Half the Path
Minehead to Penzance in 9 days. Via the pub.
A lifelong fascination with the South West Coast Path meant it was the destiny of world unrenowned ultra distance competitor Richard Meston to one day make the long and dangerous pilgrimage to Minehead on the British railway network and begin an adventure that would change his life.
Follow along as our valiant hero explains in a bit too much detail why he chose the sleeping mat and tent he did. Wonder at just how many wrong turns one person can make on a perfectly adequately waymarked trail. Marvel at the sheer amount of alcohol that can be quietly consumed while apparently doing something a bit physical. Expand your knowledge by tolerating his slight obsession with mines.
Up hills, down paths, through mud and streams, around towns and into pubs. Every single letter of the alphabet has been used at least once in this tale of excitement and boredom, elation and panic, ups and downs.
So come along for the adventure of a September in 2021...
- Route
- Minehead → Penzance
For someone that hasn't read a book for years this is one I couldn't put down, feels like you are doing the walk with him, seeing the same breathtaking scenery…
He pokes fun at his navigational errors and there is ample humor at the turn of every page.
Having done the path in 2018, you have inspired me to do it all again. Thanks a lot Richard, my family are not impressed!
Day by day
The trip from home to Minehead, ready for the start of an epic adventure!
Day 1, where is all began! An early start at Minehead
Rising from the tent in a field in Trentishoe, over the highest point on the whole of the SWCP and a bit of a panic at the end of a very long day.
Lots of tarmac, heat, a bit of a lack of water and sheer exhaustion by the end.
Not much walking today after a disastrous night. I made a big mistake here, but didn't realise for another day or two…
Rain threatened early, but a solid day of walking passing Boscastle and Tintagel, and almost beaten by the steps before Port Gaverne.
A gentle day, with a visit to the Sharp's Brewery (which wasn't very successful), finding a Tap House in a shipping container, and getting Rick Stein's Fish and Chips.
An excellent day of walking. An enjoyable start with a friend I hadn't seen for a long time, a tentative idea to continue after Perranporth, and luxury after 30-odd miles!
It started with a bus, then a walk on the tough St Ives to Pendeen section, following on the St Just to a wonderful camp spot at the YHA.
The final day of walking. A bit grey, a bit miserable. Not a fan of Land's End (the buildings at least), but made it round to Penzance to finish off the walk.
Travel day from Penzance YHA back home.
A few favourites
