Star marks the spot

As a new feature (time willing!) I will post up a map to show where they are on the SW Coast Path Walk. Todays star is for Lands End. Have fun Paul x

A message from Emma

We have now reached the one third point on our journey and no two days have been the same. I'm feeling stunned by the amount of ground my feet have actually covered and feel pleased with our progress so far, especially given the wild weather during the last week.

During the last 19 days we have met some beautiful and generous people and i am genuinely touched every time people have kindly donated to cancer research along the way.

We think we have raised about £200 from the people we have net on the path or at our accommodation. People we meet and friends and family we know are truly interested in our lots and full of support and enthusiasm... THANK YOU.

I'm loving the views along the walk and experiencing a rare trip so close to nature. I'm trying to learn some of the glorious wild flowers and have seen some close encounters with Kestral and Seals. Loadsa love to everyone and thanks for all the blog contributions, we do get them, and the hugest love and thanks to Paul for keeping the blog up to date and for his laughs on the end of the phone x x x

Dat 24 29th May 2006

Pendeen watch to Sennen Cove.

Wow what glorious sunshine we had all day long! It was very energising to feel the sun and to also have a really pleasant walk too. We saw lots of old tin mines and engine houses which have been beautifully preserved.

Cape Cornwall was beautiful and then we turned the corner to see Land's End ahead of us. We arrived in a very windy but sunny Sennen and spent the afternoon in June's (the lady we are staying with) stunning garden basking in the sun and warming ourselves, i felt like a lizard warming on a rock and gradually thawing out from all those days of wind and rain, blissful.

So around Land's End tomorrow ... X x x

Day 23, May 28th

Zennor to Pendeen Watch.

An amazing but tiring day. The wind dropped and the rain stopped! Yippee! We were walking along a rugged path of boulders and rocks which were surrounded by bog, yuk. We found ourselves going along stepping stones for miles and then occasionally would step onto what we thought was a stone but very soon discovered that it was in fact a cow pat, lovely . We also saw some beautiful waterfalls and saw some crazy rock climbers x x

Day 22, May 27th

Hayle to Zennor

A bright day initially then rather windy (again) and moody dark skys. We all headed from Hayle to Porthgwidden Beach where we had a fab break. We then left jill after her week of walking in horrendous weather.

Well done Jill, it was great to have your company and we enjoyed all the laughs along the way!

The next part of the walk was completely rugged and slow going but we bumped in Ruth, a fellow walker who we had bumped into a few times since Padstow. See picture x x hi Ruth! Hope u got your cream tea at st. michaels mount?

Day 20, 25th May 2006

Portreath to Hayle, 12.4miles, much better weather with less wind and no rain! The weather has cleared a little today and for the first time in days we were able to see the views ahead and also inland.

The coast has been a much calmer place today... Over the last 10 days of crazy weather we kept positive by saying "at least it is daylight!". We say the most amazing sight of over 30 grey seals in Mutton Cove near Godrevy Point.

The Godrevy cafe was an incredible place for great food and good value too. We have our first day off tomorrow so will catch up with you all again on the 27th when we walk from Hayle to Zennor.

Thanks for all the recent comments and a huge hello to Ann and Claudia, and Cala and Ollie! Good luck with the dissertation Cala. I'd also like to say Happy First Wedding Anniversary to my brother David and his wife Nicki ... Sorry i missed it on the 21st May, much love to all x x

Seals at Porthtowan

One of those special sites for you all to share. Jill, Emma and Helen were priveleged to see a group of grey seals on a beach near Porthtowan. The photos were taken by Emma and are now here for you to see. The pictures shows them through a lovely border of Thrift or Sea Pink.

For further information check: Seals

Day 19 - 24th May 2006

Perranporth to Portreath, 12miles,

Wind, rain then really crazy winds and torrential rain. We all left Maureen and Derek Crofts B and B after a superb sleep and welcome. Thanks for the stay and also for your help with publicity and your generous donation. During the day we saw some incredible historic sights of tin mining in the area including preserved engine houses. The wind went mad as soon as we turned around St. Agnes Head. At Porthtowan we celebrated our 210 (one third) mileage! In the afternoon we had a close and wonderful glimpse of two seals in a bay. We arrived wet through and had coffee with brandy for medicinal purposes only :) the latest news is that we have raised £1700, thank you everyone, it would be great to have £2000 before we turn the corner in Lizard x x x ps we hope to have an interview with radio Cornwall tomorrow.

