Day 113: English Coastal Path

D113: BIGBURY-ON-SEA to BRIXTON

Friday 29th September 2023

Today miles: 20.4 Total miles: 1911.1

I was pleased that the rain had stopped and today I can thankfully walk in the dry, keeping my already wet waterproofs safely tucked away. I was only mildly disappointed when I reached the coastline at Bigbury, the short stretch of beach leading to Burgh Island is currently under several feet of water. I’m unable to visit unless I’m prepared to wait around for several hours for the tide to turn. There’s a nice and surprisingly dry dirt path for the next four miles towards the mouth of the River Erme. It undulated gently several times and there wasn’t anything too strenuous. When I set off today I had originally planned on walking the additional seven road miles around the river Erme however when I arrived at Wrinkle Wood I found the information board listing tide times. Apparently if I wait can walk across the river in about three hours time, roughly the same time it would take me to walk around. The sun was shining so I decided I’d just wait and made myself a brew on the beach. I spoke to several locals during the next hour, walking their dogs along the rivers edge. They gave me some sound advice and indicators to look out for in the water as too when it would be safe to cross. An hour and a half after stopping I was removing my shoes and getting ready to cross. It was great fun as I shuffled across the water, it never came up any higher than my knees.

The contrast with yesterday’s weather was huge, I’m now walking in clear blue skies and some sweat inducing temperatures. After another hour of walking I met up with another coast walker at the end of a path which confusingly splits up into four separate directions. We both stopped and checked our respective maps. We got to chatting then walked together for the next six miles, it was good to have a bit of company.

Just before Newton Ferrers I stopped for an extended break. I still needed to dry out my wet tent and some damp clothing, so settled down in the sun for the next two hours. On arriving in Newton Ferrers in the early afternoon I headed straight for the Co-Op. I’d had nothing substantial to eat all day so I grabbed enough food to get me through the next twenty four hours. Brixton is a small village located on the South East fringes of Plymouth, it’s around four miles away. There’s no easy way around first Newton Creek and then the River Yealm. There’s no obvious public rights of way shown on the map so I’m forced to stay on the public roads all the way to Brixton. It was tough going on my already sore feet. The last mile into Brixton was along the busy A379. I had originally planned to stop in a campsite in Brixton but when I tried to call several times, there was never any reply. When I finally arrived on the edge of the (campsite) it wasn’t very much to look at, no more than an overgrown field, an old prefab and more concerning no sign of any other caravans/tents/people. I decided to end my trip one day and seven miles earlier then I had intended, still happy with my efforts over the last two weeks. After a quick pint in the …….. I was on the bus back to Totnes before tea time.

 That’s me all done for 2023. I managed a mere four hundred and eight miles on the recently renamed King Charles III England Coast Path, over twenty three days of walking. That’s another decent average of just shy of eighteen miles per day. I’m pleased to have finally reached the beautiful South West coastal path with its spectacular views.
 In 2024 I’m hoping to manage at least thirty five days of walking. This should conclude the SWCP which starts/ends at Minehead in the county of Somerset.