Day 16 - Padstow to Porthcothan - 21 May 19

So, the day I had been slightly dreading arrived, the longest walk we were going to attempt over the 4 days.
I had planned to catch a bus to Newquay, then another to Padstow. But when Linda pointed out the time of about 2 hours wasted just to get there, it made sense to think again. (Not touching local taxis either after the previous day, see the previous blog).
So with the use of Parkopedia and Google Maps we planned our trip. We drove to Padstow and parked up costing £5 for 12 hours. (should make it back in time, Hopefully....lol).

We then caught the bus from Padstow to Porthcothan (which the locals pronounce something like puf-coffin...but I could never get it correct).

The bus journey did not do my nerves any good as it seems to take an age to get there and if a bus takes ages how long is an unfit overweight walking bloke (me) going to take!

Armed with Water, Lucozade and a packed lunch each, we headed off.

Linda's Mandatory Selfie

Now, this coastal path has to rate as high in Linda and my opinion as being the best for dramatic views along with the path between St Ives and Sennen Cove. It is lovely.
I will let the photos below, talk for themselves.

Eventually, on a hot May day, we reached the marker I considered about half way, the Lighthouse at Trevose Head. Now it always amazes me how far we actually walk. When you start you see something (like the lighthouse) which looks miles away and unachievable, but then you manage to reach it and also look around at the distance you have covered, for me, it is quite an achievement.
This was about 7 miles in, of a 14 ish mile walk. I say "ish" as even though the SW coastal path association give exact distances between each point, we rarely get the same distance.
there are a few factors, one being, it is not always easy to find the coastal path.
Sometimes they put a marker in a point which makes you think "Why?".....I can only go one way here, if I chose any other route I either fall to my death off a cliff face or need climbing gear to climb a cliff. Then you get to a part where there are 3 distinct routes in the path with zero marker....so you have to take your best guess. This can mean you end up doing different distances.

So halfway and my legs and feet are beginning to ache and as mentioned on the previous blog, my boots were hurting my legs just above the ankle.
I did, however, have plan "B", as I knew the pain I was in on the day before, I had carried my "running trainers" not that I have ever ran in them, but that was the intention when purchased.
I wanted to at least remain in my walking boots until the last 5 miles, but the pain was beginning to become too great as was my moaning obviously, as Linda insisted I changed to the trainers.
It was amazing, the pain I had had for the last 5 miles was gone, no more rubbing on the legs as the trainers did not go above the ankles. I felt I new man for at least 3 miles.

Now, as you walk around you find people are generally friendly and exchange pleasantries, however, sometimes you find those that want to talk.
This is great, as it takes my mind away from the distance remaining and the current ailment I am suffering.
So approaching Harlyn Bay we started talking to a younger couple. They had hot news from the locals.
The two houses you are about to see below are owned and used by celebrities.
The first is Dec's from Ant and Dec. they knew this because the local tradesman in the pubs told them, even though they had all signed Non-Disclosure Agreements. (shows that they are a waste of time). House below.

The second and right next door is Rick Steins, not as nice a building (in my opinion) but what a neighbourhood.

The two celebs houses together (apparently)

A few more scenic views.....

We then had lunch and Linda spoke to an older lady that visits the area often, she told us to be aware of the sinkhole on the next hill, where a cow and a young girl have both fallen to their death.

We tread carefully around this, the photos below does not do it justice.

Padstow was proving elusive, it was always hidden which was now becoming frustrating.

We had walked miles and no end in sight.

Linda for the 1st time since we started these walks was also flagging with me.

Every hill we climbed we expected to see our destination but it was never there....the hot day was also taking its toll. 

I had began to feel pain on my toe next to my big toe, I was convinced the toenail was coming away. Linda insisted I looked and to my pleasant surprise it was still intact. however, it still hurt.

With my aching limbs and Linda's tiredness, we didn't talk much for a few miles.

The one thing Linda and I agreed on, was that we hate when we have to go inland and away from the coast, it is annoying, but as Padstow is basically at the end if an estuary it had to be done.

As we pulled ourselves up yet another hill, we reached some seats next to a memorial, we sat, drank and rested.

As soon as we started off we saw Padstow, what a relief.

At last, heaven was found.

Now, I have learnt from previous trips not to go to a pub after a long hot walk and down pints. (I get drunk too quick)...

So, (I know this hurts)......the first drink is......below.

This takes seconds to drink and quench the thirst, so I can enjoy the real drink.

Those that know I like dark smokey ales which are hard to find, hence why most Christmases I have to purchase a Southern German brew.

I have found one closer to home. Mena Dhu from St Austell's ales. I have purchased a case....

Highly recommended.

Linda recommends Peroni......(yuk)....lol.

Just over 14 miles completed. We were so tired, we were both in bed asleep by 2130hrs.