£1000 and rising

The fab news is that Helen and Emma have now raised over £1000! This does not include the amounts that have been pledged and relates to the actual money in the bank for Cancer Research . If you wanna donate some money then you can by:

1.By sending a cheque made out to Cancer Research U K to the address below.
2.By joining us Get yourself sponsored and join us for part of our journey. See website for itinerary. Email paulc@biggreenworld.co.uk and request sponsorship stuff.
3.By following our progress www.twogowalking.blogspot.com
4.By going to the Cancer Research website and doanting. I don't have the special numbers to hand that will show that the money was for the twogowalking adventure (if someone does please send it to me). But please go to the site and then update me with the amount (if you wish!). http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/donate/

Address for your money ... please :-)

Two go walking
Middle Hutcherleigh
Blackawton
Nr TOTNES
Devon
TQ9 7AD

Have fun y'all

200 miles completed!

The 'girls' passed the 200 mile mark when they sqelched into Portreath on Wednesday.
That means only another 430 ,miles to go.......can it possibly rain for another 5 weeks?
Question is, "will the total inches of rainfall during the walk exceed the miles?"
The amazing thing is that despite the awful weather the girls are in remarkable spirits and as Helen says, "I'm loving it!"
On Saturday they will be walking from St Ives to Pendeen, the first walk that Helen and I did many, many years ago! That was the time that we carried everything, because we camped en route. tent, sleeping bags,food etc and Chablis! Helen also took a water bottle and one evening whilst filling it from a stream(to pour in the kettle), remarked in a voice full of anquish and dismay, "its cold Cotty!"..two people walking past looked at Helen and suddenly accelerated and were last seen disappearing over the hill! That's very much the nature of Helen and she has not changed in all these years so I know that she will not be daunted by the rain and gale force winds. LOL JC

Day 18 - tues 23rd May,

Newquay to Perranporth,

11miles, sunny with a bit of a chill and strong winds. Crossed the Gannel via tidal foot bridge and onto Crantock Beach which was absolutely beautiful and there was no rain at all today which was completely blissful. Also walked some stunning long beaches including Perran Bay which was very tranquil,except the winds! Well done Jill for sticking with us this week as the weather has been just crazy. I think we all deserve some brownie points (well sponsorship points) for this last week. Ps since leaving Minehead we have now done 202miles! Yippee, only 428 miles to go, Loadsa love to all x

Day 17 - Monday 22nd

Porthcothan to Newquay.

wind, wind, wind, rain, wind, wind! I have to admit i didn't see much today as i spent most the time hidden in my hood and concentrating on my steps because of the strong winds. But did see Bedruthan Steps, a series of islands where legend has it that the giant Redruthan used the islands as stepping stones. X

Day 13 Monday 22nd May

Crackington Haven to Tintagel. 12miles with strong winds, some gale force, sun spells, little rain. The sun was very kind today and gave us beautiful views even in the winds! Climbed High Cliff, apparently the highest point and then a huge down and then up. There were ponies in the valley which was a tranquil sight. We stopped in Boscastle 4lunch and saw the huge blow hole the other side. Have id'd milkwort and kidney vetch and feel pleased. Rocky Valley is beautiful and worth a visit (text sent from emma) x

An update from Helen

Having walked over 180 miles with Emma, I am aware of various changes to my mind and body.

My mind has become extremely fuzzy, my memory of things that don’t matter is now extant – I know you are thinking “so what’s new?” ;-) but believe me when the coast becomes a postcard and I can’t sing “one man goes to mow” even counting back from 10 becomes a task!

As for my body, my back is definitely more bent. Sometimes I am looking at the ground so intently that I’m almost looking back through my legs. Talking of legs. The expectation has to be the weight loss. Not true. They are becoming shorter and stronger due to the weight of my packed lunch and the maps. In case you are wondering where my makeup bag, high healed shoes and evening attire are; I decided, after two days, to have my kit transferred each day. Best decision yet! Emma is carrying everything. In all at least 30lbs. She’s is up the hills like a mountain goat too.

My worst sight is looking up on the 500 step staircase that leads us out of a valley and seeing emma still going up. My best sight is when I look up and she is is standing upright and heading for our beloved “acorn” post that marks the level bit at the top.

No matter how many days I walk, going up the hill is stil just as difficult.

We meet a few people everyday or when we are stopped at a watering hole. There’s also our landlords/ ladies at each of our 56 bed and breakfasts.

