Day 9 - Axmouth to Sidmouth - 11thSept.

Well, after moving across the site and pitching the tent I found the guy in the next tent was playing Radio 2 non stop, albeit fairly quietly but still irritating. Next a motor home rolled up having been directed to this pitch by the warden, and it is also their favourite pitch where they come to watch the birds on the Ax estuary which is only a few yards from the site. John and Terry turned out to be thoroughly decent people and were agreeable to just pulling up to the back of my tent.

Returning from the pub in the dark I missed a kerb and went full length into the road skinning and knocking up some fingers - blood everywhere, sorry no photos. 'Twas nothing too serious, just annoying.

Back at the tent I got myself installed and then found that Mr. Radio 2 was snoring loudly and that persisted right through the night as I slept only intermittently. Heavy condensation had occurred by morning and the outer tent was wet through and everything inside was slightly damp. Getting in and out of the tent is now a difficult and unpleasant experience with the knee problems. I reckon I am moving away from tenting fast.

Having packed up John and Terry emerged from their motor home and offered me tea and toast and I sat inside with them until about 8:45 (here we go again Mick and Gayle) - John and Terry if you are reading this I have a reputation with the aforementioned bloggers and good friends for being offered teas and the like on my travels.

I walked in the shade down the Ax estuary to Seaton wearing my waterproof for warmth, but once back into the sun it was another hot and sweaty day. There was yet another diversion after Seaton involving unpleasant road walking, but after that it was grand scenery on good paths all day, but with some pretty strenuous cliff ascents and descents. All the cliffs you see in my pics are walked on the SWCP.

There was a big beach café at Branscombe Mouth (tea and bacon butty). There are many people walking on the path but few serious walkers. One exception I met a few days ago had started from Minehead on 22nd June and still had about 100 miles to go to the finish, but she had two greyhounds and a terrier, and another dog shortly to return after being sent home for a rest - imagine carrying all the usual stuff and dog food for four dogs as well - a real toughy. I have a blog address which I will share when I dig it out again.

At the TIC in Sidmouth they found me a room in Sidholme Hotel. This is an impressive stately home built for the 5th Earl of Buckingham in 1826. It is now run as an hotel by Christian Guild. They provide for people who want to get together and dining is communal on tables of eight of which there were perhaps a dozen. Activities are organised, but after sitting at a table that was more like being in a rest home I shuttled back to my room to do this post. I have to say that the food was good and the table service was exemplary, and the building interior is well worth seeing, and at £47 B and B very good value.

There are a few tales of woe here but I am thoroughly enjoying the walk and my discovering of the SWCP. I applaud and respect anybody who has completed the whole thing either in a continuous journey or in bits and pieces. There is so much attractive stuff to see in this country and in my opinion walking is the only way you can see much of it.

PLEASE CLICK OICS TO ENLARGE.




John and Terry, my tent in the background and the Ax estuary beyond


Looking down the Ax estuary to Seaton - chilly in the shade





Seaton Bay


Typical cliff walking



Branscombe Mouth






The music room in Sidholme Hotel



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