Well, that was a horrible day. I was optimistic starting out – I knew it was going to rain but really, must there be gale force winds too?

I set off in light rain at 7:45a, hoping for a head start on the heavy rain due between 9a and 10a. My rain jacket was steaming (on the inside) after the 2 miles of steep climbs on hard roads out of Looe.

Proper rain started as I approached Seaton and I took shelter in the patio of a closed pub for 15 minutes until the cafe next door opened. The weather said 100% chance of rain now, lessening to 50% at 11a, so that means breakfast! Could have sat for hours watching rain droplets slide down the windows but I did have somewhere to go so finally ventured out.

It was another mile+ on the road until I found some nice undulating trail. Today was a day I was actually thankful for hedgerows as I was buffeted by strong winds on the exposed bits.

The road through Portwrinkle led to a path running between holes 5 & 6 in the middle of a golf course. Here I was fully exposed to the wind and was finding it difficult to stay upright.

By the end of the next field I’d had enough and wanted to be behind a hedgerow. I had that option, as the Coast Path had an inland option around Tregantle Fort, however this path had not been trimmed and I got absolutely soaked from the wet thigh-high grass.

My waterproof socks finally gave up any semblance of waterproofness and became little sloshy swimming pools in my shoes. Finally, long after I was not having any fun anymore, I got dumped out onto a gravel sidewalk along the busy B road. It took another 1/2 mile before I found an empty car park where I could sit on the ground in the rain and change out my socks. I knew they’d soak thru instantly but I had to get rid of the standing water. I’m now cold, wet and still have 2 miles to go (and the bus just passed me as I was writing this 😢)

And it’s pouring….

I had enough of soaking feet and losing my balance by the blasting wind so I took to the road a bit before the Path actually did for last 2 miles. That’s about 9 miles of pavement today! 😠 I just wanted it over with.

Absolutely pelting, horizontal rain at the end of my walk made me truly miserable. Just when I was feeling very sorry for myself I saw 3 hikers coming towards me on the road, but they had the misfortune of having that same rain pelting them in the face. I felt marginally better about my situation….

Tonight I’m booked into a “chalet” in a “holiday park”. I chose it as it was the cheapest option around but I’m very pleased with it. Basically a hotel room, it has a well-stocked tea tray, an adjustable radiator, and a super hot towel rack perfect for drying dripping clothes. All highly valued by this sopping wet walker. Oh, also an on-site restaurant and a bus stop outside the resort. Great as I’m taking a day off tomorrow and busing into Plymouth!!!