Other walkers are very encouraging and share their experiences with us. Café owners vary but somne show their support with donations. The B & Bs can be very helpful drying clothes and sometimes giving us a contribution to our funds.

We give them all our website address and some are noow sending us messages of support. This has all proved very encouraging for us and inspires us to go onwards and upwards. To date the contributions, picked up as we go, amount to 370.

Thank you all of you who have sent us messages and donations. It really does feel good to know you’are out there supporting us.

Finally I’m having a great time and I’m fulfilling a long held dream, mainly due to my friends and family willing me on. Special thanks to darling john for the back up he’s giving me from home and to Paul whose doing us proud with this website.

Best wishes to you all. Love Helen x

Day 9 Sunday 14th May

Clovelly to Hartland Key 10 miles


We turned a major corner at Hartland Point and are now officially heading south! Have met many people on the coastal path and at accommodation where we have been staying, who have been supportive and kindly donated money (more please). Thank you so much for your generosity we see some very dramatic cliff views and we are heading for some severe climbs. The local bitters are proving a grand drink at the end of the day and we are so tired we nearly fall asleep at the bar. H and E xx

Day 8 Saturday 13th May 2006

Westward Ho! To Clovelly 11.2 miles


My Mum and Dad arrived yesterday. Yippee! Mum walked all the way with us on a tough day, probably made all the harder by the talking and singing we did J Saw some of the most amazing blue bell woodlands and Dad was a star. He walked a lot of it with us and then headed back to find the car and get lunch and maps. Thank you both so much for your support and I hope you get lots of sponsorship Mum, you deserve it! The walk into Clovelly along Hoby Drive was stunning and a welcome flat part and bitter with scampi chaser at a pub tasted great. Emma X

Day 7 Friday 12th May 2006

Barnstaple to Westward Ho! 19 miles!


Wow, what a long Walk! A great sense of achievement and I was helped along by an IPod (supplied I Durrell and associates) and a fab mix (supplied by DJ Paul). Appledore was very beautiful with a range of coloured houses and lovely old cobbled back streets. Helen and I have both bought 2 Leki sticks for the walk to help with the hills and strain on our knees. We’ve been getting used to using them and most people we meet are interested in knowing whether they actually help. They certainly do help but you feel like some kind of strange four-legged creature making your way along the cliffs. X

Day 6 Thursday 11th May 2006

Croyde Bay to Barnstaple 14.4 miles.
(Barnstaple in all its glory!)

Very hot sunny and humid. We had an easy run to the start of Braunton Burrows apart from a very painful blister on my little toe. We suddenly realised that for the last 2 days my toe had been carefully wrapped in the wrapping of a blister pack rather than the actual strip, which would help it heal, oops! Heard our first cuckoo and the trek along the Burrows felt like a desert hike. Finally arrived in Barnstaple after many flat miles along a disused railway line and enjoyed a cool drink by the grand old Long Bridge. A new bridge is being built and work has already started. X

Day 5 Wednesday 10th May 2006

Morethoe to Croyde Bay

(the picture is of Eliza Yeo from Morethoe, only picture i could find but think it is great)
Mucho coastal fog. Walked alongside Woolacombe beach and around baggy point but it was thick fog and we had no view at all. However, we strangely met a couple at Baggy Point who had a digital camera and showed us a photo of when they had been to baggy before in glorious sunshine and stunning views so we saw what it would have looked like. Enjoyed a welcome afternoon break in a sunny sand dune at Croyde. What bliss Emma x

JC tells all ...

Ere goes………….

“why did I spend a week of my annual holiday walking 90 miles?”….Not just for the much needed exercise! But to give my support to two remarkably focused young ladies! Helen and Emma. Their attitude and resolve is an example to everyone believe me. Gemma and I have spent a week with them and I am now very happy that apart from sustaining any injury en route they are more than equipped both mentally and physically to complete their aim of walking the 630 miles in support of Cancer Research. What’s more they are actually loving it!! (most of the time!)

Gemma had had enuf though!..if she could speak then I believe what she would have said is, “5 mins in the morning and the same after my tea and forget the 30+ miles in between!!”…(if we walked 15 miles then she would have completed 30!)

In my week we met some super people, nearly all were very supportive and that friendship certainly will help the girls.

What will really help the girls, apart from your donations to Cancer Research! is for them to get your messages of support on this web site. I read them out to them when they phone in the O i/c Rear Party! (me!)

Although I am very glad to be back, in spite of work, my love, admiration and thoughts are very much with them both, they are special people!

