Mike's South West Coast Path Venture
Created by Michael
4th May 2019
This event has closed
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Why walk the South West Coast Path?
Well, my lovely wife Ros accepted the challenge of walking the Cornish coast. This was to be done in 7-day annual chunks as our retirement project. Sadly she only got two further years of being an active person before the demise of motor neurone disease took hold. So Ros never got to fulfil that dream.
I will therefore see it all for her and add on the Dorset, Devon and Somerset bits for good measure!
Her spirit will be with me as the daily walks turn into weeks with 8 weeks being the target to cover the 630 miles from Poole in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset, starting on the 5 May 2019.
The tale will be told in full on my return with weekly updates as the miles unfold.
Updates
Michael Pennock
31st July 2019The stormy weather behind me, Perranporth reached.
Michael Pennock
31st July 2019Stormy weather between Portreath and Porthtowan
Michael Pennock
31st July 2019All now completed, finished at the map sculpture in Minehead on Saturday the 29th June as my 8 week plan. Personal apology for not keeping up with regular updates as originally intended, plus personal thank yous to all who have supported me with donations to the MNDA charity, it all helped keep me going.
Talk and slide show to now prepare for an evening in October, I'll circulate when this set up with date & venue
Thank you again
Mike Pennock
Michael Pennock
13th June 2019Still keeping up with my plan, and my interest is still keen with a host of new memories constantly being added to those I already had of this end of our wonderful land.
434 miles behind me, less than 200 to go.
Michael Pennock
13th June 2019Through Penzance and out to Lands End was back to sunshine, but having rounded Lands End, all has changed. Two days of gale force storms, four days of shower-interrupted progress and now what looks like another wet one, tackling the coast towards Pentire Head.
Michael Pennock
13th June 2019The weather changed to almost a full day of wind driven rain but cleared before arriving in Porthleven, was it a one-off?
Michael Pennock
13th June 2019Sorry, my weekly updates have got over-looked, my hoped-for help somehow got a bit diluted, anyway... Now starting out on day 41, from Newquay in the rain. Weather up to the Lizard on day 31 had been very settled with warm, bright, gentle dry days; ideal walking conditions.
Michael Pennock
27th May 2019Sat in Bullies tent on Bolberry Down, a National Trust Meadow all to ourselves - very peaceful with the final bird Twitters and the faint noise of waves lapping the base of the cliffs below us.
Feeling satisfied as 5 miles in front of our schedule but we are likely to lose this advantage due to having to wait for low tide to save the River Erme - unless it was tackled at 2:30am in the dark?
All the days spent walking have had their differences and none have lacked interest.
Michael Pennock
27th May 2019The day after the night out in The Pigs Nose started with a long chat with the volunteer Coastguard officer in the Prawle Point Station then a day of stupendous vistas either side of the Salcombe ferry crossing.
Michael Pennock
9th May 2019Today’s grey skies and arrival of windy conditions may be good for the National Sailing Academy yachtsmen but our rounding of Portland Bill might involve a bit of a struggle!
Last day with Tim and Linda, they journey back later on, so solitary walking until Lyme Regis probably. Only one paddle so far, but tea, coffee, beer and sustenance in good supply!
Michael Pennock
9th May 2019The first three days or bright, calm and dry conditions have allowed the hoped for miles to be travelled along. Swanage, Lulworth and Weymouth all behind with 45 miles of the path covered.
Good to have Tim and Linda share the unfolding delights of the Dorset coast. Can it get better?
Michael Pennock
1st May 2019So a few days packing and unpacking my rucksack and deciding what I really need to take? As I can't take more than I can comfortably carry, I'll decide eventually!
It will all come together and let's hope nothing essential forgotten... time will tell.
Next update after we are underway.
Again - thanks for your support
Mike
Michael Pennock
1st May 2019Well... only a few days left before the start. Getting to Pools has been solved by Tim and Linda Joynson wanting to have a look around Dorset. So I can travel down with them and Tim is looking forward to walking with me for the first few days with the three of us even staying overnight in the same accommodation. I will not be alone at the outset - thanks Tim and Linda.
Mike
Michael Pennock
12th April 2019Thanks to those of you who have very kindly made the first donations to my "In memory of Ros" Coast Path Walk.
Ros is sure to be smiling to herself that i now no longer have a 'Get out clause' and that my ageing knees will have to get into gear yet again and face the challenge.
Whilst faced with gale driven rain in isolated locations, during endless hours of scorching sunshine or when hoped for daily plans go awry, your support to the cause will guide me through such periods of doubt (i hope!).
Thank you again, Mike P. x
Recent Donations
5 years ago
JACKIE TURNER
Well done Mike - we knew you would do it xx
£25.00
5 years ago
Graham Brinkhurst
You've been in my thoughts a lot in the last 8 weeks Mike, as I've frequently referred to your itinerary to see where you'd be, where you'd be staying, and who you might be meeting up with.
Well done!
£37.00
5 years ago
Yasmin Pennock
Keep going, Grandad!
Lots of love, Yasmin and Chris. X
