the captains log... star date 2006

Only two days left now and about 21 miles to go! We left Lulworth Cove and had to head inland today due to the army ranges being used. So we said good bye to the sea for a day and the first half of the day was mostly on the road.

At one point we could hear a deep rumbling to then be confronted with a tank! In fact the noise of the firing ranges was actually quite disturbing for me and it made me think of the horrors of war zones.

Thankfully for us we were away from them once we reached Stoborough and our lunch spot at the lovely Springfield Country Hotel. We found ourselves in the mist of a BP conference and with our sticks and rucksack we didn't blend too well. After lunch we managed to find some public footpaths all the way to Kimmerage and even joined The Purbeck Way for a while.

For those who are joining us in Swanage... We can't wait to see you and look forward to the final walk in. X

Day 53

Weymouth to Lulworth Cove, 12 miles.

Today we reached 600 miles and now we only have 3 days walking left!

The walking from White Nothe was fantastic all the way to Lulworth Cove. There were at least 3 big climbs but each brought lovely views of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.

We arrived in good time and were able to spend a blissful hour or so in the sun on the beach resting our weary backs and feet and knees, lush! Tomorrow we have to head inland as the Lulworth ranges are shut to us. X x

We take visa ;-)

Ok so this is a gratuitous donation plug to get your gratuities for Cancer Research.

Emma and Helen have been doing this partly for kicks and partly for Charity. The first part they have been doing admirably by themselves (with your support). The second part is down to you our fair friends, family and voyeurs. Please give generously by following the steps below :-)


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

Day 52

Isle of Portland circuit -

rather cloudy day that got brighter in the afternoon. The walk today was much more enjoyable than i imagined and the wild flowers were absolutely amazing. We even saw Bee Orchids today and i was so happy! Simple things eh! See picture.

The walk along the West Cliff to Portland Bill was stunning with views along chesil beach and the disused quarries for the famous Portland Stone. Portland Bill itself was very busy and we had a lunch stop there before heading along the East Cliffs. The east side is slightly more eerie with the dominant buildings of the young offenders institute and the Verne prison and the high security fencing.

Only a few more days left now and we're be heading to Lulworth Cove tomorrow, sleep well all and much love Emma x x x

One small step for mankind and ....

6,6150, 000 steps for emma and helen. well ish anyway :-)



Ok so walking on the moon might have made their lives easier by having a weightless bag (nice) but would have made our weekend visits to see them both just a tad more adventurous.

On saturday emma and helen touch down at South Haven Point near Poole having completed their 630 mile epic. If you want to join us we are meeting at 3 pm and if you email (comment) i can send you further details.

Also please check the Western Morning News for a lovely article on them.

Have fun, Paul x

Day 50 - Sunday 25th June

Seatown to Abbotsbury - 12.5 miles,

cooler with cloud. What a tiring day! We were both completely shattered this morning and my feet were sore-er than usual but after a lovely breakfast we once more put on our walking boots and i heaved on my 2 stone rucksack.

I have to say by 11am i was ready to curl up and sleep but after a cuppa in West bay we carried on. We walked about half of the distance along Chesil Beach today and it was wonderful for seeing a whole lot of new plant species :-) well new to us anyway.

Just before Abbotsbury we met two brothers who very kindly gave us a donation - given that we took a detour to visit St. Catherine's Chapel on Chapel Hill, and we were not disappointed, it dates from the 1400 and has a beautiful stone tunnel-vault ceiling. We have now done 564 miles and will head to Weymouth tomorrow x

Day 49 - Saturday 24th June

Dear Diary [editor :-) ]

We started the day crossing the river Axe and then dropping down into the beautiful nature reserve all the way to Lyme Regis. The reserve is there as a result of a HUGE landslip which has since been colonised. It is now a gorgeous forested area and was stunning to walk through with the sun shining through it's canopy...

However it was long work and took 3hrs to go 5miles! After a lunch stop in a rather noisy Lyme Regis we went off on an inland division to Charmouth and then onto our final tough challenge of the day -Golden Cap at 190m high! We conquered and the views were magnificent all the way to Portland.

On arriving in Seatown we headed straight for the pub, the Anchor Inn, for a well earned pint and met some Southampton bikers who got into the spirit of things and made a collection totaling £27.51, see picture -and cheers guys! Hope you had good biking on Sunday.

Day 48 - 23rd June

Sidmouth to Seaton.

