Day 13

August 23, 2015

Depart Brixham | Arrive Babbacombe, Accommodation: Exmouth Hotel, Babbacombe

Distance: 21.2KM | Cumulative Distance: 311.4KM | Grade - Moderate

Ascent: 1,972 ft | Cumulative Ascent: 32,484 ft.

Cumulative Distance (both walks): 775.4 KM | Cumulative Ascent (both walks): 94,189 ft.

MIXED BAG!!

Woke at 6-30 after a restless night, which was mystifying to me as I would have thought I'd have slept like a log after all the exercise and fresh air of yesterday, Saturday. 3 times during yesterday's walk people had told me to enjoy the weather as it was due to change, and as I was typing last nights blog a weather brief popped up on my I-Pad and advised the rain would clear in 17 hours. I opened the curtains to peek out and there was a steady rain falling on the flat roof below. I quickly jumped back into bed and went back to sleep and eventually got up at around 7-20am to shower, dress and finish packing. I managed to get away at around 8-30 and stepped out into the light, yet steady rain that was coming down and found my way to the harbour where I found the sign pointing me to follow the path around the harbour. I had only gone couple of hundred yards or so when I turned the corner and saw a chap in a small inflatable boat, and a lady stood on the side of the quay. There was great excitement as right in front of the inflatable was a dolphin! I thought to myself that although it was raining I thought it was worthwhile trying to get a shot, but unfortunately he was up and then gone again, and when I did get a decent view of the dolphin the camera was back in my pack out the way of the rain.

Shortly after the dolphin incident I had a climb up from the path were the trail led me through the woods and eventually down and across a small beach where 2 guys were exercising their dogs by letting them swin in the water. The trail led up the stairs at the far side of the beach and I was now on a pretty even path that had bushes and the ocean on one side and bushes and a golf course on the other. Needless to say no one was out trying to golf on a day like today. After a while I caught up with a couple of young guys, but did not completely catch them as my preference was to let them lead for a while. After a time the path opened up onto a big green area where there were several people walking their dogs, and I followed the perimeter edge of the path rather than go straight across it like the 2 young guys. I believe that in order to be faithful to the trail going around was the way to go. The path brought me out at Broad Sands and then I veered inland where I turned right after going under a viaduct and endured another climb. I really wasn't feeling it this morning, and put it down to the lack of decent fuel at dinner last night, so I made the decision to find a coffee and a snack at the earliest opportunity. Once I was back on top I heard a whistle and shortly after the steady chuff-chuff-chuff-chuff sound of a steam engine which immediately brought memories flooding back of my childhood. I frantically went to my pack trying to fish out my camera (I-Pad) and got a shot but the train was too obscured as it was relatively low down.

Eventually the path led me to Goodrington Beach and from there it was only a mile or so until I reached Paignton which I thought was a good spot to find a coffee. Unfortunately Paignton has about as much character as Newquay, and it had no redeeming qualities and I figured the quicker I could get out of town the better, even if it meant forgoing the coffee and a pastry. At the far end of the "promenade" the trail went onto a sidewalk that went around a hotel, and brought me out at Preston Sands where I found a lovely looking cafe and I decided this was the spot to stop. I ordered coffee and a shortbread tart, which were both very good and I enjoyed a few minutes rest and reorganized myself. By now the rain had stopped and so I took off both my Patagonia jacket, which now seemed to be working much better since its washing in Torcross, and my lightweight long sleeved sweater and stowed them both in my bag ready for the afternoons walk to Babbacombe.

At the far end of Preston Sands I walked the tarmac path over Hollicombe Head and a few minutes later I was on the road into Torquay which was full of tourists. The place was bustling with people and there is also a ferry that comes and goes and so with the sun beating down it was a "happening" place. After Plymouth, Torquay is probably the 2nd largest place you go through during the walk, but I much prefer the smaller fishing villages like Mousehole, Polperro etc.

After leaving Torquay I now worked my way towards Daddyhole Plain, (who names these places)?, and Meadfoot Beach before I eventually reached Babbacombe Downs and the final stretch before reaching my accommodation for the night.

Because it's Sunday I had arranged to call Liz, to get caught up on all the news from home, and I look forward to my calls each weekend. It's very difficult being away from her but Liz fully understands and supports my Walking People out of Poverty initiative, and I'll be home before you know it. If my math serves me correctly tomorrow's walk will complete 2 weeks of walking which means I only have 1 week left. Where does the time go when you are having fun?

After having a bath and changing I took a walk along Babbacombe Downs to Angels for a cream tea, this was my treat to myself after yesterday's endeavours, and the scone and cream were delicious. I can see Dale and Joan nodding their heads in appreciation, and they are probably a little envious after their experience of a couple of weeks ago at Roskilly's in St. Keverne.

Based on the weather when I set out this morning I did not think there was any chance of any photos, but the weather cleared sufficiently for me to get some pictures in the can so here goes.