Week 1: Minehead-Barnstaple 'On the Path' Day 1

Day 1: Word of the day - Rain
Minehead to Porlock
- 9 miles
- 2,300 feet of ascent
- 25,515 paces


Arrived in Minehead after a long trip up by taxi, train and bus. Visited the Jubilee Cafe for a curiously wedge-shaped steak and ale pasty (thanks Val and Steve).

Took photos at the monument (designed by Sarah Ward, created in bronze by Owen Cunningham) marking the start of the path in sunshine - it didn't last long. We were in full waterproofs for the rest of the day but still managed to sing happy rain songs.
Passed two chaps just finishing the walk and chatted to a young guy who had been camping and waiting for good weather to start the path for 3 days.



In one of the few dry spells (about 20 minutes) we arrived at the very pebbly Porlock beach; it even has pebbly WWII pill boxes. Some of the pebbles are spotted with lichen - they have been there for 8000 years so it's not surprising. Got some good photos before the rain started again. Headed for the tea room in Bossington for shelter and an excellent cream tea.
Although it rained most of the day it was warm and not too windy, thankfully the waterproof clothing and rucksack covers worked perfectly.




Final stop of the day was a viewpoint overlooking the salt marshes behind Porlock Ridge.  These were created in 1996 when the Ridge was breached during a storm.
We spent the night at The Cottage B&B in Porlock (thanks Angela & John). 




We decided to B&B all this week because of the bad weather forecast.  From week 2 onwards we will be camping.