It was a challenging severe graded day today and we encountered 4 steep valleys and most rising to about 160m above sea level! The views were completely incredible though and we kept on going even with Helen nursing her bad back.

At Weston Cliff we both saw a wonderful sighting to lift our spirits :-) it was a Peregrine Falcon and her young. The young one appeared to be learning to fly and was flying around under the watchful eye of Mum who was perched on the nest. Mum falcon then flew around as well and it was all just around the cliff we were sat on. We felt so lucky indeed.

So for the next few days we are making our way along the jurassic coast line and trying to learn some geology too. We have also seen Pyramidal orchids for the first time and had a random curry take away from a chinese and ate it on the beach, bliss. Attached is a pic of helen on our day off yesterday, a rare moment in a deck chair x x

Thank you very much :-)

We'd both like to say an enormous thank you to Steve and Moira for their fantastic hospitality yesterday evening. They put on a fundraising evening for us with a meal and a raffle and Steve and Moira invited Midas collegues and their neighbours. The evening was so much fun and we really enjoyed it.

As a huge bonus to the evening a £1000 was also raised towards Cancer Research Uk. Wow! What an achievement. Thank you both so much for making us welcome and also giving us a bed for the night.

Day 47 - 21st June

Exmouth to Sidmouth.

A dear friend of Helen's, Del, joined us today for our walk. We had an smooth walk to Buderleigh Salterton and it was probably made even easier by our non stop chatter! After that we walked around the pretty estuary at the River Otter and then enjoyed some wonderful views and a few steep bits all the way to Sidmouth.

The view inland from the top of High Peak was really wonderful and we could even see Hay Tor on Dartmoor! X

And the beat goes on ;-)

I have really enjoyed getting this blog up for all you, (I presume there is someone out there and I am not talking to myself?) and am feeling a little sad that the twogowalking adventure is entering the final furlong. So pucker up all of you and get ready for the latest instalment.

The new posts take you through some fab scenery and little adventures. Which reminds me… last Saturday in Dartmouth was top. I am not going to try and remember all the names of the people that came along to join emma and Helen suffice to say there were lots of people and they were ALL lovely.

The cream tea and Dartmouth Castle was spot on and gave everyone a chance to catch up with Helen and Emma. I have never (or rarely) been in such a positive and supporting environment. Family and friends giving support to two that have gone … walking :-)

Enjoy the last couple of weeks y’all

Paul x

Day 46 - 20th June

Babbacombe to Star Cross.

We started our day with a good few hours through lovely woodlands. We then reached Shaldon and had welcome drink (non alcoholic - honest) at The Ness pub which has been re-vamped lately and is great. We then took a little ferry trip across to Teignmouth.

We had our lunch alongside the railway line and sea wall at Dawlish - it was a really lush affair with chips, pitta bread, homous, tomatoes, cucumber and mushrooms - wow! We continued following the sea wall and had to run the gauntlet at times with the crashing waves. We then joined some rather unpleasant roads to finally reach Star Cross.

We are having a fundraising evening which i'll tell you all about tomorrow x x

Day 45 - 19th June

Brixham to Babbacombe.

We're staying a couple of days with Helen's nephew Andrew, his wife Lorraine and family and it has been lovely; they are extremley welcoming and i have to say my bed is sooo comfortable that i had to lever myself out of bed today! We started with lovely breakfast in the Lemon Tree in brixham - thanks!

After passing several coves we came to Broadsands with it's lines of brightly coloured beach huts. Whilst walking was also saw several hundred school children from Brixham Community College who were doing a sponsored walk of their own, well done them!

In the afternoon we met friend's of Helen's - margaret and Ethel who traveled down from Somerset to meet us at meadfoot beach and treated us to lunch- thanks so much for a lovely time and for making the effort.

The last part of the day seemed to wind up and down and then up and down again all the way to Babbacombe, most fun ;-)

Day 44 - Sunday 18th June

Dartmouth to Brixham.

We started the day by climbing out of Dartmouth and along an interesting National Trust area at Higher Brownstone where we saw old battery buildings and gun positions and search light buildings - worth a look.

We also yet a couple near the Coleton gardens who where photographing Peregrine falcons and we were very lucky to see the mother feeding her chicks through binoculars... Spring Watch or what!

There were then several steep climbs including a long old haul at Southdown Cliff. Brixham is very pretty from Berry Head with it's marina and many different coloured houses.

Day 43 Saturday 17th June

On Saturday 17th June we awoke to another glorious day. But this day was a bit different in that we were on the Torcross to Dartmouth part of the path.

