1. Minehead to Porlock Weir

Day 1

9.5 miles 2.000 feet After the steep climb out of Minehead on the edge of the coastal path I saw a farmhouse with a large flag of Wales proudly flying next to it and a helicopter was there in the centre of an immaculate lawn which swept down nearly to the sea. A set for a James Bond film I thought.

And as I painfully climbed my way along the path which zig zagged its way through ancient woodland I imagined myself as the new Bond, landing the helicopter protecting the English against unknown enemies who were pretending to be Welsh. Then I remembered that Helen Miren was already being considered for the next James Bond role so I just concentrated on climbing.

Soon I had company - there were saddle backed cows with their calves sheltering from the chilly breeze and a flock of sheep baahing their news to each other.

Then suddenly all became silent as heavy mist from the sea descended. the moisture made my hair wet and I felt shrouded from the world- just able to see my feet and the steep narrow rutted path ahead of me. I felt disorientated and fearful as I searched for the coastal path way marks which I needed to guide me down the hills of Exmoor to the coast; and then, suddenly, the cool sun banished the mist and I could see the coast again stretching all the way to Porlock Weir where my walk was due to end that day.

I met John and Maisy for lunch at Bressingham and continued my walk over the salt marshes to Porlock Weir. There were strange straight lines of silver tree trunks - all quite dead-on the marshes -an eerie beauty that ended on the shingle beach of Porlock Weir where I met John and Maisy for a drink by the sea. A lovely ending to my day's walk.

#Minehead #PortlockWeir #SouthWestCoastalPath