Day 22

August 30^th Depart Porthleven

Arrive The Lizard Accommodation: Housel Bay Hotel

Distance 22.6 KM | Cumulative Distance: 463.99 KM | Grade – Moderate

Ascent 2,428 FT | Cumulative Ascent: 59,994 FT

Today's blog is dedicated to a very special person in my life, who was instrumental in getting the Walking People out of Poverty initiative off the ground, so, on this special day, take a bow Doris Olafsen and Liz and I hope you have a spectacular birthday.

Last night we went to a restaurant, at the bottom of the road where our B&B was located, called the Square, and I had arguably the best meal I've has since leaving Canada. I had the Gnocchi with warm beets, it was spectacular, and every mouthful was very tasty. Speaking with Roanna, our landlady, she said that you don't get a bad meal in Porthleven, and all of the restaurants are very highly rated.

I awoke at about 6-45 am, but had been awake earlier due to the racket that the seagulls make. You certainly don't need an alarm clock here!! Jumped in the shower and quickly dressed before finishing my packing. We had arranged for breakfast at 7-30 am as we had a long day ahead of us, and I'm so glad I'd done the bulk of the packing last night, as by the time I'd finished it was 7-30 am right on the nail.

After breakfast it was time for the off and we left our pretty little B&B at 8-10 am and dropped down the hill to the harbour where I took a couple of photos and as we were walking by the side of the quay I saw a memorial that stopped me in my tracks. It was a memorial to two policeman who were drowned when their car was swept into the harbour during a storm in 1978. Very sad. Yesterday, when wandering through the galleries, we saw a picture that blew us away, and it was of the church at the end of the harbour, and the waves were right over the top of the clock tower, which must have been 50-60 feet high. Someone told us that cars get swept into the harbour during the worst storms, which thankfully are not occupied. At the church the path turned left and for about 1/2 a mile or so we followed the road before finding the path that eventually led to Loe Bar, where we crossed the beach for about half a mile before a climb to another memorial. From here the path was pretty level, as it had been for most of the morning thus far, and we eventually arrived at Gunwalloe Fishing Village. The morning was positively flying by but so were the miles, and before we knew it we were closing in on Poldhu. We could see this huge building from the cliff tops and were trying to figure out its use, and we were both of the opinion that it had to be a hotel because of its size.

Eventually we arrived at Poldhu and had to cross a stream and followed the road around to find a signpost that pointed us up a road that led up to the huge building at the top of the cliffs and with majestic views over the Atlantic Ocean. It turned out to a home for the elderly. Shortly before the building the SW Coast Path sign pointed us to the right and we worked our way down and around and up the other side where we found a monument of historical proportions. It was where Marconi sent and received the first wireless telegraphy signals to Newfoundland.

Shortly after Poldhu we arrived at Mullion Cove, which was just a tad over half way to our goal of Lizard Point. The section from Mullion was our first major climb of the day and it was a severely steep downhill section, followed by an equally steep climb to the top.

We were now back on the cliff tops and the walking was so enjoyable, plus the weather was the best I've had during the entire 3 weeks of hiking. When we left Porthleven the weather was grey and overcast, and so I started walking in just my shorts and t shirt, and never once did I consider throwing on a second layer. Eventually the sun came out and stayed with us for the balance of the day. It was perfect walking weather, not too hot, and just a light breeze that turned gusty once in awhile.

From Mullion the book instructs you to keep close to the coast, around Vallen Head, in order to get the best views. With the weather it was turning out to be glorious.

We now had another severe descent into Gew Graze, and the equally severe climb up to and around Rill Point, before a delightful path that took us to Kynance Cove. We had a break on the cliff tops, for about 15 minutes or so, before carrying on around to Kynance where we had a tricky descent down to the beach. For such a small place it sure was busy, and even if we wanted a cup of tea it would have been darn near impossible to get one, as the little cafe was overflowing with people, and there was not a spare seat at any of the outdoor tables. So we decided to carry on, and we had another big climb ahead of us before reaching the cliff tops, and, off in the distance, we could almost see our destination. The walking like most cliff tops was most enjoyable and we soon found ourselves at The Lixard, but still had a little while to go before making Lizard Point, which is officially the most southerly point in England. After the obligatory photo's we set off around the coast to find our B&B which I knew was set right on the SW Coast Path. After 10-15 minutes of wonderful climbs up and down stairs that led us around the cliffs we arrived at the gate of our B&B and I made a mental note for next year. Stay at the same B&B next year, and after breakfast on Day 1 go down the path at the back of the hotel, through the gate, turn left and I'm back on the official SW Coast path.

Before finishing, and posting my last round of pictures, I just want to say what a truly spectacular journey this has been. I feel truly blessed at all the support I've received, from all of the many wonderful people at Opportunity International, and I won't name names for fear of missing someone out, but you know who you are, so thank you for all your help, as without it this walk would not have been possible.

I would also thank, one more time, all of the very special people who caught the vision that a difference can be made as they opened their minds, hearts and more importantly their wallets. So sponsors thank you one and all. I'm humbled by your kind and generous spirit.

I would also thank those folks who shared the trail with me on occasion as their presence made the days so much more enjoyable. So Marcus, The Voice, Katherine and Bill, thanks for being a part of my journey.

I want to thank my good friend Steve Riggott, plus my sister Shirley and nephew David, for helping ferry myself and Liz down to a part of the world that is very difficult to access, as you guys made it that much easier for us.

Finally I would like to thank my best friend, Liz, for joining me on this remarkable journey. Even during the darkest hours, and I'm thinking of the section from Sennen Cove to Lamorna Cove, I knew I would be able to count on Liz's indominatable spirit to come through and she never let me down.

Several folk have expressed an interest on joining me for a part of the walk next year, and if you want more information, or would like to walk all or certain portions of the walk please feel free to contact me, via email, at peter.thorpe@avisonyoung.com

In closing out my comments I do hope I can count on your continued support next year, when I attempt the second leg of my Walking People out of Poverty initiative, and thanks again to all for your support

Now here are the last pictures.