Day 6 - St.Ives to Pendeen Watch

Distance 14 miles
Ascent 1100m (3610ft)

This section is described as SEVERE in all the guidebook and they do not exaggerate!
I set off at 06.30am to try and beat some of the hot weather. It’s fair to say I failed because I got cooked.
The first few miles were fine as the trail hugged the cliffs. I had to contend with huge boulders and rocks from landslips on the trail. With a heavy pack, it was exhausting. I met an amazing Australian coupe who were walking the trail with big packs. They were in their 80s and had started in Minehead.
After 3.5 hours, I was halfway to my final destination at Pendeen Watch. I was exhausted but found a house on a cliff top for a rest.,Amazingly, the owners have installed a tap outside their house. I was able to refill my dwindling water. That’s when things went a little off piste. I lost my way back on the trail so needed up walking a nearby road for 1/4 mile where I found a fantastic pub in a place called Treen. It was heaven set. Thank you Lord!
I had a pint of soda water and lime and a bite to eat. I got speaking to a lovely girl from Nantwich who is walking the whole of the English coastline to celebrate her 30th birthday. We walked the next 7 miles together. Walking with someone else helps get the distance in. The terrain remained tough but the scenery is simply stunning. The sea is turquoise and the views are incredible. I have to keep reminding myself that this is England.
After another 3.5 hours, I arrived at a small campsite at Pendeen Watch. The facilities at the site are rustic. The girl was carrying on to Sennan Cove.
Admin completed, the campsite host has driven me to St. Just so I can get a meal. He’s 80 and a real character. I have enjoyed listening to his life story.
Tomorrow promises to be even hotter so I think I may start the trail a lot earlier.Läs mer