LOL John C

emma no on phone

Quite a few people are trying to get hold of Emma by text and call to her mobile. The good news is she is well the bad news is the phonbe is out of juice and she doesn't have a charger at the mo. Keep sending thema and she'll pick them up and reply when she can.

Where are they now and ...

Well the truth is they are out of signal and i haven't had a good update for a few days (me being slack!) but they are both very good and making top progress.

I think they are now past Croyde? Hence the picture.

Will get a full update and then post it ASAP :-)

John and Gemma (our dog) have now returned home. John is feeling good after the walk but Gemma is only responding to walky requests with a "you must be joking" expression. She'll never trust them again!

Have fun

full to bursting?

Ok so a grim subject line but perhaps the most fundamental to a long distance walker. The dreaded blister. No way to avoid them and even the little beauty that is "compeed" cannot stop the development of a good honest pain in the foot.

So waht does one do? Pop the little chap and bandage it all up or spare it and try and protect it? Answers on a postcard (comment) please.

P

Berryn Harbour to Mortehoe

We have walked about 12 miles on very strenuous hills. Sooooo mannyyyyyyy hilllllls. Came across a very tranquil Lee Bay which is a top spot for a cup of coffee. Several steep climbs to Mortehoe lighthouse. All in all a good day but starting to feel the pain ;-( love emma x

Lynton to Berryn Harbour

Today we travelled from Lynton to Berryn Harbour apparently one of the most stunning walks for N Devon coastline but as usual with these things we were surrounded by heavy fog and rain for most of the day. Even Gemma (John and Helens dog) had her head down and was looking a little unhappy.

The sun came out near Combe Martin just as we were got to our beds for the night. We met some very nice people and would like to say thank you to Trevor and Pat (01598 753418) who gave us a wonderful nights B&B, in Lynton, with lovely warm hospitality.

Tonight we are staying in Berryn Harbour and looking forward to a pint in t pub tonight J

Lots of love Emma and Helen x

On our way

Well the journey has begun and Emma and Helen our on their way. On the first day they were joined by Alison (a friend of Emmas) and Dave and Sue Simpson were at the starting point to see them off. I have joined them for the first two days, just to make sure that they are actually doing it! So far all so good. Some absolutley lovely bits of countryside and we have met some fab people. And the bonus has been the weather. It has been scorching and lush all the way.

We are all now camped in a lovely B&B in Lynton, nr Lynmouth. John is likely asleep. Helen is bathing and Emma is trying to work out how to lighten her load.

Will write a more full post when i get home and give you a bit more detail on what has happened so far.

Have Fun, Paul

contact and comment

Hi there

As you will gather these websites are all about being interactive and sending in posts and comments. we will put the posts up and it is down to YOU to send in comments and keep it all friendly like. So how to do this:

1. Find an article (called a post) that you want to respond to.
2. Click at the bottom of that post where it says comment.
3. A new box will open.
4. Type your message into the space provided
5. Your comment will now appear on the website.

Sound OK and easy to do? Any troubles then send me an email to paulc@biggreenworld.co.uk

No room in the stable

ever tried booking accomodation along the SW coast path? 'tis a nightmare. All the rooms get booked up ages in advance and they aren't cheap either! So we could do with some help. Do you have any leads for a place to stay in: West bay, Lulworth Cove, Bigbury, Worth Matravers and Abbotsbury? Please contact us if you do.

and in 36 hours...

...Emma and Helen will begin to walk. and walk and walk and walk and stop have a nice beer and get to see some of the best bits of the South west. Jealous ... just a tad ;-)

My hat goes off to twogowalking i think they are both fab and doing something most of us would love to experience. How cool to be walking along the rugged north devon coast and being able to pop into culinary delights like padstow and then drop down (the long way) to Mevagisey and all the good vibes coming from The Lost Garden of


Heligan and the eden project. Finally stopping (or will they?) at South Haven point near Poole in dorset.

The fact that they are also doing this all for charity is tops. Cancer research do a magnificent job to help fight an real bxsxazd of a disease. I am actually looking forward to be able to do my bit and to sponsor them (via a lovely traditional sponsor form) and join them on parts of the walk. Please check their itinerary as i am sure that they would love people to share the experience with them.

during the next two months (!) i will look after the website and make sure that you are posted with their thoughts and pictures. Please keep in touch with their walk and send in comments. Makes it all kinda interactive and adds another dimension to it all ... man :-)

Anyway, hope that you enjoy the blog, have fun

love

Paul