Family members joined us for breakfast at the cafe and Mike and Anne from the Dart Valley U3A came along as well. We donned our Cancer Research UK T shirts and set off for our first stop at Blackpool Sands where more friends turned up to walk with us.

Walking the new stretch to Little Dartmouth car park was new for us both and it was good to find that the road walking, although not totally removed was a lot reduced. At Little Dartmouth more and more blue T shirted supporters arrived and on we went along the path to Dartmouth Castle.

We had had some local press coverage and there was a photographer waiting to take a group picture. It was so touching that in all, around 40 lovely people gave up their Saturday afternoon to come and support us and to say high. Jill Motram did a fantastic job getting people together and setting up the C R stand with balloons, photos and contribution cans.

We raised another £111-00 that afternoon bringing our total so far to nearly £3000,00. It was a lovely afternoon and we found that, as we chatted away on our walk, we almost felt as if we had had a day off. Thank you everybody who made it happen.

Our arrival at the end of our walk is now fixed for Saturday 1st July at around 3pm at South Haven Point which is near Swanage and it's where the ferry goes from Sandbanks over to Poole/ Bournemouth. You might want to contact John on 07970003656 for further information.

Thank you to all of you that are watching our progress us through this Blog. We are still enjoying ourselves but we still have another 130 miles to go so keep on blogging and sending your comments it is so good to know that your out there supporting us.

Best wishes from Helen and Emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Day 42 - Thurs 16th June

We left the youth hostel at Overbecks and headed to Salcombe for some breakfast, in doing so we net some locals who had the local papers and were very happy to see our mug shots in there with an article about the walk.

We spent a long time chatting - we seem to be getting better and better at stopping to talk :-) - and finally we caught the ferry across to east Portlemouth at 10am! We saw about 6 seals basking on the rocks just before Start Point. At Start Point car park Helen managed to squeeze in a radio interview with Radio Devon... Well done :-)

We then walked into Torcross for another well earned shandy. Delicious.

Day 41 - 15th June

Bigbury to Salcombe.


We started the day with a bit of a mad rush as we hadn't left quite enough time to reach the ferry. We were having too much fun with Ella and Jim Dodd who had very kindly offered us accomodation and we were so very well looked after. Their b and b also has the most stunning view down the valley to Ayrmer Cove.

So our aching legs got us to the ferry and we headed from Bantham to Salcombe. Helen hurt her lower back yesterday but she impressively still continues. The walk down into Hope Cove was very enjoyable and we had clear bright weather and as such stunning views. There were some impressive ups and downs to keep us fit in the afternoon. Em X

Donating is easy 'cause they are beautiful ;-)

Since the beginning of May, Emma and Helen have walked over 400 miles, crossed 3 counties, stayed in 40 B&Bs, and been to ... well, lots of pubs ;-)

Their stories are in a post at the beginning of the blog (click on the archives for April). It is safe to say that they are both doing for the challenge of the SW Coast path and for the opportunity to see some of the beautiful countryside that is the South West.

There is a serious note to this whole walk. Helen has recovered from cancer not once but twice (Helen is a truely strong and lovely person) and Emma's Grandpa suffered from throat cancer. In amongst all this is the fact that Emma's partner Paul has lost his mum Evelyn to breast cancer. So this walk has an extra dimension, to help those with cancer get better. The twogowalking adventure is helping to raise money for Cancer Research and you can join Emma and Helen by making a nice donation to Cancer Research. And here is how:

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

Day 40 - 14th June

Wembury to Ringmore.

We walked a good 15 miles today, phew! Leaving Wembury after our second day off we headed to Newton Ferrers and crossed the creek on the ferry. We then joined the nine mile drive - Lord Revelstoke employed out of work fisherman in the 1880s to create a broad and gentle path.

We enjoyed the easy walking and were stopped by two gentlemen along the way who kindly showed us where some peregrine falcons were nesting on the cliffs.

After the easy walking there were some much more strenuous ups and downs and we finally dropped down to wade across the River Erme. The wade was very refreshing for the feet although the walk across the sands on the other side was very suprising painful for bare feet! I felt very pathetic indeed :-)

After some more big old ups and downs we arrived in Ayrmer Cove and looked back along the stunning cliffs.

