Shaldon

Blue sky, cloud forming, hot.
No more fish caught in the night, but what a beautiful dawn, at 5 am the sun was trying to appear but setting of low level mist on the horizon kept it as a pale red band sitting on the sea, at around 5:30 suddenly it won out and just crept above the mist in it’s clear glory, and there’s me sitting in a cove eating soup and just loving the scene, all to soon the fishing family were heading home and i was heading uphill on route (such pleasant strangers it would be nice if i ever meet them again).

As i rounded Berry head a long stretch of coastline came into view and it looked dominated by buildings ( i don’t exaggerate on this ), anyway wander down to Brixham sea front where the replica Golden hind (Francis drakes ship) is parked for tourists to walk over, i found a cafe that was open and had a breakfast with pot of tea, the surprise of the day was soon after i started on track there was a Jersey tiger moth (a not to common immigrant) i only remember seeing 3 in the past.

My guide book suggest many people bus around this day but i decided to do it as it represents part of the real coast, sure there was a lot of urban sprawl, plenty of slot machines and fun fairs, but some of the parts in between were cleverly stitched together rural links with some steep accents/descents its true, but also some very pleasant near level walking in welcome shady woodland, promenade walking is easy miles and did see the steam train.

Torquay onwards sees many path diversions which were confusing to me apparently due to landslips, so i soon lost the path and did a winding path much of my own (though confirmation posts were passed at times) around the coast, this may have been an easier effort wise option (it does highlight the fact that i haven’t the OS maps of route).

My map had a camp site at Shaldon but checking with tourist information in Torquay i find it doesn’t take tents, wild camping may have been an option but hardly remote, i chose to hop on a train home as this was cheaper than getting a room this time of year. Shaldon itself is pretty enough and it’s only a small walk to bridge over the river instead of taking the ferry. I’m glad i did this stretch but don’t think i would repeat it, meanwhile i can only look back on the last week as absolutely fantastic, i’ve met such friendliness and kindness along the trail that beggars a description for how good it’s been.