlife he’d discovered. “The lesser spotted thru hiker in its natural habitat. See how he carries all his belongings on his back. Notice the odours”. Before I knew it I was fielding questions from the group but also receiving congratulations and plaudits. It was very exciting. The lead man sounded English but the group, I think, were North American (I’m not the best at accents), so I assume it was some kind of guided walk. I felt so special though.

And that, was my moment of fame.

Should have gone to the coop

I had the dilemma between Coop in St Just or Spar in Pendeen. As I managed to get water in Cape Cornwall I decided against St Just and carried on to Pendeen.

The problem was that by the time I got there I was really hungry as it was late. Bought too much, ate too much, and then felt horrible for the next few miles. The Calipo was good though. At least I have supplies now, and the people in the shop were nice. I love how the Cornish talk and how they call you my lovely and things like that. It’s really nice.

I only managed a few miles after that. It was forecast to rain a bit and I found a good camping spot. Knowing the terrain ahead is difficult and wanting to keep my knee on side, it seemed prudent to call it a day. I suspect I’ve caused problems for myself tomorrow with this decision but I’m happy about it for now.

Oh, and one final thing, I managed to video some Choughs. My camera is not very good but hopefully you can make out their red beaks and maybe even their red feet. I’m getting into this Chough spotting.