The mother of all blogs

No posts for a few days and suddenly... the flood gates open and emma's texting skills hit a new dimension of dexterity. Underneath the blogs will bring you up to date with our intrepid walkers. No valley too deep, no diversion too distracting, no pub too consuming and no blog too daunting. Ladies and gents we give you the Helen and Emma show! (all i meant to write was sorry for the delay in posting and the team is now back on track ;-) )) Get yourself down to day 31 on the itinerary and savour the wonders of a beautiful coastline path and pubs liberally sprinkled along the way :-)

Have fun y'all

P xxx

Day 38 - Mon 12th June

Cremyll to Wembury.

A lovely easy walk compared to the last few days and we arrived in good time to be able to enjoy some sun on Wembury Beach. The walk through Plymouth was very enjoyable and there were lots of monuments and info along the way to keep us entertained. Ps. Thanks very much to Steve at Edgcumbe Arms for his kind donation.

Pps we saw a submarine y.day and it was very exciting.

Day 37 - Sun 11th June

My Mum's birthday!

Happy Birthday. Portwrinkle to Cremyll. We climbed up and out of Portwrinkle and then we had to head around the army ranges due to a firing practise. We met Dad for a bit of a picnic just before Wiggle and then headed onto Rame Head. The walk was extremely lovely to Cawsands and then through the beautiful Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. And so we have finished our stretch in Cornwall having done 411 miles and Mum has been sponsored to walk 39 miles over 3 days!. Well done Mum for doing some really tough parts and for being such fun. The support you and Dad have given, especially travelling all the way from Kent, means so very much.

Day 36 - Sat 10th June

Polperro to Portwrinkle.

We met my Mum and Dad (Yvonne and Paul) at the top of Polperro and set off for our day. The walk to Looe was very enjoyable, my Dad even spotted a deer near a stream. We then headed up and out of Looe and met a couple who described the next part of the path as "the devil's work" and i have to say it was pretty bad.

It was very enclosed most up and down and then i managed to fall well and truly into a ditch! I was pulled out by Helen and Mum and have an abundance of bumps (stinging nettles) and holes (black thorn)... Ouch :-( We did eventually get to Portwrinkle and we had a great curry in the pub in Crafthole.

Day 35 - 9th June

Polmear to Polperro.

Walked initially to Fowey with Sylve and Jasper their dalmation. Polkerris is a very pretty cove and the walk to the Gribbin Daymark was lovely. We then left Sylve and caught the ferry to Polrun. The next stretch of the walk was truly stunning and also truly strenuous... Completely worth it. We must have encountered 5 huge downs and ups and were energised by the views. I counted 270 steps down on one occasion. I'd recommend Polperro it is very beautiful and tucked away.

Day 34 - 8th June

Mevagissey to Polmear.
(the picture is of Jeremy Polmear. By all accounts the chap is a clarinetist and very good too. Plus he has cornered the market on pictures for Polmear. Nice!)
Started the day by climbing up and out of Mevagissey. We met a couple at breakfast who were cycling end to end in 2.5 weeks, good luck! The coastline was tough and stunning with some huge ups and downs along to Charlestown.

The climb to Black Head was a good one and we had a thankful lunch at the top to recover whilst looking along St. austell bay and our walk ahead. The walk around the edge of the china clay driers was interesting and we met Mike (Helen's brother) and Sylve in Polmear and spent a very comfortable night with them. Thanks very much to you both and thanks for the lovely food Sylve. X

Day 33 - 7th june

Portloe to Mevagissey.

Very humid. Started the day trekking through dense wild flowers and grasses to reach West Portholland, we then had a strenuous 6 odd miles and due to the haze we couldn't see the apparently wonderful views.

The castle at East Portholland was very grand and we even encountered some Highland Cattle. We met a man called James and his dog Archie who have walked some of the coastline for the Red Cross, great! Emma xx

Day 32 - 6th june

Falmouth to Portloe.


Started the day by carrying all our kit down to the ferry quay. We then hopped on and off two ferries; the first to st. maws and the next to Place. I have say i prefer to have my feet on dry land and was glad to be walking again. We saw an amazing sighting of 3 basking sharks. It seemed to take an age to reach Portloe but we had a good meal in the pub and chatted with two keen walkers and bird-ers... Hi Russell and Rachel. They have seen 53species of bird since they started walking a week ago! Wow.

Day 31 - 5th june

Gillan to Falmouth.

