LEJOG 2015 | foshy.co.uk

Newquay Tuesday 28 April 2015

Start: Truro
Finish: Newquay
Miles walked today: 13
Total miles: 59

Is Newquay the Blackpool of the North Devon coast? Possibly. It certainly has it's share of chip shops and amusement arcades. But behind the gaudy main street there are beautiful beaches, Georgian buildings and, of course, surfers everywhere. We decided to walk the relatively short distance to Newquay today to ease our aches and pains (successfully) and because we couldn't find anywhere to stay in Indian Queens. It's good to book ahead but annoying if you can't find anywhere. A fruitless search of Google last night made our minds up. Disappointed not to visit Indian Queens as I wanted to sing this as we walked through:

Another day of lush lanes and pretty villages, then. A day also of Whatsapping with Ken. The petro-chemical industry must be on its knees. We saw a HUGE solar energy farm, and lots of towering wind turbines. We also managed to sample a pint of Betty Stogs bitter (Cornwall's finest) - thanks Ken for your tireless research. No crisps though Carol... Waves B&B had a vacancies sign as we walked into Newquay so we checked in then gorged on rock salmon and chips in town. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far. It's quite a thrill to see the emails from Virgin Giving keeping us up to date.

Bodmin Wednesday 29 April 2015

Start: Newquay
Finish: Bodmin
Miles walked today: 19
Total miles: 78

The early morning rained stopped just as we left our B&B. Very lucky with the weather so far. We passed through St Columb Major - a tiny town with tiny streets - just before noon, and had our second Cornish pasty of the trip. Such excitement... We got to Bodmin around 4.30, and found Roscrea B&B and Sarah. A perfect place to arrive when tired and aching.

Minions Thursday 30 April 2015

Start: Bodmin
Finish: Minions
Miles walked today: 17
Total miles: 95

We set off full of Sarah's delicious breakfast. If you want to stay in Bodmin, stay with Sarah! After negotiating some busy roads to exit Bodmin we end up on our usual route of pretty lanes. In one village a man is sweeping his drive, and asks us our destination.
"Towards Launceston" we reply, pronouncing it "Lawn sest on"
He looks puzzled for a moment, then smiles,
"Ah, Lanston!" he says, in a broad Cornish accent.

We pass through England's best village - in 2004. It can't be that good as the pub is shut. The local shop keeper is taciturn to say the least:
"Morning"
"mmmm"
"A lovely day outside"
"Yes"
"I'll just pay for these then"
"ok"
"Thanks - have a good day!"

Later, sitting on a bench at Darite, our online travel guide finds us a room at the Cheesewring Hotel. You really need to get some work done, Ken. After an interesting walk through deserted tin mines up onto Bodmin Moor we encouter a massive bull walking towards us. It seems unattended but quite harmless. Just around the corner is the hotel. Perfect.

Launceston Friday 01 May 2015

Start: Minions
Finish: Launceston
Miles walked today: 11
Total miles: 106

Gary (photo below) told us at breakfast that the bull, a local feature, is called "Scrunch." He lives in a house with a local man and likes nothing better than to watch TV and have his belly rubbed. Gary also said that a week ago Tim Burton spent two days filming "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children" right outside the Cheesewring. The famous director and a huge retinue were often in the pub and Gary's wife spilt beer all over the great man and his PA...

Our walk to Launceston was damp and drizzly. A short day as Tina travels home tomorrow :( The afternoon is brighter and after finding a room at the White Hart we explore the town.

There is a gallery in rooms above the old town walls full of amazing art and we talk to the proprietors for ages. All the amazing paintings, glass, ceramics and fabrics are the work of the husband and wife team.

Later we get coffee in a farm shop (shades of Borchester) where we are served by a very friendly and chatty woman. I wonder if her name is Helen? Launceston is just our sort of town, full of nooks and crannies. The ideal place for a B&B :)

Okehampton Saturday 02 May 2015

Start: Launceston
Finish: Okehampton
Miles walked today: 21
Total miles: 127

Got to the second county today - Devon! The sign is very welcome and I turn to Teen to point it out... and she's not there :(

The bus to Exeter left Launceston at 9.40 and I wave to Tina and turn away to attempt the walk to Okehampton. While waiting for the bus I booked a bed in Okehampton Youth Hostel. A long way but a good incentive.

Lanes lead to Bridestow where I stop for a welcome pint and chat to a man sitting at the bar - from Aberdeen - and the bar man - from Orkney. Are there any real locals left in Corn - sorry - Devon.

There is a section of the Two Castles Trail which takes me onto Dartmoor and almost into Okehampton. The Youth Hostel is up a huge hill but it's good to get there.