SWCP Day 9 - Stoke to Bude - MASARNEN RAMBLERS

Day 9 - Thursday 18 May 2017

Stoke to Bude (17.6 miles)

A long day today at just under 18 miles but one that we would once again be undertaking with light rucksacks. By this time in the trip we had come to realise that we would welcome days with light packs and also look forward to rest days. It was not that we were not enjoying the challenge of the walk or the loads we were carrying - it was just that it was important to have respite from the day to day walking and carrying of full kit in order to enjoy the experience more. Had we not had rest days and some time with light kit then we both felt as though the walk would have become more of a hardship than an enjoyable experience.

We were pleased to see that the morning had brought us sunshine and this was to be our weather for the day. From the B&B we walked back down the road to Hartland Quay and surveyed the route ahead - it was a long straight run down the coast for us today. At Gunpath Rock we bumped into Chris again who was chatting to another couple who were walking the path - this was Jo & Andy and they were off to Mortenstow whilst Chris was off to Duckpool and his camp for the night. This was a scenic day today - just stunning, particularly from the picnic table at Nabor Point.

Just before The Hawkers Hut the path was suddenly diverted because of an erosion issue therefore we had to go inland to Morwenstow which meant a mile or so detour. This gave the local Rectory Farm Shop the opportunity to fleece us £2 for a Diet Coke. Really pleasant walk into Bude - only one thing for it, a nice cool pint of Cider and we eventually found Bar 35 which was dog friendly. It was clear from the clientele in the bar that the majority of them clearly had issues but we were greeted warmly and made to feel welcome - lots of people wanted to know what we were up to and they made a right old fuss of Fudge. We could have stopped much longer but had to get to the Supermarket before Anna picked us up to take us back to Stoke. As with yesterday's walk, this was a fantastic day on the path. Rest Day tomorrow.

The walk to Bude stretches out in front of us as we leave Hartland Quay

Screda Point

The weather was looking promising as we headed over Screda Point towards Brownspear Point

St Catherine's Tor - the SWCP passes beneath the promontory and to the left of it

Looking back to St Catherine's Tor from above Speke's Mill

Looking to Swansford Hill

This was a characteristic of today's walking - superb views like this one looking back towards Hartland

Near Gunpath Rock we bumped into Chris again (on the left) and another couple of SWCP Walkers, Jo & Andy

Nabor Point - complete with solitary round picnic table

SWCP signs at Nabor Point

Above Welcombe Mouth

The descent to Welcombe Mouth

The stepping stones across Welcombe Mouth - it was important throughout the walk to cool Fudge down as often as possible

Looking back to Welcombe Mouth & Knap Head

Ronald Duncan's Hut perched on the edge of the cliff above Welcombe Mouth, very close to the border between Devon & Cornwall. Duncan was a writer of poetry and plays and used to make the daily journey here from his home nearby - the hut was built in the early 1960s and after his death in 1982 fell into disrepair. The hut was restored by his daughter and now provides shelter for many a walker.