Day 18 - 20 Newquay to Hayle

Day 18 - Newquay to Perranporth. I really needed that rest day, I probably should have planned a few more during the walk. With everything washed and quite a few bits of clothing and kit left behind to ligten the load I was feeling good, sad to be leaving Newquay after a lovely day and a half there but excited to be walking again. The tide was out so I was able to cross the beautiful Gannel Estuary on the low level foot bridge rather than having to use the rowing boat ferry. The section to Perranporth is more of a stroll, not many hills and fairly easy going around the wonderful beaches of Crantock and Holywell Bay which brought back happy memories of family holidays. The only slightly challenging section was the trudge across the vast Perran Sands - the coast path runs along the beach itself for about 2 miles and the sand was fairly soft. At the end of the beach is Perranporth where I arrived by early afternoon so had a wander around and a bite to eat and a rest by the beach while the sun finally began to break through. 

Day 19 - Perranporth to Portreath. A full English breakfast this morning meant I left just after 9am and as this walk is a little longer than yesterday at about 12 miles, it was touch and go if I would make it to Portreath to see the FA Cup final. The sun was shining and the ups and downs were not too severe so I made good progress during the morning. When I was in Newquay I was able to rest my feet and treat my blisters so walking has become easier again and I am now beginning to develop a real rhythm. This is a really enjoyable section taking in several beaches and villages such as St Agnes and Porthtowan. There is evidence of tin mining all around this stretch of the coast in the form of mine works and slightly sad derilict buildings but stunning views as well. I arrived in the lovely village of Portreath just before 3pm and found the pub I was staying at very easily so managed to see the cup final followed by a lovely meal in the pub to cap off a really good day.

Day 20 - Portreath to Hayle. I managed to avoid a cooked breakfast this mornng as there was an option for smoked salmon, scrambled egg and avocado on toast which was delicious. Unusually, the pub started serving breakfast at 7.30am which was great because that meant I was walking by 8.15am. This was a day of contrasts, a few high cliffs and valleys to start with and plenty of seals sunning themselves on the rocks around the inaccessible coves. The ground then flattened out approaching the Hayle Estuary and turned into sand dunes for the last part. At one point when I really wanted a rest there was no bench for about 4 miles, very strange as they are regularly dotted along the path. About 12 miles today and really enjoyable other than blister pain returning !  

Thanks so much for all of your lovely comments. Although I have received them, there was some sort of technical issue which meant they didn't appear on the blog but that has now been fixed so they should do from now on.