Crackington Haven

Monday 10 September

So today we were to meet up with Sarah and Michael who are staying nearby in Bude. We agreed to meet up at Crackington Haven which is about 25 miles along the coast to the east from Padstow. It is very pleasant countryside driving through valleys and small villages on the way and we arrived at the car park at 11am. Sarah and Michael waiting in their car in the car park. 

Campy was given the once over by both and of course we were proud to oblige. After the tour was over we were told we were going for a walk along the coast. Now, that’s fine and we were looking forward to it but, first we had to negotiate the rather steep climb to the top of the cliff. This came more easy for some than others. Michael was up and at it like a rat up a drain pipe followed closely by Sarah. Petra next did valiantly and Kevin took up his flagging position to the rear. The climb goes from 0 - 130m in no space on the map where all the contours are welded together in a single brown band. We climbed to the top and were greeted with spectacular views towards Tintagel on one side (the wretched Hotel Camalot could be seen perched on it’s cliff top) and Hartland Point to the other.

Before we could catch breath Michael was off again down the other side of the hill like a greyhound out of the trap. We followed on realising that on this walk if you go up you have to come down and if you go down, you have to go up the other side. This was no gentle amble along the sea front. We arrived at the crest of the second hill like a couple of old boilers on their last gasp. The views were of course spectacular and it was all worth the effort . We stood for a while and took in the view and the best the wind could throw at us. We took some photos and set off back along the same route we came by.

Back at the car park, there is a nice pub where we had a welcome pint of Tribute etc and a pub lunch, quite a treat for us.

By 2.30 we were saying our goodbyes and heading our different ways. We have had a great day and it was lovely to see Sarah and Michael. Kevin say’s he has lost at least 2 pounds today. On the way home it was off to Tesco and back to camp to collapse and have a welcomed cup of steaming tea.