Was pitched near Hoist Point.
Woke up usual time with rain hitting canvas. Was very wet and gusty last night. Got moving about 7.15 due to rain showers delaying things. Happy just laying there snug.
We started off watching the sun come up ahead of us. A number of climbs and descents soon warmed us and we shed layers and winter hats. An hour on ,around 9 ,we got to Bigbury on Sea via a tacky caravan site in Challaborough Cove where about half dozen folk swam....brrr!. Burgh Island sat like a mini St.Michaels Mount opposite. The tourist carpark sat totally empty .We hung around for five minutes looking at possible route choices.We had to walk inland again due to another ferry not running across the River Avon. Walking passed Mount Folly a chap asked us what we were doing and gave us £10 for AGE UK. He also informed us that Stuart had passed by earlier that morning , we never saw him all day and walkers stated they never saw him around the Bolt head and tail.
It was about 4 miles to Aveton Gifford via a tidal road. We then followed the Avon Estuary Path back to the Bantham 3.5 miles back to the coast, a 7.5 mile addition to our coastal route. The added path was ok and had a few ups and downs including fall downs.
Bantham was fairly busy with dog walkers, a woman with about 6 dogs was amused by my tinsled pack...a Christmas walker....I replied by raising arms with a hooray as we passed her.
I left J beside Thurleston golf course while I walked half mile to the binless and normal sliced breadless post office village shop. Again it was an expensive local shop and I kept things basic; biscuits , drink and the most important thing sugar.
I got back half hour later with J having eaten most of the Oatie biscuits, I was not happy with him and told him so. I would of got another packet of bics so we had some for the tent later, I felt peed off as I had walked the additional mile to get supplies. I sat for a couple of mins then we walked on.
A mile or so on at South Milton Sands I wanted a boost to my hunger and as I had not had a proper break we pulled into the Beachouse cafe. A shed like structure with fish box clad interior. It however was quite a trendy hang out with wine supping clientel and expensive snacks and I must say excellent coffee. A ladys little dog growled at us as we entered but I soon won it over with a rub of its head and survived without a nip.
Refreshed and caffeined we walked a little way on to where a cycle path to Hope Cove began, it was closed due to an ' unstable cliff ' , the alternative route was a mile dog leg inland and back. I had had enough of walks in land climbed over the barrier and walked on, the cliff had slipped but the path was solid, I wish they would give a choice at our own risk instead of diverting due to being worried of being sued if something happened.
At Hope Cove a flag flew similiar to the Cornish flag instead of black it had was green with white cross, Devonian flag? I was pleased to see the English flag flying further on, a rare sight.
We passed an old lifeboat shed and climbed up toward Bolt Tail headland.It was fairly windy and leaving the headland we were fairly buffeted about by eddies of wind kicking us left and right. It was a clean good path all the way to rugged Bolberry Down. Rocky outcrops pertruded through the earth - Tors?
At Soar Mill Cove we dipped down and gathered water from a stream , avoiding the one flowing by the hotel above for obvious reasons. It would of made a good place to pitch but looked a popular dog walking area.
With an extra 2 litres of water each to carry we climbed up to the tors of the Warren. We walked until 4.45 , made possible due to clear skies holding on to the dipping light.
J looked a little down and tired, hanging back as we climbed wishing we could stop earlier. My only concern was the cows present on the cliff top as they may walk on guy lines potentially pulling down the tent. We tried one spot but was unable to get pegs in due to rocks.
We eventually pitched a mile from Bolt Head sheltered by a gorse bush, the wind at the time was gusty, but at writing this the wind has dropped and I will get out and star gaze before sleep. We had noodles again and rehydrated with numerous teas. J was asleep by 8.
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