Hullo. How are you? I hope you are having a good day. I’m Mark and I’m walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats…
I have walked many times from Penzance to Marazion on hot summer days. But today I got to try something new; doing the walk in gale force winds and heavy, driving rain.
That’s how Day 2 of my trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats started. It was an absolute blast – forcing myself along the coastal path in one direction while the wind did its best to send me in another. There’s a good vectors lesson in there somewhere.
I love this sort of thing. There I am in horrendous weather, yet I’m perfectly dry and warm because clever people have developed increasingly amazing outdoor gear.
Mounts Bay is, of course, home to St Michael’s Mount, an unbridged island, which can only be accessed by foot when the tides allow. There are lots of these unbridged homes around the UK, but St Michael’s is possibly the best known (and most photographed). I can vaguely remember a story of an ancient chronicler, whose name and time escapes me, describing St Michael’s Mount as being many miles inland and surrounded by forest. Fascinating how the coastline changes over the years (assuming the chronicler wasn’t just visiting the wrong castle).
From Marazion, the route moved inland towards Hayle. At Gwallon, I helped a man who was chasing his wheelie bin along a lane – I guess it escaped and was making a break for freedom.
The path then wandered through the deliciously named Truthwall and up a gentle hill, through farms and woods.
On a couple of occasions today, I came across signage stating no public right of way, but the Ordnance Survey did not agree, so I pressed onwards.
The rain eased off after around 5 miles and I could finally emerge from my hard shell.
It was then a case of an easy stroll through fields and along a river to the outskirts of Hayle.
As I crossed under the A30, I was greeted by E.T., who urged me to go home. Not yet, matey, I have a walk to complete!
Having never visited Hayle before, I had the feeling I always get when I’m about to step foot in an unknown place. I can’t quite describe it, but it’s something close to joy. I absolutely love travelling and seeing new places of all sorts.
I pottered around Hayle for a little while, picking up a few provisions and then headed to my end point for the day. Hayle, like all British seaside towns in winter was readying itself for the start of the season, with building work and refurbishments aplenty. Seems a nice place, delighted I got to visit.
The Day 2 Vlog
Fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support
As I walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, I am hoping to raise £10,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who do such a wonderful job of supporting families through the most difficult times. If you are able to spare any amount and would like to donate to MacMillan, please do so through my Just Giving Page.
Leave a Reply