March For Merlin Day One

DAY 1 ~ 8th September: Morwenstow to Millook

A fine sunny day with a cooling breeze, dry underfoot - Ideal! A series of stiff climbs split up into 8 gullies which were very testing, mainly because of our carrying our full packs (we must try to arrange for most of the excess weight to be transported in future). There were at least 8 steep valleys of between 200-400 feet, which at an average of say 300 makes 2,400 feet in total. The distance on the coastal guide was 13 miles, but the pedometer showed 17.8 miles which reflecting the short steps necessary for climbing many of the hills which were well built steps. In parts they varied from 9" to 14" in height, but more consistently the steps were at 9" and much easier. Time take was 9 hours. Sally-Jane was running on fumes at the end and perhaps needs to drink more liquids and tonics. When not going up and down the steps the going was easy as it was particularly between the Satellite Listening Station, before and after Bude - We must say thank you to Rick Perry who owns a beach cafe who gave us free water and made a paper donation to Merlin. Cliffs and sea shore was ferociously unforgiving for the first 5 miles - which then became a series of magnificent beaches at low tide. What is clear is that the North Coast in particular will be a series of short but severe valleys and a 'walk' or even 'march' is a misnomer! It is 'hill climbing' and in accumulation at this rate will represent quite a total height.