Started the day at 7.30am wading across gillan creek which was fun and very refreshing for my feet and ankles! Then walked through some gorgeous woodlands in the early morning sun to reach the ferry crossing at Helford. The rest of the walk to Falmouth was good and we arrived feeling well, we then headed into town - pharmacies and health food shops seem to be our favourite hang out. We then headed back along the coast path via pendennis point to complete our day. In the eve we went to a Pavillion and were entertained by the Pentyre choir.

Day 30 - Sun 4th june,

another warm day, lovely. Coverack to Gillan.

We had our first really early start and were up and walking by 6.40am! I know i'm shocked too but it did mean we had finished our walk before the hot afternoon sunshine. It was great to arrive at the stunning Gillan and sit on the beach and look out towards the Gillan Creek and Helford passage, we even got to watch a seal.

Day 29 - Sat 3rd June,

Lizard to Coverack,

very hot and still.

A good day walking again and some really enjoyable coastal walking. Saw the Devil's Frying pan which is a collapsed cave and huge! The stones along the route today were serpentine rock and it seems to get polished a lovely dark grey and red by all the walkers boots. I seemed to have a strong gravity day today as kept tripping over nothing and falling back down when trying to climb up steps... Mmm

Day 28 - fri 2nd june

Porthleven to the Lizard,

glorious sunshine with light breeze. A good walk of about 13miles and we reached a momentous 300miles! The cliff top walk above Porthleven Sands was beautiful, as was Mullion Cove. Mullion is a very pretty harbour but there was some noise building work going on at the time so we decided to grab lunch and then head up the hill to sit.

However i'd also bought a cup of coffee and had rather a comic moment climbing the hill with my rucksack and sticks and a cup of coffee in the other... Trying not 2spill it. :-) Kyance Cove and the Lizard looked great in the afternoon sun and high water. Em x

Day 27 - 1st June,

Marizion to Porthleven -

sunshine all the way, still waters and no wind. A great day of pleasant coastal walking with good even ground under foot and fab weather. We also met some other walkers today doing some long distances so it was fun comparing notes. I fell in love with the area around Prussia Cove, known for smuggling in the past.

We then met John C just before Porthleven and walked in with him. It was wonderful to see him and we had a very enjoyable time that eve. Thanks so much John. See picture with Porthleven in the background x

Day 26, 31st May,

St. Loy to Marizion.

Bright day mostly warm. The sunshine was very welcome for us today. We started by trekking through a wild flower jungle. All the rain we've had means that everything has grown so much. Mousehole was beautiful place and great for lunch with lots of pantries and cafes. We then headed into the hustle and noise of Penzance... It was very busy and chaotic for me and i certainly preferred it when we'd left. We saw St. michael's Mount in the evening sun and it was very captivating. Em xx

Friday 2nd June

Saw the girls at Porthleven yesterday and they were in very good form! 300 miles now completed and on Saturday they will pass the half way point!
The weather for them now is beautiful and allows them to see the spectacular coast line, looking down into crystal clear water.
Porthleven has special memories for both Helen and me, even if the 'best fish shop in the UK' ... it won that acholade for 3 years on the trot!! has moved!
Tonight, Friday, they are happily located at the most souhtherly point of th UK, The Lizard.

One thing that you all can do, (apart from raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, is to send the girls your messages as it means so much to them. For Sue Simpson. Sue you are truly being a star and all your messages really do give the girls a real lift, love and lots of thanks from me as well.
JC

Changes to the itinerary

Hello everyone, we have decided to make a few changes to our itinery for the last week so that we finish the walk on saturday july 1st. We'd also like to invite supporters to walk the last 6miles with us on the saturday from Swanage to South Haven Point.



Sat 24th Seaton to Seatown

Sun 25th Seatown to Abbotsbury

Mon 26th Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge

Tues 27th around Isle of Portland

Wed 28th Ferry Bridge to Lulworth Cove

Thurs 29th Lulworth Cove to Kimmerage

Fri 30th Kimmerage to Swanage

Sat 1st July Swanage to South Haven Point. Yippee x

Day 25, 30th May

Sennen Cove to St. Loy.

Bright all day with a chilly wind. We got an early start and were at Land's End by 8.45 this morning, the light was wonderful and we had views of Isles of Scilly, Longship and Wolf Rock lighthouses. We also saw the shipwreck of Milheim, a german cargo ship. It was very clear all day the sea was a stunning aqua green and the rock formations were facincting. Lizard Point came into view today as we headed for Porthcurno, where we had a very welcome lunch and a cuppa. The walking was good today and the views were out of this world. After all of those murky days we have been finally able to see the coastline in all it's glory. Em XX