Day 2. Porlock to Lynmouth, 9 February 2022.

The weather looked ominous as I set off but stayed dry for most of the day. By Porlock Weir I liked this sign for the toll road that provides a gentler alternative to the notorious Porlock Hill. 

 

For most of the way the path is in woodland, traversing the steep slope that leads from high ground down to the sea. Even in winter with no leaf cover the views are rather restricted. Not my favourite terrain as I prefer more open country, but I have met people who think this is one of the best sections of the path. I passed the small church at Culbone and this gateway where we had taken silly photos of Doug Pigg posing underneath the pigs on a WAGs trip to Porlock. 

Eventually the path emerged on open country above Foreland Point but now the rain started and I was rather wet by the time I reached Lynmouth. Fortunately I had brought a change of clothing for the drive home. I went to seek out a cafe by the harbour where this sign showed the difference between the distance that I had walked and what was still to come. 21 miles completed; 609 to go.

 

Distance today, 23 km. 

Day 1. Minehead to Porlock, 8 February 2022

When you are walking a few days at a time, transport to either end is often an issue, but in this case it was easy. I drove to Lynmouth, left the car (free parking in winter) and caught the open top bus to arrive in Minehead at midday. This was the sculpture that marks the start of the coast path.

The weather was dry though overcast. After a wooded start out of Minehead you are soon into typical Exmoor coast terrain, high moorland above steep grass slopes falling into the sea. The photo is looking over Porlock Bay near the end of the walk. It's much futher than 4 1/2 miles to Minehead by the coast path. I was in my B&B in Porlock village by 4.30.

 

Distance today, 15 km.