Day 1 Minehead to Porlock

 I had a fairly good night’s sleep in the hotel and woke in a mild panic at 8 am. A quick shower and shave and I was down to the next door Brewers Fayre for my alloted breakfast time of 8:30! 

After a hearty cooked breakfast, I re-loaded my pack and set off towards the official coast path start. It was about a mile away from the hotel, along the promenade of Minehead. 


By the time I arrived at the the Owen Cunningham sculpture, there were already a few walkers having their photo’s taken next to it. I got chatting to them and they offered to take my photo for me, at the iconic starting point for the SWCP. 
I had a good chat with various people at the start, who were all interested in my plans. All the other walkers were either just off for a day walk, or doing a few days on the path. None were as daft as me, hoping to do the whole thing! 
After a gentle walk along some meadows, we soon entered a wooded area, where the first big climb of the day began. 
By the time I’d reached the top, I was a right sweaty mess! However, my fitness training had paid off, because I managed to keep going without stopping. 
The path then opened out into moorland. I reached the junction where the option was to turn right for a more ‘rugged’ path, or left for the official path. I chose the latter as it was my first day and no doubt I’ll get plenty of opportunities to walk ‘rugged’ paths in the coming days! 

After a couple of miles, the good news is I could hardly feel the pain in my achillies, mostly because every other muscle in my legs, hips and back were screaming in complaint😂 
After a while, I reached the end of the plateau and had fantastic view overlooking Porlock towards Lynmouth.
T
I found the steep descent towards Bossington an absolute killer. I was having to use every muscle in my legs to slow the momentum the heavy pack was creating! 

I could see the rain clouds approaching, so didn’t hang about and reached the campsite in Porlock at just after 2pm. I managed to get the tent up before the heavens opened at 3:15. 
At the moment, I don’t feel too bad, after today’s exertions. My Achilles is fine, so long may that continue. 
I’m currently sat in a pub, scoffing a pizza, whilst I write this. 



Tomorrow, all being well, I will walk to Lynton. 

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