SWCP: Port Isaac to Polzeath

Rain started at lunchtime again today. We got the bus to Port Isaac, arriving at about 9 o’clock. There was somewhat of a delay because the bus driver was in training and she managed to smash one of the doors against a branch at high speed. It shattered into pieces all over the floor and her supervisor had to take over the driving and chuck everyone out at the next stop. Luckily for us, the next stop was Port Isaac (phew!) as the next bus wasn’t for another hour and a half. 

Today’s walk seemed longer and harder than yesterday’s for both of us. I think that was due to “second-day legs” and the fact that there was a lot of path that was slippery, due to loose scree, rain or both. Also a lot of steps to climb up and down during the first half. For my part, my right knee became more and more painful as the day went on, and by the time we got to Polzeath I felt I had to stop, despite having taken ibuprofen. It only hurt going downhill. A trapped nerve pain radiating up from the knee whenever put the other foot forward. Very annoying and tiring to cope with.  I’m not sure if it would be wise to walk tomorrow, although it is allegedly quite level. 

Weather a bit dodgy when we arrived in Port Isaac

Leaving Port Isaac

Loads of steep slopes again today

Tintagel Castle footbridge in sight

An empty Tintagel Castle site

Looking back toward Port Isaac

Loads of wildflowers today - purple, pink, bluebells and primroses

One of two mineshafts just past Port Quin. Veeerrry deep! Dog owners beware!

This is Lundy Hole, a collapsed cave between Port Quin and Pentire Point.

Sea churning in and out.

You can just about see white granite marbling in the side of the rocks here

Flowers galore!

Overlooking Port Quin

Coming up to Polzeath, we got intermingled with a group of about 30 charity walkers 

who were also going from Port Isaac to Rock

Huge and beautiful beach at Polzeath. Loads of surfers - rain no obstacle!

As we arrived at Polzeath, heavy rain set in and we began to feel cold. My right outer knee was getting painful, I was almost limping and my socks were wet once again. We went into a cafe for a cup of tea and decided that rather than trying to walk another 5 miles to Rock and have to wait for the 5.45 bus back to Camelford, we would call it a day and get the 4pm bus back. Got home, had a lovely hot shower and then got delicious, freshly cooked fish and chips from a place across the road. The sun had come out and was flooding into the apartment. 

The next day we drove to Padstow to walk from there to Porthcothan, but en route we had a half-hour traffic jam due to some car show in Wadebridge and we decided we would just chill out in Padstow for the morning instead, look around the shops and have a lovely time. The sun was out, tourists were thin on the ground and it was altogether absolutely delightful. We will come back later in the year to complete our mission!