3. Lynton to Heddon's Mouth

Day 3

I only walked about 6 miles to-day because I knew that to-day and tomorrow combined would be my toughest two days. And a late breakfast (Hotel’s decision not us oversleeping!) meant a late start so I was put out. Fortunately John and Maisy were their usual cheery selves and I was soon on my way. I loved watching the wild goats that have chosen to live amongst the dramatic jagged rock formations that dominate the landscape of The Valley of the Rocks.

For a time afterwards my walk was gentle, through ancient woodland again – but this time there were children on an adventure holiday shouting and laughing as they enjoyed games and challenges.

But I had the major challenge of my walk to come as I slowly made my way up, round, down, across, up, round and down the steep inclines of the coastal path. I chose not to look down the precipitous drop to the sea as I made my painful way through Great Burland Rocks. But I did love the secluded waterfall.

I climbed to Highwear Point and felt insignificant against the backdrop of such coastal grandeur. But I had a promise to keep, an appointment for late lunch with John and Maisy and I began my slow descent with tired feet and even tireder (is that a word?) legs. The path seemed to stretch down to infinity and when I did finally slither my way down to sea level, John and Maisy were nowhere to be seen.. We had agreed to meet at Heddon’s Gate but there were two paths and they were waiting for me on the lower path while I was walking along the higher track through the woods. For a while we followed each other around the two paths – just like you would in a pantomime – but finally we met up and enjoyed our lunch together in the shade of a huge tree.

Maggie

#Lynton #SouthWestCoastalPath #HeddonsMouth