Day 15: 200 miles down
- Amy Sturtivant
- Jul 9, 2022
- 2 min read
Start: Newquay
End: Perranporth
Miles: 13
Total miles: 202
Newquay felt a little overbearing after the days of mostly solitude and quiet fishing villages. I remembered it was Friday which explained why it was so busy in town. It was lovely to have a rest and a big meal, by the morning I was ready to do some more miles. For the next days I'll be joined by Sam, I'm happy to have some company for these next miles. He's not new to long distance hiking, having already completed a few of the big UK national trails. He kindly bought my gas, more plasters and dehydrated meal resupply, meaning there will be no going hungry these next days.
I was glad to leave Newquay and pick up the coastal path again. The initial route involved crossing the tidal inlet of The Gannel. Luckily the tide was low, so it was easy to wade across over to the small village of Crantock. The path meandered around a series of small headlands towards the town of Holywell. The beaches in between the headlands were broad and sandy, packed with visitors for the weekend. From here the route cut around a series of convoluted paths among the sand dunes, above Perranporth beach. Walking on sand in the midday heat was hard work and I was ready to escape the heat. After lunch we pushed past town to a lovely campsite where I'll rest up for the rest of the afternoon.
A couple of miles back I reached a total of 200 miles. I've crossed Exmoor, the North Devon coast and have made a significant indent into the Cornish miles. This next stretch is all new to me, having never visited any of the coast from here to Penzance. I'm excited for the new places and to keep gradually increasing the mile count day by day. My body is holding up well. No injuries and my leg muscles don't feel too tired. I reviewed the question that I’d asked myself back on the first days in Exmoor; when will it get easier to carry this pack all day? Even though my body has adapted, the truth is that it doesn't get that much easier. I've accepted that the sore feet and mild muscular fatigue are constant companions. I am learning to make peace with it and let the privilege of having daily adventures carry me through.
Congratulations for reaching 200 miles! There's no turning back now 💪🦥
Congratulations on completing 200 miles plus! This ia an amazing attainment.You question why are doing this, and I think, as I read your daily posts, I do too , particularly when you talk about all the physical discomfort. However, I admire your resolve and I am certain when you have completed your jourrney you will feel a massive sense of achievement.I look at a map every day and I am astounded at how far you have walked. Lynn S.XX
"Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better."
Utterly fantastic news. The 200 mark milestone achieved already. You're an absolute machine Amy. The heat is overpowering right now and I know how much you hate it at the best of times. Stick at it. You'll have each other for company and to keep each other going over this next section. Don't forget to take time to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. It's so easy to just plough on with your head down when you're on a mission. Go Girl!! Gx
200 mile barrier ... YAYYYY!