LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 45              Total: 427 miles

Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
unknown            4 miles    6.5 miles       85%       Warm and Sunny
Nature:  Seagulls

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
 18oC        15%          0%        Good          Excellent Underfoot 
Nature:  Seaguls

Points of Interest:
Plymouth				Bovisand Bay			
Heybrook Bay			Newtown				


General:
Parked at National Trust CP Wembury, in very misty and drizzly 
weather, Biked four miles from Wembury in rain but the weather 
luckily improved slowly as Jennycliff Car Park approached. 
Locked Bike to post and started walking the coastal path. Soon 
came to an abrupt halt as the path was purposely barricaded 
due to landslip. Next to the barricade I was surprised to site a 
milestone on the northern side it read 'Poole 175.5 miles' and the 
southern side 'Admiral's Hard' 10 miles. Diversion to the road for 
a careful walk uphill facing the traffic. Another surprise by the 
milestone, an inscripted stone on the floor requesting 'Welcome 
to Plymouth please wipe your feet'. The odd glimpse of the sound 
through the occasional clearing, revealing banks of mist, giving 
the coastline a very eerie atmosphere. Rounded Staddon Point, 
with good views of 'The Sound', Plymouth breakwater. More good 
views across Bovisand Bay to supply ammunition and supplies to 
fort. Easy walking to Heybrook Bay along low cliffs, just above 
sea level. Mist slowly lifting, but still on the hipp tops. The island 
of 'Great Mew Stone' now in full view, showing its steep cliffs in 
the sunshine. Stopped for refreshments at Heybrook Bay on a 
convenient manhole cover by a new finger post. More easy 
walking. Soon arrived at Wembury passing a line of wooden 
benches, one dedicated to a soldier who gave his life to the 
countries needs. The ultimate sacrifice. Stopped at car for a cup 
of coffee and teacake, and decided to leave rucksack and map in 
car to reduce weight. Memorised map badly, couldn't find the 
ferry landing. Searched without luck so return to car. I should 
have continued. Technically I didn't walk the final half mile. 
Lessons to be learnt. Returned to car via church by carpark for 
another cup of coffee. Weather turned cloudy near end of walk, 
how lucky was I today.