Day 38: The Jurassic Coast

Start: Teignmouth

End: Budleigh Salteron

Miles: 14

Total miles: 519

Today marked the beginning of phase 7, the final stretch of the coastal path. Over the Jurassic coast of East Devon and Dorset, leading to Poole in 7 days time. This morning I headed for Teignmouth pier where I met Brian, who was here for his second installment of the coastal path. It was hard to believe that it had been a month since he last joined me at Bude on the North Cornwall coast. The walk to Dawlish was flat and gentle, following the trainline that runs along the coast. From here the route continued to Dawlish Warren and Starcross, where we used a ferry to cross the River Exe. We arrived perfectly on time for the ferry leaving, but rushed over the bridge to ensure we didn't have to wait an hour until the next one. The estuary was broad and revealed views of the sandy Dawlish Warren spit.

The ferry took us over to Exmouth, where a flat promenade walk led us through the town. As we left town a woman asked me a series of questions. The usual: how many miles a day? How long will it take? How heavy is your pack? I'm not sure she fully registered my answers, before firing the next question. Up ahead, a pyramid structure dominated the summit of the hill. The structure incorporated many types of rock that this section of coast is composed of and served as a marker for the beginning of the Jurassic Coast. It was a clear day and the upcoming challenges of this final stage came into view. The rusty coloured cliffs of East Devon and Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. In the far distance, the Isle of Portland was vaguely visible stretching out into the sea. Being able to see these familiar landmarks really bought it home for me that I've nearly made it.

After here we arrived at Sandy Bay, an extensive holiday park with many static caravans. It was the size of a small village. The path veered inland as the military firing range red flags were flying. It was a strange place. A static caravan was only metres away from the firing range high perimeter fence. Families enjoyed their holidays and soaked up the sun while behind the fence up on the hill you could watch the military training and the sound of gun shots dominated the area. The path ascended steeply beyond Sandy Bay before descending into Budleigh Salteron. I relaxed on the pebbly beach, while Brian took a refreshing dip in the sea. Brian's friend came to pick him up and kindly dropped me off at my campsite which was an inland detour from the path. I was grateful for the company and conversation and couldn't believe how quickly the miles had passed.

Once I arrived at camp and pitched my tent, a fellow camper chatted with me and asked me what I was up to. We had a lovely chat and he later bought me over a cup of tea with a plate of biscuits. The free cups of tea is definitely one of my favourite aspects of this challenge. After a somewhat easy interlude, the path will now become challenging again. The elevation gain for my next two days will be over 1000m, split across a series of climbs. I am looking forward to these hills and am excited to return to familiar territory. I only have one more full day left left in Devon before returning to Dorset, which will be the final county of my journey.