This is Bank holiday Monday so the first ferry across the River Fowey wasn’t until 9am. A late start but at least there was time for breakfast, a very late 8:30a! When you wake up at 6am that’s a long wait.

I’m walking 2 stages today, just under 8 miles and 2000’ elevation climb to Polperro, then another 5 miles on to Looe. My book describes the first section well: “This is a connoisseur’s Section…and it is quite hard work, emphasizing that nothing this good should come too easily”. Inspiring and intimidating?

About 3/4’s thru this first half I reached the most overgrown part of the whole day. This also happened to be one of the hardest climbs and the most crowded. I counted 21 hikers (plus 2 dogs) going in both directions on a path where you couldn’t even see the stairs you’re stepping on let alone find room to pass each other. Crazy.

And down the other side….

Polperro, “impossibly picturesque”, according to my guidebook. It too was busy with holiday trippers which felt a bit claustrophobic so I purchased my daily Magnum, got a refill of water, then headed out for the final 5 miles.

This next stage is a popular walk joining the narrow Polperro with nearby beaches on the way to Looe and the path was wider and a bit better maintained. A couple of good climbs then easy walking the last 2 miles.